Paisley Blog » events

Bands check-in as Scotland’s latest music festival takes off…

Brian McGuire — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:30:29 +0000

Bands check-in as Scotland’s latest music festival takes off…

Bands from across the country are about to check-in at Glasgow Airport for the launch of Scotland’s latest, and most unusual, music festival.

Launched on Thursday (15 July), ‘Airplay’ is Glasgow Airport’s festival of music, taking place over the next four weeks, with a prize of £1,000 for the most popular performer. It’s the first time a Scottish airport has hosted a series of summer concerts for passengers.

The Scottish gateway hopes to mirror the success of Austin Bergstrom Airport in Texas, which regularly hosts music events as part of the internationally renowned South by Southwest festival.

The competition will see 24 acts compete over a series of heats, with four acts going through to a live final on Thursday 12 August. A panel of independent judges will determine which act will be crowned Airplay winners and receive a cheque for £1,000.

Around 100 acts originally entered the competition. The remaining 24 – mostly from Scotland, with one act from Northern Ireland – will each perform three songs during a live set in front of passengers. The travelling public will get a chance to vote for their favourite acts using a specially designed webpage which can be accessed by visiting www.glasgowcityofmusic.com

Airport bosses have launched the festival to highlight Glasgow’s status as a UNESCO City of Music, awarded in 2008 because of the region’s rich musical heritage.

The west of Scotland has given rise to some of Scottish music’s biggest names, including Aztec Camera, Belle & Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Deacon Blue, Del Amitri, Glasvegas, Hue and Cry, Lulu, Texas, Travis and Paolo Nutini.

Glasgow Airport’s Terminal manager Mark Johnston hopes the event could become a regular feature in the city’s music calendar.

He said: “Glasgow Airport is always looking for innovative ways to entertain its passengers, and we think Airplay is the perfect vehicle. As well as providing free entertainment for passengers, Airplay is a fantastic showcase for young, aspiring bands who will get the opportunity to perform in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of passengers from around the world.

“We have been inundated with entries from across the country, and we’re delighted that Glasgow Airport is the first in Scotland to host a music festival of this kind. If all goes well, Airplay could become a regular event during the summer months.”

The event is being supported by UNESCO City of Music, The Academy of Music and Sound, production company Artist Media Ltd, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Glasgow based Creation Studios.

Louise Mitchell, Director of UNESCO City of Music, said: “Glasgow has a strong and proud musical heritage and Airplay is a fantastic way to celebrate the contribution the city has made, and continues to make, to the UK music scene.”

Damian Beattie, Manager of the Academy of Music and Sound in Glasgow, added: “This is a great initiative from Glasgow Airport and we’re delighted to have played our part in bringing the idea to fruition. We see real potential in this festival becoming a regular fixture in the city’s music calendar. It will really help to cement Glasgow’s status as the UK’s music capital.”

Mark Johnston added: “This is a unique event, made possible thanks to the support and enthusiasm of our partners, particularly UNESCO City of Music and The Academy of Music and Sound. There are sounds to suit every taste and we’re sure that passengers will enjoy the festival. Hopefully it will give our international passengers a fantastic last impression of the city and of Scotland.”

Check out Airplay on Facebook – http://bit.ly/cj7pi1

“Mission X” feature film by local film maker

Brian McGuire — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:12:28 +0000

“Mission X” feature film by local filmmaker screens at the Paisley Arts Centre. For more information please click here.

Video Trailer:

For more information on the Paisley Film Society please click here.

Mission X Blog here

Fireworks Night in Paisley

Brian McGuire — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:31:23 +0000

Fireworks Night

October 20, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized | 1 Comments

Fantastic New Fireworks Night Moves to Town Centre

Fireworks Night is set to go with a bang this year with Paisley premiering its biggest ever display in the town centre.

This year’s Guy Fawkes Night event is moving from Seedhill Road into the heart of the town with “A Night At The Movies” themed fireworks show taking place over Paisley’s historic backdrop.

Sparkling entertainment will also be provided with former X-Factor contestants The Dolly Rockers performing live, funfair rides and a Radio Clyde roadshow hosted by Gina McKee.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay, who also chairs Paisley Vision Board, said: “Paisley is making a name for itself with fantastic events over the last year such as our hugely successful Christmas lights switch-on which brought in more than 20,000 people into the town. We are planning to continue that success with our biggest and best ever Fireworks Night this year.

