IT’S nearly time for Pride Glasgow with the largest celebration of Scotland’s LGBT+ communities kicking off this weekend.
Thousands will descend on the city on Saturday for the day-long programme of events which will include a colourful march through the streets.
Organisers said preparations are underway after a reported 50,000 marchers took part in the event last year.
The Merchant City area has now been transformed ahead of Saturday’s festivities.
The ground on Wilson Street has been painted in all the colours of the rainbow to create a giant pride progress flag walk-way.
The project is understood to have been created by local artists Art Pistol.
Similar flags have been painted in public spaces across the world in places like Taylor Square in Sydney, West Hollywood, and the Castro District in San Francisco, California.
Glasgow Pride’s official event will begin with a march setting off from Govan at around noon.
The march will begin at Festival Park where registered groups will line up from 10am.
Speeches will take place at 11.30am before setting off on a route that takes marchers over the Clyde Arc, along Anderston Quay, before turning up Brown Street onto Argyle Street.
It will snake along Queen Street before walking along Trongate past Merchant City towards Glasgow Green and the Pride Hub.
Elsewhere free events in the Barrowlands with Lucy Spraggan, Jedward and Whigfield among the names performing.
The annual celebration will take place at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom, the Barras Market and BAaD from 2 pm until 8 pm with a host of free entertainment.
The market will host the second Annual Late Night Pride Market Celebrating LGBTQ+ Community and Independent Traders in Glasgow’s East End.
This colourful event will showcase a whole range of LGBTQ+ independent traders alongside the beloved Barras Market vendors.
Punters can expect delicious street food, lively entertainment, music
and lots of hand-crafted products and services from LGBTQ+ small businesses, artists, and creatives.
The event is FREE, family and pet-friendly.
Glasgow’s Pride chairperson Stuart McPhail said: “Last year over 50,000 people were reported to attend the Pride march in Glasgow and we expect this year’s numbers to exceed that.
“We are now thrilled to announce that Lucy Spraggan and Whigfield will join Jedward on our line up of talent which sees local acts join global bands from the music and entertainment scene.”
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Glasgow’s Pride on Saturday, July 20. We are delighted to have joined forces with the iconic Glasgow venue that is Barrowlands in its ninetieth year.
“We know that this year’s event will be bristling with fun and entertainment for everyone as well as celebrating the diversity and inclusiveness of Glasgow.”
