27 March 2008 (updated 1 April 2008)
Feast of fun at the Subway Festival
The ‘Glasgow Subway Festival’, which is being launched by SPT and marketing agency DADA in April, will bring more than 200 performances to the 15 Subway stations across the city.
From Thursday, 10 April, to Sunday, 13 April the Subway network will play host to a line-up of singers, dancers, musicians, acrobats and on-the-spot prizes. There is even a trip to New York for four people up for grabs.
Subway Festival performances are free and will be taking place above ground at six themed Subway stations on Saturday, 12 April and Sunday, 13 April from 10.00 to 17.30. Throughout the weekend, roaming performers will provide spontaneous entertainment below ground as well.
Passengers will be able to use their Subway tickets to obtain special discounts at a variety of Glasgow restaurants and venues throughout the entire festival, which is the first of its kind in the UK.
By purchasing a Discovery Ticket, travellers can hop on and off the Subway, enjoying as many activities as they can pack into one day. For those who need a more calm and peaceful journey, there will also be designated ‘Quiet Coaches’ available.
Below is a list of all activity during the festival:
Kelvinbridge: ‘Street Style’
Urban street style takes over Kelvinbridge station with beatbox artists, mixing and scratching DJs and hip hop MCs. Hip Glasgow clothing store Che Camille is bringing cutting edge fashion to the tracks with a series of exciting fashion shows.
Artist Sam Bates is also set to create a fabulous mural bringing a splash of colour to this west end streetscape. Sam, along with artists from the nearby Recoat Gallery, is running art workshops from noon onwards, and IndepenDance are inviting dance devotees to join in on a selection of dance workshops. SheBoom – an all female Samba band will get the rhythm going and the party in full swing.
Kinning Park: ‘Family Fun’
At Kinning Park, families will have a fantastic time with illusionists, jesters and circus acts. Storytellers and face-painters will also be on hand to add to the fun. Expert falconry displays from Clydebank Birds and amazing swordfight demonstrations from the famous Glasgow Dawn Duellists will also take place.
Hillhead: ‘Food & Drink’
Foodies will be in seventh heaven at Hillhead station with tasty food sampling from local venues such as Oran Mor and Bobar. Top mixologists, LA Bartenders, will bring a touch of flair with some very impressive ‘mocktail’ making……perfect for picking up some tips for mixing alcohol free ‘cocktails’!
Buchanan St: ‘Glasgow Style’
Glasgow is renowned for being one of the UK’s top shopping destinations, and Buchanan St station is right at the heart of the city’s inimitable style. Buchanan Galleries will display the newest trends in slick fashion shows taking place on the moving walkway every hour on the hour at Buchanan St station. Fashion-conscious shoppers can also delve into the most up to the minute must-haves at accessory stands and receive top beauty tips at special make-up areas.
Cessnock: ‘Science Station’
It’s all getting very scientific at Cessnock which is very appropriate as the Subway station sits right next to the popular Glasgow Science Centre. Over the weekend the station will become a huge laboratory filled with amazing scientific experiments and discoveries for all the family.
Cowcaddens: ‘Classic Film’
Theatrical and musical performances at Cowcaddens will pay homage to the glorious history of the silver screen. Classic movie characters will burst into song and dance from some all-time favourites – watch out for an ultra realistic rendition of Singin’ in the Rain complete with rain machine!
Roaming performers
During the weekend, performers will also be wandering the Subway carriages, ready to entertain travellers. They will include Les Sirenes, an all-female opera choir, Samba Y Bamba, Tango Glasgow, the City of Glasgow Chorus and spoken word performances from Robin Cairns. Roaming folk musicians include The Tempus Fugitives and The Invisible Republic. Subway passengers will also enjoy some extra special busking from folk artists Chris Blair, Simon Kempston and John Deery.
Festival discounts
Throughout the whole festival, passengers will be able to buy four Discovery Tickets for the price of three and use their tickets to obtain great offers and discounts in a variety of venues across the city. These include Two-for-One gig tickets for The Venue at Oran Mor, Two-for-One meals at Gramofon Restaurant and Café Hula, Two-for-One ticket deals for Scottish Ensemble concerts booked over the festival weekend, Two-for-One screenings at the GFT during the festival weekend, invitations to the new Hugo Boss store launch party, and much more.
Treasure Hunt
Glasgow passengers will also be in with a chance of winning a fabulous trip for four to New York in the Subway Festival Treasure Hunt, which is being run in association with Continental Airlines. The Treasure Hunt will take place from 10.00 – 17.00 on Sunday, 13 April, with special clue sheets available at all Subway stations. Throughout the festival passengers spotted wearing their special Glasgow Subway Festival badges will also win festival goody bags. Badges will be available to purchase for £1 from Monday, 31 March, with proceeds going to the Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.
Programme flyers, including a map of the Subway and details of when and where the events will be taking place, will be available at all Subway stations from Monday, 7 April. More information on the festival can be obtained by calling 0141 222 2266.