“By bringing the show into the town centre we are making the night more accessible for everyone to enjoy all the entertainment and the movie-themed fireworks display over the town will be truly spectacular.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Policy Board said: “This is going to be really different from what we have done in the past which is really exciting. Fireworks Night is a family affair and we are sure that people of all ages are going to enjoy this event.

“At this time of year unfortunately we always here about terrible accidents due to private fireworks and fire displays. What we are saying to people is, this year instead of having your own display why not come and enjoy a fantastic Fireworks show in a safe and friendly environment.”

Paisley’s Fireworks Night is taking place on Thursday 5 November at Gauze Street, by Paisley Town Hall. Roadshow starts at 6pm, Dolly Rockers on stage at 6.45pm, Fireworks at 7.30pm. Admission is free.

Parking on the night will be free at the Piazza Shopping Centre and Renfrewshire

Fireworks Night

Brian McGuire — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:56:23 +0000

Fantastic New Fireworks Night Moves to Town Centre

Fireworks Night is set to go with a bang this year with Paisley premiering its biggest ever display in the town centre.

This year’s Guy Fawkes Night event is moving from Seedhill Road into the heart of the town with “A Night At The Movies” themed fireworks show taking place over Paisley’s historic backdrop.

Sparkling entertainment will also be provided with former X-Factor contestants The Dolly Rockers performing live, funfair rides and a Radio Clyde roadshow hosted by Gina McKee.

Parking on the night will be free at the Piazza Shopping Centre and Renfrewshire Council car parks.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Brian McGuire — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:25:28 +0000

Macmillan Steps Up The Heat

Local cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support challenges you to step out and take part in a Halloween Firewalk to raise funds to help people affected by cancer.

The first ever Firewalk is taking place at the Watermill Hotel in Paisley on the eve of Halloween, October 30. The ultimate adrenaline rush of walking across burning hot coals, with a core temperature of 1,235 degrees Fahrenheit, will leave you with the most unbelievable feeling of personal satisfaction and achievement!

Local Macmillan volunteer Lynne Ogilvie, says “we are really excited about this event we hope to raise over £15,000 to help local people living with cancer. It’s a life changing challenge, so please take that step and call us today to register.”

“One in three people in Scotland are at risk from getting cancer at some point in their lifetime, the need for Macmillan’s services is vital and we can all help” Susan Selkirk, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan said.

“The donations raised from this event will be ploughed into local services. The firewalk event is proving popular with dare devils already registering. Places are limited so please get in touch with Macmillan as soon possible.”

All participants are asked to raise £150 minimum sponsorship “£150 will pay for one of our local Macmillan Benefits advisers for one day, providing patients and family members with vital financial information and advice on the benefits and grants which are available to them,” says Susan.

The walk itself will be approximately 5 meters long and 1 meter wide, so will easily be crossed in 6 comfortable strides. All walkers will participate in a training seminar to master their physiology and psychology – it’s simply mind over matter. The company running the event has a 100% documented injury free event history and hot footing it across the glowing embers is handled by a professional company. Macmillan has a history of hosting many successful Firewalks throughout Scotland and has already riased money to fund Macmillan local services.

Macmillan is hosting a Halloween fancy dress party at the Watermill Hotel after the event to toast all walkers in their success.

To do somtheing “hot” call Susan on 0808 100 6000 for a fundraising pack, to register and for Halloween party tickets or email westscotland@macmillan.org.uk

–

Susan Selkirk

Fundraising Manager – Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire

Macmillan Cancer Support

1st Floor, Erskine House, North Avenue, Clydebank Business Park, Clydebank, G81 2DR.

Tel – 0141 952 0085 Mobile - 07801 307 026

Feel Good!

You can still be part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning! Donate £3 – or the cost of your coffee – to Macmillan Cancer Support – Text “beans” to 70123 visit macmillan.org.uk/coffee to find out more.

Glasgow River Festival 2008

Brian McGuire — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:49:30 +0000

Its only 2 days to go until the Glasgow River Festival.

The opening ceremony starts on Saturday the 19th July at 11am on HMS Middleton and there are lots of events during the Glasgow fair weekend to keep the family entertained. for more information and events diary please visit the Glasgow River Festival website. www.glasgowriverfestival.co.uk

New Events

Brian McGuire — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:50:40 +0000

Sunday 20th July 2008

Finlaystone Country Estate

Teddy Bearsâ€™ Picnic & Dollsâ€™ Tea Party 1.30pm onwards

Bring teddy or dolly and a picnic for the special tea party.Â Fun and games for all with puppet and magic shows