IRN-BRU Carnival is returning to Glasgow with the launch of a community programme for groups and charities.

As tickets go on sale for this year’s event at the SEC, charities and community groups are invited to apply for complimentary tickets to the opening session on the afternoon of December 23.

The first Carnival fun of 2022 will also be an Autism Friendly Session from 12pm-3pm to make sure the event is accessible as possible for the lucky ticket holders.

Glasgow Times:

Organisers say the 2022 Carnival will be "packed full of the usual family favourites and exciting new attractions".

In addition, 500 free tickets are available for the first day, and local charities and community groups are invited to apply for tickets and be the first to experience this year’s event.

The event has also introduced a cheaper early bird ticket.

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Glasgow Times:

Early bird tickets are available to buy up until December 22, priced at £17.50 for general admission and include 10 tokens to use on rides and stalls.

First launched in 2018, the IRN-BRU Carnival’s Autism Friendly Sessions offer visitors with autism and other sensory processing disorders and their families and carers the chance to enjoy a festive day out in a more relaxed setting.

From 12pm-3pm on the opening day, the main hall lights will be on, and the music turned off or very low.

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Glasgow Times:

Where possible, rides will run a little slower (although their lights will still be on) and quiet areas will be available around the event.

At the end of the Autism Friendly Session, the lights and music will gradually return to their usual levels, and visitors to this session are welcome to stay as long as they wish.

Applications are running until September 16, with groups asked to submit an e-mail to info@qdevents.co.uk outlining details about their community group and the number of tickets they would like to request, up to a maximum of 10 per group.

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Glasgow Times:

The event was cancelled in 2020, as the SEC became NHS Louisa Jordan, and was forced to close early when Covid safety measures returned in 2021.

Greg Cherry, managing director of organisers QD Events, said: “We’re thrilled to start the drum-roll to the festive season and welcome everyone back to the IRN-BRU Carnival.

“It has been a difficult past few years but from the moment we were forced to close our doors last year due to the COVID-19 measures implemented during the event, we’ve been looking forward to coming back bigger and better than ever.

“The IRN-BRU Carnival is a festive institution. We know how sorely it has been missed in the city and the messages of support and kindness we have received from the local community have meant so much to us.

“We understand there are increasing costs this Christmas and growing demands on community groups and charities.

"We’re aiming to try and help as many people as possible enjoy the IRN-BRU Carnival through our community gifting initiative and Early Bird ticket prices.

“We know how much people have missed the Carnival and we’re ready to make 2022/23 one to remember.”

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Glasgow Times:

The IRN-BRU Carnival returns on Friday, December 23, 2022, and will be open until January 15, 2023, at the SEC, Glasgow.

Tickets are available online from September 1.

A full list of terms and conditions for community ticket applications can be found at the IRN-BRU Carnival website.