We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of
Her Majesty The Queen
and the thoughts of our community are with her family.
We will be acknowledging her Majesty's passing at our events this weekend.
These events are currently planned to go ahead as scheduled, but please check back in case the situation changes.
The Bearsden Festival Weekend 2022
We are thrilled that this summer we have been taking part in Year of Stories 2022 with a programme of local storytelling for all ages. The project will culminate with a full weekend of FREE events from the 9th-11th September. Please book Friday and Saturday events via the Eventbrite links below now. The Sunday Wellness programme will be on the website and Eventbrite very soon.
Family Fun Filmmaking Day
Saturday 23 July 2022 // 10:00-15:00
Join Felix from the Glasgow Mobile Film School to discover how to make short stop-animation films using your smartphone. Book your FREE tickets below!
Bearsden Festival Weekend
9-11 September 2022
A Celebration of Edwin Morgan
Friday 9th September 2022 // 19:30-21:30
New Kilpatrick Parish Church Hall
An evening of poetry, theatre, music and memories of Edwin Morgan, hosted by Morgan expert Pip Osmond-Williams accompanied by James McGonigal, Morgan's biographer.
There will be readings by Scottish Theatre-makers Raymond Wilson and Hannah Justad, with music by intersectional cellist Simone Seales. Also taking place as part of the event will be a performance of the Bearsden Shark Live Show, which was toured around local primary schools in June 2022 – expect some audience participation!
Doors Open Day 2022
Saturday 10th September 2022 // 10:00-15:00
New Kilpatrick Parish Church
Come and see a fascinating exhibition about the discovery of the 330-million-year-old Bearsden Shark in the Manse Burn exactly 40 years ago, as well as children's art inspired by the find.
The Bearsden Festival's own Carnival Art shark chasing its lunch will be easy to spot, but can you find the other sharks hidden in the church and around Bearsden Cross? The Shark Treasure Hunt (with prizes for all young participants) starts and ends at the Church.
Quavers Make music, be happy!
Saturday 10th September 2022 // 10:00-12:00
New Kilpatrick Parish Church New Halls
Free taster workshops for children aged 3-7 to learn and enjoy music.
Two free taster music sessions for children aged 3-7 years will take place as part of the Bearsden Festival Weekend on Saturday 10th September. The workshops leader who runs Quavers can take up to ten children per 45-minute workshop at New Kilpatrick Church. One workshop will be at 10am and the other at 11am. Please book in advance as places will go quickly.
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The workshops will capture the children's imagination as they explore the language of music. They will be captivated by the Note Family and their adventures, which unfold in stories, songs and games throughout the class.
Make Your Own Shark Willow Workshop
Saturday 10th September 2022 // 10:00-15:00
New Kilpatrick Parish Church Hall
Artist Jane McInally will lead two willow art workshops as part of the Bearsden Festival Weekend of free activities for all. All materials will be provided.
Each family can create their very own Bearsden Shark using willow and other materials, or invent their own species if they'd prefer! Please book a ticket for each family member and attendees should wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy. Places are limited so please book ahead!
Gala Film Screening
Saturday 10th September 2022 // 19:30-21:00
Bearsden Baptist Church
Bring along the family to the Gala Screening of films created at the Bearsden Festival Community Film School in the summer, all inspired by the discovery of the Bearsden Shark.
Everyone is invited to see student and professional documentaries and animations created by families, and short features shot by young people during a 48-hour film challenge. Red carpet photo opportunities (come dressed to impress!) and refreshments available.
Sunday Wellbeing Afternoon
Sunday 11th September 2022 // 13:30-20:00
New Kilpatrick Parish Church
An afternoon of free wellness taster sessions
Join the Bearsden Festival for a relaxing afternoon of wellness taster sessions. There are sessions to suit all age groups and everything is free.
Book your afternoon pass here or just come along on the day. Sessions will be on a first-come, first-served basis and there will be sign-up sheets on the door on the day for you to add your name to.
You can come to one session or several, it's up to you. Please see the programme of taster sessions below.
Our Bearsden Festival 2022 is inspired by the discovery of the Bearsden Shark in the Manse Burn exactly 40 years ago in 1982. We have already toured to all nine local primary schools as well as some care homes and sheltered housing, using drama, music and poetry to tell the story of this world-famous 330-million-year-old fossil.
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Over two weeks in June we gave 15 performances in 12 venues and played to over 1,350 people. Phew!
Thank you to the amazingly talented performers – actor and storyteller Raymond Wilson, cellist and actor Simone Seales – as well as to theatre-maker Hannah Justad for devising the show.
