Sma Shot Day celebrations set to return in Paisley town centre
Paisley's popular Sma' Shot Day celebrations are set to return with a day-long programme of spectacular entertainment in the town centre.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
First Published: 29 May 2022 14:56
Updated: 29 May 2022 14:56
The event, which is one of the world’s oldest workers’ festivals, will take place on Saturday 2 July and will see the return of the traditional parade and Burning of the Cork, live performances, workshops, family entertainment and much more.
The Sma’ Shot parade will leave from Brodie Park at 12 noon, led by sound of the Charleston Drum, before making its way through Paisley town centre and finishing at Abbey Close.
This year’s parade is being co-ordinated by Bridgeman Arts in collaboration with a number of local community groups, performers and musicians and will tell exciting, undiscovered stories of weavers' pasts as part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Once it arrives at the main event site around Abbey Close and Bridge Street, the parade will be followed by a performance from local dance group right2dance and the Burning of the Cork – a highlight of the Sma’ Shot Day celebrations.
Tony Lawler, the Charleston Drummer, said: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s Sma’ Shot Day celebrations and I’m so chuffed that we’re back with a live event this year.
“I always look forward to leading the parade as I love seeing all the people lining the streets and cheering and I love seeing the kids’ smiling faces.
“It’s a fun day out and it’s important that we remember the victory of the local weavers. It’s our culture, it’s our heritage, it’s our history – and Sma’ Shot Day celebrates that.”
The event will also feature performances on the main stage from PACE Youth Theatre, who will re-enact the struggles of the Paisley weavers in their efforts for payment of the Sma’ Shot, the Starlight Music Theatre adult rock choir and swing band, and The Well Happy Band.
Abbey Gardens will host a ‘Doon the Watter’ seaside experience with deck chairs and a beach for families to enjoy alongside Circus skills with Paisley Community Circus and bubble making and carnival fun from Big Top Circus.
All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre will also dazzle visitors with their aerial acrobatics and performances. They will provide exciting ‘Watch, Fly, Come and Try’ bookable workshops for ages 7+ and adults to try their hand at trapeze and other activities, led by professional aerialists.
In addition to events at Abbey Close and Bridge Street, there will be an all-day programme of live music at The Bungalow venue – including a kid’s ceilidh in the afternoon and the popular Poetry Slam in the evening – and buskers performing in Shuttle Street throughout the day.
The historic Sma’ Shot Cottages will also be open for tours, where visitors can take a trip back in time to two distinctive periods of Paisley’s rich textile history and see what life was like as a weaver in the town in the 18th and 19th centuries.
A contemporary Sma’ Shot Makers’ Market at The Art Department creative space in The Paisley Centre will showcase a variety of innovative local designers and makers, featuring clothing, jewellery, accessories, interior design, gifts and souvenirs.
Plus, there’s an afternoon of dancing and timeless tunes to enjoy at the Tea Dance at the Methodist Central Hall.
Sma’ Shot Day is organised by Renfrewshire Council as part of the area’s major events programme which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
This year’s Sma’ Shot Day celebration is part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 Partner Events Programme.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “Sma’ Shot Day is always a popular date in Renfrewshire’s events calendar as we celebrate our town’s important and rich history.
“The fabulous parade winding its way through the town and the spectacular Burning of the Cork are sights not to be missed during this fantastic full-day programme.
“This year’s event will offer a host of activities and performances for kids and grown-ups to enjoy, combining all the traditional elements of the event with new experiences showcasing Paisley’s creativity and heritage.
“It's great to see our much-loved events programme back and I can't think of a better day than Sma' Shot Day to bring the community together. I'd encourage everyone to come along and join the fun.”
To find out more about this year’s Sma’ Shot Day celebrations and how to book places at event workshops, visit: paisley.is
Latest Renfrewshire News
Green Space Dark Skies: The team of artists working with local communities to bring events to life
Green Space Dark Skies, produced by Walk the Plank and commissioned by UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has revealed the artists who will bring Scotland's August events to life!
Conifox Adventure Park officially breaks world record for the Longest Inflatable Assault Course
Conifox Adventure Park has today confirmed that they have officially broken a world record for the longest inflatable assault course which sits at a mammoth 568 metres.
Youngster Ide had a wizard time at Harry Potter Weekend
Ide MacNeil had a wizard time dressing up as Harry Potter at Braehead shopping centre at the weekend!
