Thousands enjoy parades, pyrotechnics and performances as Sma Shot Day takes over Paisley town centre

A crowd of thousands enjoyed an all-day family spectacular of parades, performances and pyrotechnics as one of the world's oldest workers' festivals took over Paisley town centre!

The annual Sma’ Shot Day event turned the town into a hub of activity as the sun shone, with more than 50 events taking place across 20 outdoor stages and venues.
The event – which celebrates the victory of Paisley’s weavers in a 19th-century industrial dispute – celebrates the town’s rich textile heritage and had the theme ‘let’s party like its 1856’.

The fun began with the colourful parade – featuring colourful characters, floats and costumes and led by the Charleston Drum – from Brodie Park to the town centre.

This year’s event was taking place in a new event site in the streets around the town’s historic Sma’ Shot Cottages.

Huge crowds gathered at Paisley Arts Centre for the spectacular pyrotechnic Burning of the Cork, featuring an effigy of one of the middlemen who demanded payment from the town’s weavers for the Sma’ Shot – the unseen thread which held together the Paisley Patterned shawls.

The outdoor stages saw performances from groups including PACE Youth Theatre, Right2Dance, Starlight Music Theatre and a drumming finale from the Charleston Drummers School of Rock.

Families enjoyed kids’ activities including an outdoor beach, circus skills and carnival workshops in the streets around New Street, Shuttle Street and Brown’s Lane

The pubs and clubs along Shuttle Street opened their doors for the day to join in the fun – with The Bungalow hosting a family ceilidh with local group Fèis Phàislig and kids workshops in Faction nightclub.

Local businesses across the town have been throwing open their doors for the Creative Craft Trail, with designers from Renfrewshire’s InCube creative business incubator showing off their skills at various venues around the town today and tomorrow.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who joined the parade on the day, said: “Once again, there was a wonderful family atmosphere along the parade route and at the event itself as we celebrated this important part of Paisley’s heritage.

“The new event site worked really well and helped spread the activity and benefits throughout the town centre.

“We were delighted this year to work with many of the pubs, shops and cafes to make them venues for event activity and drive footfall directly through their doors.”

Sma’ Shot Day is part of Renfrewshire Council’s major events programme which last year brought around 160,000 attendees and an economic boost of around £4.7m to Renfrewshire.

Latest Local News

My Guide Volunteers for Guide Dogs Scotland

Guide Dogs Scotland are looking for volunteers for their My Guide Sighted Guide Service across Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Ayrshire.

Last Updated: 18th August 2019

Magnum Scotch Cream Liqueur nurtures growth at Dobbies Garden Centres

Scotland’s leading Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur, Magnum, has its sights set on further growth after announcing a new listing with Dobbies Garden Centres.

Last Updated: 16th August 2019

The SAY Award announced the highly anticipated 2019 shortlist

The Shortlist for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has been officially revealed ahead of next month’s final award ceremony at the Assembly Rooms.

Last Updated: 16th August 2019

Crowds feel the heat as Fire Engine Rally returns to Johnstone

Thousands of people turned out in Johnstone on Saturday to see fire engines, past and present, showcased in the town centre!

Last Updated: 13th August 2019

The SAY Award 72 hour public vote for 2019 is now open

Have your SAY and win tickets to this year’s ceremony! The SAY Award 72-hour public vote for 2019 is now open and closes at midnight on 14 August.

Last Updated: 12th August 2019

Fun, Families and Fore!

Children get in free to cheer for team Europe and USA at The 2019 Solheim Cup!

Last Updated: 10th August 2019

Renfrewshire history fans get the chance to go underground at Doors Open Days

Intrepid members of the public are being given the chance to experience a piece of medieval archaeology up close in celebration of Renfrewshire's history and heritage.

Last Updated: 8th August 2019

The greatest female golfers in the world are heading to Scotland!

The Women's Football World Cup proved to be the highlight in a summer of sport, now it's the turn of female golfers to step into the spotlight as the biggest show in women's golf arrives in Scotland!

Last Updated: 7th August 2019

Ambitious Renfrewshire pupils gain an A rating in exam results

Pupils from Paisley Grammar and Johnstone High schools are celebrating after receiving As in their exam results.

Last Updated: 6th August 2019

Take a closer look at hidden treasures across Renfrewshire at Doors Open Days 2019

From medieval underground structures and buildings steeped in history, to allotments, fire stations and music schools, there will be plenty to celebrate about Renfrewshire at Doors Open Days 2019.

