Sma’ Shot Day 2013
Celebrate the weavers’ victory in one of the oldest workers’ festivals in the world!
Listen for the beat of the Charleston Drum as it makes its way from Brodie Park to Abbey Close, and watch the colourful procession, headed by The Cork…who always meets a spectacularly-fiery end!
With music, entertainment, stalls, mini-zoo and so much more, it’s always a great day out for all the family.
The parade is on from noon to 12.45pm, with the burning of the cork at 5pm.
Paisley Central Library will be hosting a display and film on the life of celebrated trade unionist Willie Gallacher. There will also be a tea dance at Paisley Town Hall, with free tickets available from the town hall.
Date: Saturday 6 July
Time: Noon until 5pm
Venue: Abbey Close and elsewhere, Paisley town centre
Sma’ Shot Festival
The festival came about as a result of a political battle fought between the weavers of Paisley and their employers, the manufacturers, in the 19th Century.
The Sma’ (small) Shot was a cotton thread which bound all the colourful weft threads into the warps of the famous shawls.
The Charleston drum, which was beaten through the streets of Paisley to summon the weavers in times of trouble, was beaten once again to rally the weavers in protest marches. After a long and hard struggle, the manufacturers backed down and the weavers were paid for the Sma’ Shot.