Latest news with #GlasgowDoorsOpenDaysFestival
Glasgow Times
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Public to gain access to over 150 iconic Glasgow buildings
As part of one of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival has unveiled its 2025 programme. The free event, which will take place from September 18 to 21, will open the doors of Glasgow's architectural landmarks to the public, offering rare glimpses inside some of the city's most iconic sites. The Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival will run from 18-21 September (Image: Supplied) Read more: Should Barlinnie become a listed? Most responders had the same thing to say Organised by the Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust, with support from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Glasgow Life, the festival has been a part of the city's cultural calendar since 1990. The theme of this year's festival is Glasgow: The Visionary City, aiming to celebrate the city's innovators and creatives. David Cook, chief executive of Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust, said: 'We have proudly organised the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival for more than 35 years, celebrating the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage. "This year, the festival comes to life thanks to our dedicated staff team and up to 600 volunteers, who are all ready to welcome you as you discover Glasgow's visionary history – past, present and future. 'If you've never experienced the festival, this year is the perfect time to join in.' The festival forms part of the wider Glasgow 850 celebrations, which honour the 850th anniversary of Glasgow's Burgh status. Over four days, thousands of people are expected to explore Glasgow's open buildings, engage in family-friendly workshops, enjoy performances and exhibitions, and even partake in ceilidhs. Among the standout highlights, visitors have the chance to explore the newly transformed Citizens Theatre in the Gorbals and witness ongoing restoration work at the Govanhill Baths. People will also have the opportunity to explore the usually locked-up St Vincent Street Church and take a rare guided tour of the Kelvin Court flats. At the centre of the action will be the festival hub at the Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, where visitors will get the chance to enjoy a programme of free exhibitions, talks, films, workshops and family-friendly events. Moreover, the festival has partnered with the National Trust for Scotland to spotlight 'Mackintosh Illuminated', a project celebrating the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald. More than 150 of Glasgow's breathtaking buildings, cultural landmarks and secret spaces will open their doors (Image: Supplied) More: Explore Glasgow's hidden 20th-century architecture with new app Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and convenor for culture, sport and international relations for Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow has amazing architecture, a vibrant cultural sector and rich architectural heritage and the Doors Open Days Festival is a wonderful way to learn more about our city's many brilliant buildings and the people who have made them so. 'In the year Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary, the 2025 Doors Open Days Festival theme – Glasgow: The Visionary City – fittingly invites people to look ahead and share their hopes and ideas for the future of our city. "The festival is a unique opportunity for residents and visitors from near and far to step inside the likes of theatres, museum stores, factories, studios and universities to discover how each one has helped Glasgow to become an internationally renowned hub of culture, sport, tourism, learning, business and so much more." Tickets for this year's Glasgow Doors Open Days are available now. To book, and to explore the full programme of events, visit the Glasgow Doors Open Days website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
Glasgow Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow heritage trusts receive fresh funding for 2025/26
Glasgow City Council has approved a total of £290,000 for the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT) and the Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) for the 2025/26 financial year. The trusts provide specialist support and financial assistance to individuals and community groups looking to invest in Glasgow's heritage assets and play a central role in the city's newly established Built Heritage Commission. Read more: New lab aiming to become world's most advanced opens in Glasgow Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for built heritage and development at Glasgow City Council, said: "These trusts are key partners for the council and the city in the work done to protect and develop Glasgow's built heritage. "The funding now approved for the next year will allow them to continue the very valuable work that they do in what can be a challenging environment for heritage buildings – work that is important economically, culturally and preserving our unique built heritage and identity." The GBPT will receive £50,000 in core funding, while the GCHT will receive £240,000—split between £50,000 in core funding and £190,000 in grant funding. Established in 1982, the GBPT focuses on redeveloping historic buildings that are not viable for other organisations. Recent projects include the Kelvingrove Bandstand and the West Boathouse in Glasgow Green. Over the past year, the trust has explored the potential return of historic janitor's houses as social housing and conducted feasibility studies for sites such as the Lion Chambers, Langside Halls, and the Queens Park Glasshouse. It also organises the annual Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, which this year attracted more than 30,000 visitors to 230 events. The GCHT, established in 2007, offers grants to owners of heritage buildings, supporting both small repairs and large restorations. To date, the trust has awarded more than 2,170 grants. Read more: Busy spot in Glasgow city centre to close for over month In the past year, it supported 20 projects with funding totalling £643,284, unlocking more than £4.4 million in total project investment. Recent supported projects include repairs to the Bell o' the Brae tenements, the Pyramid building (formerly Anderston Kelvingrove Parish Church), and the A listed landmark tower at Trinity College. The GCHT runs outreach and training programmes to develop skills in conservation trades, and offers educational resources including exhibitions, lectures, podcasts, and workshops. Both trusts also receive annual funding from Historic Environment Scotland.
