Autumn is here and with the sight of students going into classes, there is that sense that the year is starting up again. It’s the perfect time to refresh your acquaintance with Glasgow and all it has to offer.
As well as a packed programme of shows, there are dozens of options for exciting days out. Whether you want to rediscover the city’s story on a tour, delve behind the scenes of one of the city’s big names, enjoy varied cuisine, or seek out unique gifts, Glasgow is sure to delight.
MACKINTOSH 150 CELEBRATIONS
There is an ongoing programme of events, tours and exhibitions as part of the year-long celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Why not use the Bank Holiday weekend as a great opportunity to explore the work of the Glasgow-born architect, designer, and artist who was an Art Nouveau pioneer and creative genius.
Head to The Lighthouse on Mitchell Lane for a great insight into the man and his work at The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre and also enjoy their selection of current exhibitions as part of M150.
Don’t miss the newly restored original Mackintosh Tea Rooms at 217 Sauchiehall Street – Mackintosh at The Willow. Afternoon tea is simply delicious and the surroundings elegant. There’s also a retail store, and for those wanting to delve a bit deeper into the Mackintosh story, there’s an exhibition, and tours by the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society can be booked.
As part of the M150 celebrations, the William Chambers x CRM exhibition (right) features hats by one of the UK’s leading milliners, William Chambers. Pieces on display are from his Autumn/Winter 2018 collection, inspired by Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style (The Lighthouse, to 7 October).
Delve into Mackintosh’s family tree and explore some of his early life and ancestry at The Making of Mackintosh (The Mitchell Library, to 26 October).
Mackintosh had a lifelong connection with Glasgow Cathedral and you can enjoy this exhibition of selected sketches and photographs at Charles Rennie Mackintosh: An Antiquarian (Glasgow Cathedral, to 3 November).
GLASGOW CITY CHAMBERS
The focal point of George Square is one of the city’s most iconic and imposing buildings, Glasgow City Chambers, whose magnificence tells the story of the wealth and industrial prosperity of the Second City of the Empire. It’s one of the most beautiful civic buildings in the UK and a huge favourite amongst locals and tourists.
It was opened by Queen Victoria in 1888 and for over a hundred years has been the headquarters of successive city councils. Queen Victoria herself is depicted on the front of the building, with the central apex statue of Truth above her. This figure is known by locals, not surprisingly, as Glasgow’s own “Statue of Liberty”.
Free guided tours take place on weekdays where you can see the grandeur up close.
GLASGOW'S HIDDEN GEMS
Sometimes its good to go off the beaten track or follow the road less travelled – there are lots of hidden gems and unusual experiences to be had – here’s some of our favourties to explore for yourself...
A wonderfully surreal and magical experience awaits at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre at Trongate 103 – once seen, never forgotten!
Get up close and personal with the furry residents of the Purrple Cat Café on Trongate – a great treat for all feline fans!
The Craft Pottery is an independent pottery and craft studio in central Glasgow on West Campbell Street. Select a piece from a range of options, paint a truly original work of art, then leave it for about a week and it will be fired and glazed for you - making it food and microwave safe!
Visit the world’s oldest surviving music hall tucked away just off Argyle Street at Trongate – the Britannia Panopticon is a little slice of history with a palpable ambience all of its own – the true definition of a hidden gem!
AN EVENTFUL CITY
There’s lots on this Autumn – make sure you don’t miss out.
Watch Shrek come to life in his very own Shrek The Musical (Kings Theatre 25 Sept – 6 Oct) or enjoy a taste of the Seventies with Saturday Night Fever (Kings Theatre, 16 – 20 Oct) or Billy Ocean (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 14 Nov).
Step back further in time for The Matt Munro Story (City Halls, 27 Oct) or go classical with Four Seasons by Candlelight (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 18 Nov) and Scottish Opera’s Rigoletto (Theatre Royal, 18 – 27 Oct).
Trad fans will enjoy Big Music for Minis: Family Ceilidh (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 10 Nov) and Daniel O’Donnell in concert (Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 14 Oct).
Take a look at the lighter side of life at The Comedy about a Bank Robbery (Theatre Royal, 6 – 10 Nov), while Jason Manford brings his ‘Muddle Class’ tour to The Pavilion Theatre (2 Nov).
And finally, off-the-beaten-track travel presenter Simon Reeve is appearing live at The Pavilion (13 Oct).
Make your Next Stop Glasgow! For more inspiration and information visit peoplemakeglasgow.com
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