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Glasgow Times

Thousands celebrate Paisley's annual Sma Shot Day event

The event, organised by Renfrewshire Council, took place on Saturday, July 5. One of the world's oldest workers' festivals, the event commemorates the Paisley weavers' victory in a 19th-century industrial dispute. Supported by UNISON Renfrewshire branch, the festivities kicked off with the much-loved Sma' Shot parade, organised by Bridgeman Arts alongside local community groups, performers, and musicians. This year's parade also featured two brand-new giant puppets, inspired by traditional poets and musicians, and showcased vibrant costumes and performers. Read more: Urgent warning ahead of TRNSMT 2025 in Glasgow (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) After 33 years of carrying the Charleston Drum in the Sma' Shot Day parade, Tony Lawler passed the drumsticks to Tommy McGrory of Paisley music school Loud 'n' Proud. The handover was marked by a brief ceremony at Brodie Park before the parade proceeded to the town centre. Once at the main event site at Abbey Close and Bridge Street, attendees enjoyed the traditional Burning of the Cork, a Sma' Shot Day highlight, introduced by spoken word artist and Tannahill Makar Shaun Moore. Abbey Close became a hub of entertainment for the afternoon, with performances on the live stage from PACE Youth Theatre, who re-enacted the weavers' struggle for Sma' Shot payment, Evelyn Laurie and Neil Thomson, Howlin' Radio, and the Byres Road Big Band. The afternoon also included pop-up performances outside Paisley Abbey and at Restoration and Creation, a local upcycling business. Read more: 'Kickstarting the summer': Free giant ball pit returns to Braehead shopping centre (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) (Image: Renfrewshire Council) The business also hosted an artisan makers market and a selection of children's workshops. A range of free family activities was available, including face painting, inflatables, arts and crafts, and a funfair. The historic Sma' Shot Cottages also opened their doors to offer visitors a glimpse into Paisley's rich weaving history. Sma' Shot Day is a key part of Renfrewshire's major events programme. More information about upcoming events in Paisley and Renfrewshire can be found on the website.