The Govan district in Glasgow continues its cultural renaissance as Govan Music Festival returns for its fourth annual edition. One of the world’s most affordable music festivals, Govan’s has a cultural regeneration agenda at its heart, bringing a mix of music to a corner of the city whose profile is on the rise. The new Govan-Partick Bridge has opened up ready access for visitors from across Glasgow, and organisers hope to attract their biggest audience yet.

The Festival was first launched by Govan’s regeneration orchestra The Glasgow Barons, to help get live music back on its feet in the area after the pandemic, and the group has recently secured funding from Creative Scotland to continue its vital work in Govan over the next three years.

Events range from free to maximum £15, so as many people as possible can participate and explore the variety of music that the neighbourhood has to offer: with world music, Flamenco dance, fusion, classical and rap/hip-hop, the programme reflects Govan’s diversity, and involves upwards of 300 musicians and participants, including pupils from across Govan’s primary schools.

The first birthday of FREED UP is celebrated on Friday 28th March, seeing Scottish band The Ronains (Debi Ronains is pictured at top) headline at Edmiston House, supported by Glasgow rappers MOG, Eugene and CCTV, and DJs Zander Nation. FREED UP Fridays are sober events and entertainment for recovery communities and all those looking for a sober night out.

And for classical music lovers, the festival’s resident Four Barons String Quartet performs in Kinning Park Complex, with the Glasgow Barons Orchestra serving-up three exciting concertos by Bach, Sweeney and Piazzolla, conducted by Paul MacAlindin (pictured). The festival opens with a free Govan Schools Concert at Fairfield Club.

More info and tickets for this year’s festival, supported by Creative Scotland, are available via the Festival’s website (see left).