Irn Bru launches Sunshine Service
From the Costa Del Leith to the Clyde Riviera, IRN-BRU is set to deliver deckchairs and ice-cold cans to Scottish sun-seekers!
Youngsters have a ball at summer fun activities
Hundreds of children and young people are having a whale of a good time at Renfrewshire Council's summer clubs.
Renfrew welcomes top piping talent
Renfrew's Robertson Park was a sea of tartan on Saturday as Scotland's top pipers and drummers descended on the town for the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition.
A wizard way to raise funds for hospital charity
It's a kinda magic the way Braehead shopping centre plans to raise money for Glasgow Children's Hospital charity!
XSite Braehead encourages visitors to get arty for charity
XSite Braehead, Scotland's leading entertainment destination, is encouraging visitors to unleash their inner artist this weekend in a bid to raise funds for Glasgow's Children Hospital Charity.
Just over 24 hours left to submit your Scottish Album of the Year
Fans, artists and music labels have just over 24 hours left to submit their favourite Scottish album from the past year for this year's SAY Award.
Praise as active travel campaign in Renfrewshire passes 750 members
Walkers, cyclists and public transport users in Renfrewshire are benefitting from discounts at local businesses as part of a year-long active travel campaign.
Work now under way on refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre
Work has now started on a transformation of Paisley Arts Centre which will add new modern performance facilities and an extension to the much-loved historic venue.
Views sought on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley
Locals are being asked for their views on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley.
New Paisley Town Hall room names to honour John Byrne and textile heritage
One of Paisley's most famous sons – artist and playwright John Byrne – will be honoured in the new room names for his birthplace's soon-to-be-transformed town hall.
Prizes up for grabs for gardeners
Gardeners in the West of Scotland can show off their green-fingered skills to win a popular gardening contest.
Vacation XSite returns for Summer 2022
XSite Braehead, Scotland’s leading entertainment destination, launches Vacation XSite, an exciting summer-long event.
Artist and playwright John Byrne talks about world premier of his latest musical play Underwood Lane
John Byrne could have ended up playing in a skiffle band like the hero of his latest musical play, Underwood Lane.
Renfrew set to welcome talented pipers and drummers to first competition in the town
Renfrew's Robertson Park will welcome some of Scotland's top piping talent this July for a new event in Renfrewshire's events calendar.
Thousands enjoy Sma Shot Day fun in Paisley
Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of spectacular parades, performances and live entertainment at Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations!
Salon owners receive honour at Investiture
Alan and Linda Stewart, Co-Owners of Scotland’s largest salon group and multi award winners, Rainbow Room International have received their OBE Award for Services to Hairdressing.
Scottish Album fo the Year opens for eligible album submissions today
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award returns for 2022, calling on artists, labels and music fans to submit eligible albums – for free.
Sma Shot Day celebrations take place this weekend
Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day takes place on Saturday with a day-long extravaganza of family entertainment in the town centre!
Durrockstock play park reopens with brand new equipment
Families and young people in Renfrewshire are benefitting from a £1million investment in Renfrewshire's play parks as complete renewals take place in 9 play areas across the area.
Green Space Dark Skies announces Orkney Mainland and North Ronaldsay as new event locations
Green Space Dark Skies, led by Walk the Plank as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has announcing two new locations for this unique project.
Commemorative 20th anniversary calendar now on sale
To commemorate its 20th anniversary and raise funds for the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, Loch Lomond Shores has produced a calendar that runs from June 2022 to May 2023.
Scots Language Makeover for Loved Literature
In celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, Visit Scotland has teamed up with Scots expert and writer Alistair Heather to translate the first lines of some of the world’s most popular books
BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom launches in Paisley town centre this weekend!
BRICKLIVE's Fantasy Kingdom launches this Saturday, 25th June, in Paisley town centre – so come and join in the fun at this summer's must-visit FREE adventure!
The Snooker Scottish Open Heads To Edinburgh
The Meadowbank Sports Centre will welcome the best snooker players on the planet later this year when the Scottish Open comes to Edinburgh.
National Theatre of Scotland presents OZ! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley
OZ! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley will culminate in an interactive promenade performance on the town's streets in June 2023!
Fun in the sun at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands of people from all over Renfrewshire made it along to Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day!
Jane Spiers announced as new Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland
The National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to announce that Jane Spiers will be taking up the role of Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland’s board, commencing in September 2022.
Sponsored Links