Last Updated: 1st August 2019

Campaign launched to encourage Renfrewshire residents to Spend Local

Renfrewshire residents and workers are being encouraged to do their bit to boost the area’s economy – by spending local.

Last Updated: 30th July 2019

Discover the subterranean secrets of Culzean Castle

National Trust for Scotland are offering a unique opportunity for the public to don hard hats and explore Culzean Castle’s subterranean secrets!

Last Updated: 26th July 2019

Johnstone set to heat up as the Fire Engine Rally returns to the town

Johnstone Fire Engine Rally is set to attract huge crowds to the town centre when it returns on Saturday 10th August!

Last Updated: 26th July 2019

Free parking in Paisley town centre pilot set to get underway

Visitors to Paisley will soon be able to take advantage of three hours free parking in the town centre from Monday 29th July.

Last Updated: 23rd July 2019

Centuries old mystery of Paisley Abbey medieval tunnel is revealed

We already knew Scotland's finest and best-preserved medieval tunnel lies buried beneath Paisley town centre, but the centuries-old mystery of where it ended had never been solved... until now.

Last Updated: 19th July 2019

10 reasons to visit Resonate this weekend

Resonate Total Gaming, the ultimate gaming experience, returns to Glasgow for a second year this weekend and turns the SEC into the nation's biggest gaming platform.

Last Updated: 18th July 2019

Paisley Halloween Festival receives funding BOOst from EventScotland!

A unique event which will transform Paisley into a top-class outdoor theatre has received a share of £147,576 funding from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland's Events Directorate!

Last Updated: 16th July 2019

Spot Red Squirrels at Brodick Castle

With acres of thick woodlands, luscious gardens and island charm aplenty, the National Trust for Scotland's Brodick Castle on Arran is the perfect backdrop for a nature-loving day out!

Last Updated: 15th July 2019

GIE IT CAPALDI!

150,000 music fans attend unforgettable sold-out weekend of live music as TRNSMT 2019 closes in spectacular style!

Last Updated: 15th July 2019

New Foraging Festival encourages people to explore Scotland

Foraging Fortnight, a brand-new festival taking place across five diverse regions of Scotland this autumn, has been announced.

Last Updated: 11th July 2019

Current affairs are a major inspiration behind a new piece of political theatre by Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2019

How tech giants use our online activity is the subject of a new ground breaking theatre production touring Scotland this July!

Last Updated: 9th July 2019

Thousands enjoy parades, pyrotechnics and performances as Sma Shot Day takes over Paisley town centre

A crowd of thousands enjoyed an all-day family spectacular of parades, performances and pyrotechnics as one of the world's oldest workers' festivals took over Paisley town centre!

Last Updated: 6th July 2019

Spend a family day out at Brodick Castle this summer

One of Scotland's most historical estates and tourist attractions, Brodick Castle on Arran, has re-opened with an exciting revamp, making it the perfect spot for families to visit over the summer.

Last Updated: 6th July 2019

Sma Shot Day to take over Paisley at weekend as event returns to roots in new site

One of the world’s oldest workers festivals returns to its roots on Saturday when Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations sees a day-long family extravaganza in an all-new event site.

Last Updated: 4th July 2019

Scotland Kicks off Summer of Female Sport

Scotland is one of the world’s leading event destinations and this summer it will reaffirm its position as it shines a spotlight on women’s sport.

Last Updated: 4th July 2019

Businesses across Paisley woven into fabric of 2019 Sma Shot Day spectacular

It’s an annual celebration which harks back to the time weavers and their families would traditionally take their holidays.

Last Updated: 2nd July 2019

Gala Day fun in the sun at Barshaw

More than 8,000 people from all over Renfrewshire made it along to Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day!

Last Updated: 25th June 2019

M&Ds Express returns for the summer!

First Glasgow's X7 Express service to M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is returning to Glasgow City Centre this summer!

Last Updated: 21st June 2019

October dates unveiled for The Scottish Wedding Show

Save the date as Scotland's largest wedding showcase is returning to the SEC, Glasgow this autumn on 12-13 October!

Last Updated: 21st June 2019

Renfrewshire gets ready for Barshaw fun

People from all over Renfrewshire will be heading to one of Paisley’s prettiest parks this weekend for a gala day for all the family.

Last Updated: 19th June 2019

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Advertise With Us

Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!

Click here to find out more »