Its all happening in Paisley.

Paisley is gearing up for a busy October and November of events, there is quite literally something for everyone in the forthcoming months everything from a scooter rally right through to the Festive Lights Switch On  in the town centre.

Only a few years ago the fireworks display was the only thing happening remotely close (at Seedhill Playing Fields), and the town centre had not yet seen any big events happening in or around it.  St Mirren going through Paisley in the open top bus in 1987 from the triumphant Scottish Cup win saw the town covered in ‘Black and White’, and then again in 2006 when the Buddies won the First Division to be promoted to the SPL, those were momentous occasions.

The arrival of the big centrepiece Fireworks event and Festive Lights Switch On a few years back changed things and in my opinion these may just have been defining moments for the fortunes of Paisley.  Thousands of people love to come to these events showing that the town centre can cope with these large scale occasions. It has proved to be a safe environment although there is still a lot more to be done with toilet amenities and food shops and local traders combining their efforts to make the best of these events.

Paisley is turning a corner, maybe we can’t see it yet but there is change coming.  Local traders are now combining their efforts, resulting in a process called the Business Improvement District (BID) to be known as Paisley First which officially launched last week. This is the first time many local traders and business owners have actually sat in the same room, now that is no mean feat in itself! There is progress although it may be slow but at least there are signs of promise.

Events in Paisley

The Farmers Market has now moved to the Cenotaph and is much more central and visible to the public and the change in timings has also helped, so the market will go from strength to strength.  The next one is tomorrow, Thursday 10th, 10am-2pm.

The Spree, which I love, is calling itself Paisley’s National Arts Festival  and is now in its second year. You will be able to see the massive Spiegeltent being erected in County Square, this is the venue for an event which covers every taste of music, comedy, arts and drama. Last year I attended a few events and there was plenty of local talent on display as well as some big headliners such as Roddy Frame.  The Spree begins this Friday and runs as a fringe event to the Royal National Mòd.  To find out more please visit www.thespree.co.uk

Modstuff is a local event aimed as an alternative to everything else, but working in tandem with local businesses and organisations. This is all about the traditional MOD style and the music associated with it. Their will be a scooter rideout in town this Saturday 12th October and the winner will be announced by the sponsors the Piazza Paisley. They will also have various acts performing live on the Friday and Saturday this week. LNP Promotions have done an excellent job with this mini festival and hopefully it will go on to be an annual event in Paisley. You can find out more by visiting their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/LNPPromotions

Royal National Mòd, It is a fantastic honour for this prestigious Gaelic event to be held in Paisley for the first time. The very fact its coming to Paisley shows just how far the town has come, and showcasing such events as the Paisley Choral Festival, which has been running in the town for six years, it brings a string of high profile classical musicians to Paisley, helping the town earn the unofficial title of Scotland’s Festival Town.

An Comunn Gàidhealach is the oldest and most respected Gaelic Language organisation. Founded in Oban in 1891, it has long been a leading light in the teaching, learning and use of the Gaelic language and the study and cultivation of Gaelic literature, history, music and art. Through the organisation and running of the Royal National Mòd and grass roots community development work, An Comunn Gàidhealach continues to further support and develop all aspects of the Gaelic language, culture, history and heritage at local, national and international levels. You can find out more by visiting the official website www.modphaislig.org

Renfrewshire Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival 2013, is currently ongoing with various events throughout Paisley and Renfrewshire, some highlights over the next couple of days are..

1. Wed and Thurs Workshops and Artist in Residence with weaver Joanne Kaar, 32 Old Sneddon St, at the bottom of stairs to Gilmour St Station. Go by and say hello and have a look!

2. Gilmour St Giants Reception, platform 1 Gilmour St train station Thurs 10 11am

3. World Mental Health Day Book Club and Event 12.30-1.30 10 Oct Spiegletent, County Square, Paisley with author and RMHAFF 2013 song, ‘Your Perception, My Reality’ come and get your free cd!

4. Creativity Works on Monday Reid Kerr, some places left, employability and creativity 9.30-12.30. book with Lorraine.Ewing@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

5. Angus Weaver of Grass dramatic performance Thurs 17th 9.30am, Paisley Arts Centre, only free performance, please help me fill the house. See more by clicking here..

We of course have the Festive Lights Switch On and the Fireworks to look forward to. This year’s Festive Lights Switch On ceremony will be performed by Tynchy Stryder and The View, to find out more information on this event click here..

Blog by Brian McGuire..

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X