Article Source: Paisley 2021
Last Updated: 22 August 2016 19:53
Held on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August, the Paisley 2021 Weekend brought together diverse cultural events taking place all over Renfrewshire in support of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.
The cultural extravaganza showcased the broad depth and range of cultural activity which flourishes across the region throughout the year. Locals and visitors were spoiled for choice over both days, with live music, open-mic sessions, dance performances, gala days, an Afro-Caribbean carnival and the increasingly famous Pride of Paisley lions just some of the offering which took place.
Highlights included the culmination of Paisley Music Week, with an impromptu performance by Paolo Nutini surprising unsuspecting gig goers at The Cave. The star treated the crowd to a rendition of his hit, Pencil Full of Lead, to show support for Paisley Music Week and the Paisley 2021 Weekend.
The weekend saw dozens of other Paisley Music Week performances across the town, including an appearance by local song writer, Lisa Kowalski, during half-time of St Mirren FC’s match at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. The diversity of Paisley’s cultural and music scene was underlined when a choir of Syrian children took part in Saturday’s Loud ‘n’ Proud Busking Day.
Local boy Tom Potter, UK Young Drummer of the Year, had County Square shaking and rocking when he took centre stage at the Drum Jam on Saturday.
Those looking for a more relaxing, yet no less creative, cultural experience took part in the PACE Massive Weekend, which delivered two-full days of workshops, catering for all ages. The taster sessions proved popular, with PACE receiving more than 30 enquiries from local people looking to join the group.
The always popular gala days in Johnstone, Erskine and Brookfield Village saw big turn-outs from local communities looking to enjoy a day of family fun.
The Dates ‘n’ Mates touring bus was also a hit with a number of new people contacting the team to find out about the range of friendship services, creative workshops and volunteering opportunities which the initiative offers.
Scottish and Afro-Caribbean culture was celebrated in Barshaw Park during Paisley’s Diversity Carnival, with the drums, dancing and masquerade going down a storm despite the typically Scottish weather.
A record number of people, more than 2,800, pulled on their trainers to take part in the Paisley 2021 Weekend when they completed the Paisley 10k and Fun Run on Sunday.
Jean Cameron, Bid Director for Paisley 2021, said: “We’d like to thank all the event organisers and people who took part across Renfrewshire to make the Paisley 2021 Weekend a big success.
“The number diversity and popularity of the events which took place in Paisley and all over the region exemplify just how strong our cultural offering is. Engaging local communities and encouraging them to become involved in and enjoy cultural activities is a key aim of our Paisley 2021 bid.
“The Paisley 2021 Weekend is just a snapshot of the cultural activity that occurs in Paisley and Renfrewshire throughout the year but it did a brilliant job of showcasing what we have to offer. Culture means different things to different people but across all the events, there was one clear commonality; the smiling faces, enjoyment and excitement which people were experiencing.”
Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 aims to transform the town and Renfrewshire’s future by using its unique cultural and heritage offering as the home of the Paisley Pattern and one-time centre of the global textile industry.
Bids are expected to be lodged with the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport in Spring 2017.
For more information on Paisley 2021, visit www.paisley2021.co.uk, like /Paisley2021 on Facebook or follow @Paisley2021 on Twitter and Instagram.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREDozens of people gathered together for a song and a chat at a Saturday Get-Together event in the Methodist Central Hall, Paisley.
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREThe refurbishment of Paisley Museum has won a prestigious international award, recognising the significant role the project is playing in the town and wider region’s cultural regeneration.
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREMore than one hundred children attended the West of Scotland's Parasport Festival, which took place at On-X Linwood on Monday 4th March.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MORERenfrewshire's Big Spring Clean is back for another year, with litter picks set to take place throughout March and April.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREOneRen's Spring Kids Camps are set to return, bringing plenty of fun-filled action for children and young people during the school holidays.
READ MOREOneRen has expanded an initiative designed to help more people to make a big splash across Renfrewshire's five swimming pools.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"