Trad music fans across Glasgow are in for a treat this summer with the launch of the city’s major new festival, The Reeling.
Rouken Glen Park will burst to life with Traditional Scottish and Roots Music from some of the country’s most exciting artists on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June 2023, for what is set to be the biggest single weekend of traditional music in the Central Belt.
From tickets to talent, Glasgow Live asked the organisers for everything you need to know about Glasgow’s newest summertime festival…
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Some of the most celebrated musicians in Scotland will be playing
The team said: "With the word ‘reeling’ deriving from much-loved Scottish dances and tunes, the aptly named festival is guaranteed to be an almighty knees-up, with some of the most celebrated musicians in Scotland taking to the main stage.
"The opening day of the festival will see a raft of thriving talent delight crowds, including Folk Band of the Year Breabach , Gaelic supergroup Dàimh , highly sought-after folk act RURA , and groundbreaking and genre-defying trio Talisk , with their biggest Glasgow show to date and their only one for the rest of 2023.
"Electro-trad duo Valtos will also wow crowds, as well as inimitable party starters Peatbog Fairies .
"On Sunday, Scottish supergroup Skerryvore will be joined by a cast of much-loved acts in the form of Scotland’s most celebrated fiddle band Blazin' Fiddles , Hebrides powerhouse Eabhal , energetic trad act Heron Valley , festival favourites Hò-Rò , Scots singer Iona Fyfe , beloved folk singer Siobhan Miller, to name a few."
They added: "The Reeling’s second stage, A’ Choille Stage, which means ‘The Wood’ in Gaelic, will be nestled in a secluded woodland area of the site, creating an ethereal listening experience for audiences across the weekend.
"Highly-lauded folk musician Rachel Sermanni will perform an intimate set here, as well as Isle of Lewis songstress Josie Duncan , composer and bagpiper Malin Makes Music , Perth singer and keyboard player Beth Malcolm , and many more."
There will be a big foodie focus
The Reeling confirmed they are teaming up with Skye’s incredible Café Cùil to bring a unique taste of the Highlands to Rouken Glen Park with a pop-up festival restaurant. Sit down for a proper meal as Chef Clare and her team serve up a selection of tasty dishes inspired by their Hebridean roots.
Think Skye langoustines, tattie scone tacos, veggie haggis and Lochalsh beef brisket… our mouths are watering already.
For those who are keen to tuck into some quality Scottish street food, the likes of Screaming Peacock, Dough Man's Land Pizza, Mrs Falafel, Rost and Street Scullery will also all be on hand to dish up the best scran going.
Caffeine lovers are also in for a treat as specialist Portree coffee roastery BIRCH get set to collaborate with Glasgow’s Us V Them Coffee for what will be their foray off the Isle of Skye.
Sustainability and inclusivity come first
Putting a serious focus on sustainability, The Reeling has joined the 1% for the Planet initiative, meaning that 1% of all sales, from tickets and drinks to t-shirts and sponsorship, will go towards the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
So you can dance the weekend away knowing you’re giving back to planet Earth.
The Reeling has also pledged to the Keychange Initiative, which means at least 50% of its lineup are women and gender minorities, and the festival has hired at least 50% women and gender minorities as its direct staff.
It’s easy to get to
Just a 15-minute drive from town, there are multiple ways to reach Rouken Glen Park from Glasgow’s city centre. The Reeling will have a dedicated shuttle bus running from town to the festival site, more details will be available soon at the website.
The 395 Henderson’s Travel, 4 Stagecoach, and 38, 38A and 38C First Buses will also all take you straight to Glenpark Avenue, from which it's just a five-minute walk to the park itself.
You can also jump on a train to Whitecraigs station and, from there, walk the five minutes to the festival grounds, or keep the eco-friendly vibes going and take your bike.
The site is going to look incredible
One of Glasgow’s largest public parks, Rouken Glen is a spacious, leafy haven in the south side. With one stage and a bar nestled set to be nestled in an intimate clearing surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees, it’s going to make for a seriously picturesque festival location.
All the family’s invited
There’s going to be something for all the family at the Reeling, with a special kids' area to keep the wee ones entertained.
Enjoy face painting, storytelling, crafts and a sports day – plus some fantastic jam sessions and workshops from the local musical instrument charity Music Broth.
Parents will also be able to get a pass-out so they’re able to leave with young children and come back before the last entry time of 8 pm.
Tickets are available now – and you can book as a group
Both single-day and standard weekend tickets are available on The Reeling’s website now.
The Reeling team said: "The festival is also offering a group ticket offer, whereby adults who book as a group of four can save £10 per ticket. You’ve got until Sunday, June 4 to snap up this offer.
"What are you waiting for? Be sure to round up your friends and be a part of the biggest celebration of traditional music in the Central Belt this summer."
Tickets are available now from the Reeling website.
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