SCOTLAND’S First Minister will launch an anti-racist festival in her constituency this weekend as it returns with more than 50 events scheduled.
The Govanhill International Festival and Carnival was set up in 2016 as an “antidote” to racism towards Eastern European communities in the diverse area, which is home to people of 40+ nationalities speaking more than 60 languages.
Over five years the celebration has turned from a weekend carnival to a two-week festival featuring talks, film screenings, live music, exhibitions and children’s activities.
Although the events kick off today and run until August 15, Nicola Sturgeon will open this year’s carnival on Saturday.
The 2021 programme includes the second instalment of Simon Murphy’s Govanhill Street Level photography series, a Love Music Hate Racism music festival and a talk from Stand Up To Racism Glasgow on the protests which thwarted the Home Office’s attempted dawn raid on Kenmure Street earlier this year.
Fatima Uygun, manager of Govanhill Baths Community Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to deliver such a fantastic and diverse programme for this year’s festival.
“Although it’s been difficult, the last year has highlighted the power and strength of the community. Everyone really rallied together to support one another. There’s never been a better time to celebrate Govanhill.”
The festival organisers have advised that all events will adhere to Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines with social distancing in place and numbers limited.
The full programme can be viewed here.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel