Glasgow on Ice

George Square, 27th November - 30th December 2010
Open 7 days until 10pm, closed only on Christmas Day.

Don't miss the ultimate festive experience! Skate beneath the stars and the twinkling Christmas lights of George Square in the heart of the City. We strongly advise booking your skate session in advance to avoid disappointment. Book your session in advance now by calling Ticketsoup on 0141 564 4220

Parent and toddler sessions are back and due to popular demand we have added extra sessions Monday - Sunday! Click on the link below for more.

Once you hang up your skates, treat yourself to a warming drink, have fun on the fairground rides and don’t forget to check out the free entertainment in the Square Wednesday through to Sunday. There will be an array of fantastic family activities including live music - from choirs and jazz,  to Celtic and ceilidh.

Peak skate sessions are Saturday and Sunday all day and Thursday and Fridays after 5pm.

Peak skate sessions are extremely popular, especially during the holiday peirod so we strongly recommend booking in advance.Tickets will be available in advance from Ticketsoup from 15th November onwards.

                                                                        

Adults	£8.50	£6.00
Children	£6.00	£5.00
Concessions	£6.00	£5.00
Kidz Card/ Glasgow Young Scot Card	£2.50	£2.50
Family ticket (2 adults, 3 children)	£23.00	£23.00
Parent and Toddler sessions	£6.00	£6.00
Group Booking	1 free in 10	1 free in 10

Source: www.glasgowloveschristmas.com

Bonfire Night 2010 at Glasgow Green

  













WHEN? 5th November 2010 7.30pm
WHERE? Glasgow Green
ADMISSION: Free

Celebrate bonfire night in Glasgow Green, with Glasgow’s infamous and spectacular musical fireworks display.

Last years fireworks display in Glasgow Green was the best yet.  More than 50,000 explosions were set to music, with the timing almost perfect, and the biggest shells in the UK being fired up into the night sky.

This years show is in association with Mamma Mia the musical, so we’ll be seeing the Glasgow Green fireworks display set to some of Abba’s greatest hits.  The Glasgow fireworks do seem to get better and better every year, so hopefully this year’s show will live up to it’s hype.

The night is not just about fireworks though; it also includes lasers, live bands, a funfair and food and drink stalls.  Enough to make sure that everyone is entertained!

The Glasgow fireworks show offers a free, safe and family oriented evening of fun.  Don’t miss one of the greatest events in Glasgow’s calendar!

MAIN ENTRANCE

Please enter Glasgow Green from Saltmarket, off Greendyke Street and Charlotte Street or via the West Carriageway (see map). There will be no access via the East Carriageway near Templeton Business Centre, via St Andrew’s Bridge or the River Walkway. Access to these areas will re-open at 8.00am on Saturday 6th
November.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Car parking is strictly limited so please use public transport. The nearest main line stations are Queen Street and Central Station – please call 0871 200 2233 for more details. The nearest local train stations are Argyle Street and High Street and the nearest underground stations are St Enoch and Bridge Street. For bus, train and underground information please call Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 2223 or visit: www.travelinescotland.com

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Under no circumstances should fireworks, sparklers, alcohol or pets be brought onto Glasgow Green. Please
follow the directions of the stewards and the police on the night and come suitably dressed in case of inclement weather.

Source: www.glasgowlife.org

Let and don't regret

Whether you do it for a first time or spent most of your life in rented apartments, searching for new flat, dealing with all the red tape and finally moving in is always a very stressful time and there is a lot to remember.

First you must find a perfect location for your new home.  Some people prefer living close to the city centre while the others would rather move out of the noise and crowd and live in the outskirts. It all depends on your preferences. Important thing to consider is your place of work. Living nearby can save you time and money – you can simply walk to work instead of spending hours in overcrowded buses or in the traffic jams. If you don’t want or can’t live close to your workplace check the public transport – are there any buses or trains going in the right direction? If not, you’ll either spend a fortune on taxis or half of your life on getting to work. If you have a car check if there are any roads on your way to work that are likely to be very busy during peak hours. Private parking is a thing to consider – it’s safer and more convenient than on-street parking spaces.

When deciding on location one of the most important things is safety. We all know that there are better areas and worse areas. Flats in the latter are often much cheaper, but sometimes it is not worth the risk especially when you have children. 

The other very important factor is price. According to the rule of thumb, the further away from the city centre, the cheaper.  Flats are generally more expensive in so called “posh” neighbourhoods. If you decide to let cheap flat in the outskirts to save money bear in mind that costs of public transport or fuel may exceed the difference. Therefore in many cases it is cheaper to let more expensive flat and save money on transportation.

When you know exactly what you want, it is time to start searching for your dream home. The easiest way is to browse websites of letting agencies or portals such as Lettingweb or Citylets. Check out flats that suit you and arrange viewing. See as many flats as possible – do not narrow your choice. Never sign any papers if you have not seen the flat – in many cases you will not be able to pull out. Do not arrange any viewings if you know you will have a little time. Many agencies offer weekend viewing for those, who do not have time during the week. Take your time while viewing the property. Do not be afraid to ask questions – letting agent is there to help you.  Be picky – you will live in this flat for at least 6 months, so it must be just as you imagine your perfect flat. Pay particular attention to condition of windows, heating, kitchen appliances and bathroom. If you smell mould or see any black or brown streaks around the windows, in the corners or on the tile grout, forget about this flat. You do not want to spend hours fighting off the mould. 

If you are 100% sure this is the flat you want, do not wait. Go straight to the letting agency and pay your holding fee. It will take the property off the market and secure it for you. In some cases you will be able to do this over the phone. The next step is the application – fill it up as accurately as possible to avoid disappointment. When your application is successful you can sign the tenancy agreement, pay the deposit and start making removal arrangements. Before you move the agency will supply you with a copy of inventory – check it carefully, note any discrepancies and hand it to your agency. If you do not do that you can be charged for any damaged or missing items, even if they were like that before you moved in. Letting agency will set up gas and electricity accounts for you. If you want home broadband or cable TV it is your responsibility to arrange accounts. Remember to change the address in your bank and other important institutions. You must also register in local council and pay Council Tax regularly. And remember – letting agents are there for you, so do not be afraid to ask if you need any help or advice.

Letting can be a tough task, but when you follow these simple rules it will not be half as bad as you imagined. 

Glasgow for Kids

If you’re living in or just visiting Glasgow with whole family then you’re in luck because the city is packed to bursting with attractions to keep children occupied for days on end!

HUNTERIAN MUSEUM

If it’s history that your kids are into then the Hunterian Museum is the place to take them as it has many exciting exhibitions, including Ancient Egypt and the Romans in Scotland. There are also displays about Captain Cook, dinosaurs and fossils, human evolution and a vast array of coins and medals.

Main/Gilbert-Scott Building
University Avenue
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Tel +44 (0) 141 330 4221

FOSSIL GROVE

To take your kids back millions of years, why not pay a visit to Fossil Grove, Glasgow's most ancient attraction. Here you can see 330 million-year-old fossil trees, which are the remains of an ancient forest.

Victoria Park
Glasgow G14 1BN
0141 950 1448

GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE

Young scientists may also enjoy a trip to the city’s newest attraction, the Glasgow Science Centre, which has four floors of interactive exhibits, an Imax cinema, planetarium and theatre.

50 Pacific Quay
Glasgow G51 1EA
0871 540 1005

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL MUSEUM

For children who are simply football mad the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium of football, is a must see. There is an extensive collection of memorabilia, video clips and displays covering almost every aspect of the game and its importance in Scotland. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the stadium.

Hampden Park
Letherby Dr
Glasgow G42 9AZ
0141 620 4550

ZOOPARK

If your kids are animal lovers, why not head to Glasgow’s very own Zoopark, where they can see lions, tigers, cheetahs, black bears and an array of reptiles.

Calderpark
Hamilton Road
Uddingston, Glasgow
+44 141 771 1185

BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK

To meet more friends from the animal kingdom you could make the pleasant hour-long journey to Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling. Here you can see elephants, rhinos, giraffes, monkeys and bears roaming around the park while you stay safely tucked up in your car. There is also a pet farm housing more down to earth creatures, such as pigs and goats, and an adventure playground for children.

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park
by Stirling,  FK9 4UR
01786 841 456

STRATHCLYDE COUNTRY PARK

If your kids are thrill seekers why not head to Scotland’s theme park in Strathclyde Country Park near Motherwell, which boasts more than 40 exciting rides and attractions. Not for the faint hearted, the rides here include the White Water Log Flume and the double looping corkscrew rollercoaster – the Tornado. Here there’s even fun to be had when the rain comes down as the indoor entertainment complex has a children's soft play area, the Bizarre bar and diner and the Cosmic Bowl – the most hi-tech ten-pin bowling alley in the country.The theme park is just 20 minutes from Glasgow city centre and once there big kids will also find things to do as there is also a full-swing golf simulator and American pool salon!

