A NEW bridge connecting two areas of Glasgow has officially opened.
The opening ceremony for the new Govan to Partick bridge took place on Friday, although it won’t be open to the public until mid-morning on Saturday.
The £29.5 million project, which began in April 2022 and is funded by the Scottish and UK governments, will reconnect the two communities as well as providing access to a number of visitor attractions and forming part of the city’s active travel route.
It is one of the longest pedestrian and cycle bridges in Europe, with a width of six metres. It has two spans – the moving span, which weighs 650 tonnes and is 99 metres long, and the fixed span, which weighs 45 tonnes and is 15.7 metres long.
Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, was at the opening ceremony.
“Our riverside and the communities either side of it are home to the biggest economic opportunities in Europe, but also many of Scotland's biggest social challenges,” she said.
“Reconnecting Govan and Partick can help unlock the potential along the Clyde, create more opportunities for the people who live and work there, and continue the transformation of these areas.
“Glaswegians often tell us how they would like to see the Clyde having a more prominent role in the life of the city. This new riverside landmark does just that."
To mark the occasion, a festival has been organised over the weekend, with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers set to headline.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the festival?
Hosted by the Glasgow Barons, the Govan Footbridge Festival will take place on Saturday from 10am to 8pm.
How much does it cost?
The festival is completely free to attend.
Who is performing?
The festival will feature performances from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, Shooglenifty and Ben Walker.
Local musicians are also set to perform, including Musicians in Exile, FIVO, CCTV, The Gilded Lillies, Govan Allsorts Community Choir and Brass Aye.
Where is the festival?
The festival will take place on the south bank at Water Row, Govan Cross and Govan Road.
