CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Sma’ Shot Day

Paisley's annual Sma' Shot day event, one of the oldest workers' festivals in the UK, will take place this year on Saturday 5th July!

Sma’ Shot Day

About Sma’ Shot Day

Sma’ Shot Day is Paisley’s annual celebration of the historic victory of local weavers in a famous dispute.

Sma’ Shot Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of each July. This was when weaving families would traditionally take their holiday ‘doon the watter’.

Join us on Saturday 5th July for Paisley’s day – we’ve got lots going on!

Sma’ Shot Parade
12pm – 1pm
Brodie Park to Abbey Close
Co-ordinated by Bridgeman Arts in collaboration with community groups, performers and musicians, this year’s parade returns to Paisley town centre.

Bringing to life the traditional weaver’s celebration in honour of the victory, and telling some exciting, undiscovered stories of weavers’ past.

Groups engaged in the pre-parade programme include:

Tannahill Youth Group
Renfrewshire Carers Centre
STAR Project
Pals of Privies
Right2dance
Vivace Theatre School
Loud n Proud

These groups will be joined on the day by:

Paisley Rugby Club
Paisley Youth Football Team
RockUs Choir
Caitlin Bonnar Dance
Cameron School of Dance (Ferguslie)
Shaun Moore Paisley Poets (8-10 local poets) – they will accompany the giant poet
Shopmobility Renfrewshire
PACE Youth Theatre
Stage Door Performance
Rachel Elliot Dance
Trade Unions
University of the Third Age
Inspire School of Dance
WASPI Women
ArtBoss
Schools of African Cultures and others

The parade will include the traditional Sma Shot banners that exemplify aspects of weavers’ history in Paisley, as well as contemporary banners that have been created by community groups over the years.

2025 will showcase two new giant puppets, the first inspired by traditional musicians of the time and the second inspired by poet figures such as the ‘Bàrd Phàislig’ or ‘The Paisley Bard’, Donald ‘Ruadh’ MacIntyre, one of the most famous bards (poets) of the 20th century who was thought to be as talented as poets such as the weaver poet Robert Tannahill.

Burning of the Cork
1.30pm-1.45pm
Preceded by a performance from Tannahill Makar, Shaun Moore.

Followed by a dance performance from young people from local dance group right2dance.

Sponsored Links

Pace Youth Theatre
Renfrewshire Council
Glasgow Science Centre
Ashley Rawson

Other Events at Sma Shot Cottages

A Christmas Carol: An Immersive Experience at Sma’ Shot Cottages

13th December 2025 - 14th December 2025

Step into an immersive and magical world! Experience a Christmas Carol like never before at Paisley's Sma' Shot Cottages on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

One Ren
Future Sports
Pace Youth Theatre
ATG
Hostelworld

Similar events you might like...

Paisley Christmas Carnival

Paisley Christmas Carnival

Selected dates between 15th November 2025 - 21st December 2025
Paisley

Get ready for a festive season filled with sparkle, surprises and non-stop family fun in Paisley Town Centre with Fun Time Carnivals!

READ MORE
Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch On

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch On

29th November 2025
Johnstone

Johnstone will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday 29th November with a variety of activities on offer to put everyone in the festive spirit!

READ MORE
Country Days

Country Days

29th November 2025

Get your cowboys hats ready... The Country Day Party is coming to Paisley! Don't miss an unforgettable day filled with the chart-topping tracks of Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and many more!

READ MORE
Vinyl & Vintage Christmas Market

Vinyl & Vintage Christmas Market

6th December 2025

Whether you're after a perfect gift, festive tipple, or just soaking up the nostalgic vibes, Vinyl & Vintage Christmas Market is the ultimate alternative Christmas shopping day out!

READ MORE
Big Shiny Christmas Brunch

Big Shiny Christmas Brunch

7th December 2025

Expect a dazzling afternoon of music, entertainment, and festive vibes like no other when the Big Shiny Christmas Brunch comes to Paisley Town Hall!

READ MORE
The Great Christmas Adventure

The Great Christmas Adventure

14th December 2025

This Christmas, let OneRen transport you and your family into the heart of a Great Christmas Adventure at the beautifully restored Paisley Town Hall!

READ MORE
January Ice Breaker Party with Aston Merrygold

January Ice Breaker Party with Aston Merrygold

31st January 2026

If you didn't get the chance to enjoy a well-deserved party in December, then join Ingliston for their January Ice Breaker Party with Aston Merrygold!

READ MORE
Galentines’ Ladies Day

Galentines’ Ladies Day

14th February 2026

Gather your girls and celebrate friendship, fun, and fierce vibes at Paisley Town Hall's Galentine's Ladies Day featuring Celebrity DJ Jack Fowler!

READ MORE
K-Pop Demon Hunters: The Ultimate Family Quest

K-Pop Demon Hunters: The Ultimate Family Quest

5th April 2026

Head along to Paisley Town Hall for a one-of-a-kind K-Pop Demon Hunters family experience – an interactive day where kids, teens, and adults can dance, play, and unlock their inner hero!

READ MORE

Find other events in Renfrewshire

Sponsored Links

Pace Youth Theatre
Renfrewshire Council
Glasgow Science Centre
Ashley Rawson
One Ren
Future Sports
Pace Youth Theatre
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Paisley & District U3A Talks: Robert Tannahill’s Life In Poetry & Song
Fans of Paisley's weaver poet, Robert Tannahill can celebrate his achievements on Thursday 4 December at the last Paisley & District U3A Talk of 2025!
Creedence Clearwater Revived
Don't miss a setlist dedicated to the legendary CCR and to the Fogerty Brothers when Creedence Clearwater Revived headline The Bungalow Paisley on Saturday 24th January!
Mad Christmas Night Out
Join Venue Paisley for a high-energy Christmas Night Out filled with festive beats, good vibes, and non-stop dancing!
Christmas Wreath Making and Craft Night
Get into the festive spirit and join Paisley Nazarene for an evening of crafty fun at their Christmas Wreath Making and Craft Night!
Meet Julie Nimmo and Greg Hemphill
Waterstones Braehead are delighted to welcome Greg Hemphill and Julie Wilson Nimmo in to the store to sign their new book - Jules and Greg's Wild Swim!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley