Glasgow Winter Festival 2002
Travel writer Vivien Devlin takes a look at what Scotland's largest city has to offer in winter time. The answer? Lots!
Glasgow
Glasgow's colourful reputation as a vibrant and fun city in which to live, work, shop and of course visit, has continued to flourish over the past decade since it was recognised by the prestigious award as European City of Culture, 1990.
Today the beauty of its Victorian architecture, quality designer shops, opera, theatre, bars, restaurants, nightlife, art galleries, science museum and excellent Conference centres as well as a friendly welcome all contribute to drawing more and more people to Glasgow for leisure, pleasure and business.
Glasgow is a year round destination for all the family and no better time perhaps than during the winter season when the city sparkles even more with energy and true festive spirit. The winter festival begins in mid November with a firework display and a Christmas market. Then the fairy lights on the city centre Christmas Tree and decorations around George Square are switched on to brighten up the crisp frosty evenings.
The magnificent civic George Square is very much the focal point of Glasgow's Winter Festival and Hogmanay celebrations. Just like at the Rockefeller Centre on the Avenue of Americas in New York, there's an outdoor skating rink for all to come and enjoy an energetic spin on the ice. The weather forecast may not be predicting much snow this winter but Glasgow ensures that everyone experiences the traditional essence of the festive season with the magical creation of a truly White Christmas in the heart of the city. It all adds to the lively atmosphere as you set off to buy your Christmas presents - or perhaps something special for yourself.
Shopping
The phrase "shop till you drop" was surely coined in Glasgow - the glamorous style capital of Scotland. The name Sauchiehall Street is world renowned and today it is an attractive pedestrianised street with all the famous high street stores as well as cafes and restaurants. Gianni Versace opened his first UK shop here, now one of the most successful in Europe in newly expanded premises. Stroll down Buchanan Street with all the up-market fashion houses, Hugo Boss, Hobbs, Frasers and the beautiful Rennie Mackintosh-influenced Mall, Princes Square (pictured here) for top designer names, Calvin Klein et al. Book lovers will adore the vast Borders bookstore where you can also relax with a coffee in between browsing - if you manage to tear yourself away from the largest Waterstone's bookshop in Scotland back in Sauchiehall Street! Nearby there's also a new giant shopping complex, Buchanan Galleries which should have everything you are looking for and more.
Hogmanay
For Auld Lang syne my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o` kindness yet
For auld lang syne
Robert Burns, 1788
The Scots certainly know how to enjoy a happy family Christmas but they have also taught the world how to celebrate Hogmanay in traditional style, with a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne, cross hands together and toasting in the New Year with friendly good cheer.
This year Glasgow's Hogmanay - organised by the City Council and Radio Clyde - promises to the biggest and best yet. Free live music entertainment taking place on four stages around the city centre is expected to attract around 100,000 people. The party begins at 9.30pm and continues until around 1am.
The chart topping band, Toploader are headlining the stage at King Street, along with McAlmont & Butler, whose current popular single is "Bring it Back."
For traditional foot-tapping Scottish Ceilidh sounds head over to George Square where top Celtic band, Croft Number Five, a talented bunch of musicians who were selected to perform at Tartan Day in New York in April this year, are playing. They are joined by The Raggaels and Shooglenifty - another internationally acclaimed young Scottish band who have been invited to take part in a special Burns` festival in Corsica, France in January. Adding a few laughs along the way will be some of Scotland's top comedians and entertainers.
At midnight on George Square a spectacular Fireworks display will be set off from the City Chambers to herald the bells and the start of another year, 2003. Radio Clyde DJ's will continue to play the best sounds as the party continues to rock `n roll.
The gigs at George Square and King Street are free but ticketed. If you're not fortunate to obtain entry, the Hogmanay celebrations continue in the Merchant City with two stages at Trongate and Wilson Street where everyone is welcome to come along and join the festival atmosphere. Music here comes courtesy of tribute bands, Absolut Kylie, Counselled Out, Sister Chic and Wig Wam Bamz. Also the chance to catch a showcase of new talent - Bigman, Grim Northern Social, The Hazey Janes and Kirby - and perhaps a few surprises.
"This is the ultimate party for the people of Glasgow and the line-up this year is geared to appeal to all tastes".
Liz Cameron, Convener of Cultural & Leisure Services.Apart from the special Hogmanay events there is a cultural feast of entertainment, pantomime, theatre, music, opera, dance taking place in all the city's theatres and concert halls.
Come and experience the Winter Festival and celebrate Christmas and New Year with traditional Celtic spirit and a warm, friendly Glaswegian welcome.
Some Places to Sleep
Sparkling New
Radisson SAS - 3 restaurants, 2 bars and fitness centre - conveniently opposite the Central Railway Station opened in November 2002.Expensive
One Devonshire Gardens - utterly luxurious, Gordon Ramsay's Amaryllis restaurant.
Style
Millennium - Art nouveau design, conservatory brasserie and bar overlooking George Square. Pictured here.
St Jude's - intimate boutique hotel, 6 huge rooms, stylish restaurant.Quality
Carlton George - weekend rates, free mini-bar, executive rooms.
Milton - new hotel, leisure club. Also self-catering loft apartments.Budget
Bewleys - £ 59 per room, superb Loop restaurant.Value Accommodation
Glasgow Tourist Board Short Break Guide - from £ 19.50 to £ 52 per person.Some Places to Eat
- Quigleys - innovative, contemporary; Lowdown club bar for after-dinner drinks and dancing
- Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or - former head-chef at Le Gavroche
- Opus - European-Asian, trendy bar.
- La Parmigiana - Best Casual Restaurant award 2002
- Rogano - the legendary, romantic restaurant for seafood in an art deco setting. Pictured here.
- House for an Art Lover - in a Mackintosh designed building in Bellahouston Park. And the food's good too.
Some Places to Drink
- Tiger, Tiger - extravaganza of 8 themed bars, cosy booths, weekends till 3am.
- CCA Tempus - Most Stylish Scottish Bar award 2002.
- Spy Bar - Pre-club, cool, DJ music-mix.
- Corinthian - elegant cocktail and piano bars, 18th century grandeur.
- Babbity Bowster - buzzing Merchant City café/bar
For More Information on Glasgow
- Glasgow Links - from Rampant Scotland (of course!).
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board - Visitor information.
- Glasgow City Council - for factual information.
- The Glasgow Web Site - Glasgow and surrounding area.
- Glasgow's Hogmanay - all the details.
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
