Everything from Bhangra beats and soaring symphonies to community choirs and foot-stomping folk is on display in Glasgow this week as the milestone fifth edition of Govan Music Festival gets underway.
The spectacular spring showcase will fill the southwest of the city with music, joy and community spirit throughout the coming week.
Organised by Govan’s regeneration orchestra, The Glasgow Barons, the festival has become a special fixture in Glasgow’s calendar. This year’s event runs until Saturday 28 March, with a rousing World of Ceilidh event kicking things off in extraordinary style last night.
The memorable opening gig at Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry, saw festival favourites Musicians in Exile join forces with Ceithir Ceilidh Band for a collaborative evening that has set the tone for a week of events spotlighting Govan’s thriving creative community.
Adding to the excitement of the week, hot on the heels of their Govan Music Festival performance, Musicians in Exile will now travel to London to attend the British Diversity Awards, having been shortlisted for Community Project of the Year.
Looking ahead, the remainder of the festival is set to deliver a rich blend of cultural experiences, featuring standout events for all ages and budgets.
Among the many highlights is the premiere of the brand new opera, The Great Govan Sea Voyage, created and performed by Riverside Primary School pupils. The spirited production, inspired by Govan’s shipbuilding legacy and stories of migration, will take to the stage for the first time this Wednesday.
Fans of classical music will be treated to The Auld Alliance on Thursday, a captivating concert from the Glasgow Barons Orchestra. This event honours both Scottish and French traditions, unveiling a new composition by Scottish composer Richard Greer and featuring distinguished guest soloists.
Friday sees a special evening with the Four Barons String Quartet at Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, where the ensemble will perform a compelling programme of classic masterworks alongside contemporary pieces, promising an evocative blend of dramatic and uplifting music.
For those seeking dynamic, contemporary sounds, the festival also hosts its first-ever Bhangra Night, with UK legends DCS headlining and lively support from exciting Roma-India group Rootless and Edinburgh’s Cosmic Dance for what will be a dynamic celebration of Scotland’s cultural tapestry.
Across the festival, celebrated singer songwriters will take to the stage for the festival’s flagship sober night, Freed Up Freed, while additional community events and school showcases ensure a memorable week of music and connection for all.
Paul MacAlindin, Artistic Director of The Glasgow Barons and Govan Music Festival, said: “There’s tremendous excitement as we kick off this year’s festival, and it’s a pleasure to invite audiences to experience such a vibrant week ahead. Whether it’s bold new collaborations, the inspiring performances of local schoolchildren, or groundbreaking acts from Glasgow and beyond, this programme truly has something for everyone. We’re looking forward to audiences discovering new favourites and enjoying the sense of unity, celebration and musical exploration that defines Govan Music Festival.”
Govan Music Festival is supported by Creative Scotland, with the majority of concerts priced between £1 and £5. The 2026 edition runs until Saturday 28 March. Tickets are available at https://www.glasgowbarons.com/govan-music-festival-2026