M&D’s, Scotland’s Theme Park
Strathclyde Country Park
Motherwell,  ML1 3RT
Tel: 01698 333 777

VIKINGAR

For a fun-packed day out with a difference head 30 minutes out of the city centre to Vikingar, at Largs, an award-winning multimedia experience taking visitors from the first Viking raids on Scotland to their defeat at the Battle of Largs in 1263. Costumed interpreters, life-sized displays and videos combine to bring the Viking experience to life in an hour-long tour. And don’t forget to take your swimming trucks because the complex is also home to a swimming pool, cinema, gift shop and a theatre.

40 Greenock Rd
Largs KA30 8QL
01475 689 777

CINEMAS

If you’re looking for something to do in the evenings why not take the kids to one of Glasgow’s multiplex cinemas, such as the Odeon or Cineworld , which both show the latest Hollywood blockbusters and children’s movies.

ODEON Springfield Quay,                         Cineworld
Springfield Quay,                                        7 Renfrew Street, Glasgow,
Paisley Road,                                              G2 3AB
Glasgow.
G5 8NP

BOWLING

Alternatively you could enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling at AMF Bowling, which has 26 lanes, six full-sized pool tables and a selection of state-of-the-art Japanese arcade games.

2 Springfield Quay,
Glasgow

0844 826 3015

Drinking in Glasgow

STYLE PUBS

CORINTHIAN

The best restaurant, bar and casino in Glasgow. Great party nights guaranteed. 5 floors of dining, drinking, dancing, special events, live music and more.

BUDDA

Bar Budda, Located on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow is one of the cities busiest and best bars. They have DJ's most nights and great drinks promotions on the rest.

TIGER TIGER


At Tiger Tiger Glasgow, they have seven unique areas all under one roof. Join us for lunch, or dine in the restaurant, then visit one of the bars and of course you can end up dancing the night away in the club – simply creating the perfect venue for you, it’s all there.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

BON ACCORD

One of Glasgow's real ale pubs. Usually has about ten rolling ales on draught as well as a selection of foreign bottled beers. Serves food daily until 7.45pm.

THE COUNTING HOUSE

Impressive Wetherspoons conversion of former bank with impressive range of beers and good value food all day.

MOLLY MALONES

Based in the heart of Glasgow, Molly Malone's is a venue with everything, with a full cafe menu by day and a great live entertainment line up by night. Molly Malone's offer a wide range of quality food and drinks.

LIVE MUSIC

KING TUT'S WAH WAH HUT

A concert venue renowned in Scotland as a showcase for new and emerging bands and as the venue that supported some of the UK music industry's biggest names .

13TH NOTE

An independent music venue, bar & vegetarian & vegan cafe.

O'HENRYS

O’Henrys is a bar that offers tasty cold drinks at a fine price, but apart from that it also offers a wide selection of fine music and intimate events.

WINE & DINE

ALL BAR ONE

Perfect place to eat, drink and relax, famous for simple and stylish menu, extensive wine list and tempting range of cocktails.

48

Great wine list and decor. Interesting and contemporary menu.

ARISAIG

Arisaig Bar  & Restaurant offers the best of Scottish cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service.

SHOW PUBS

BLACKFRIARS

Blackfriars is one of the more traditional pubs in the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City with a very broad appeal. It is the perfect place for students, for food, for beer, for relaxing after work and on lazy weekends. The Basement at Blackfriars also hosts regular weekend club nights if you fancy something a bit more energetic.

LAUDERS

Lauders Bar serves beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of meals. They also have a big band playing a host of live tunes.

REAL ALE PUBS

VICTORIA BAR

The Victoria Bar serves beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of snacks. They also have quiz and fruit machines, and a TV for sporting events.

PHOENIX

Many people come to eat here and choose food from a traditional menu and specials board.  There is an extensive range of wines to complement your meal or a fine selection of real ales and other drinks at the bar, if you prefer.  They hold Cask Marque status which ensures your real ale is served to the highest standard.  There is always a relaxed atmosphere which becomes lively at weekends with all the regular locals.

FAMILY PUBS

BAR SQUARE

Bar Square is the Merchant City’s most dazzling venue, which features a massive indoor courtyard, part of the bustling Merchant Square, and café style outdoor seating perfect for those warm summer months.

DARCY'S

Darcys Café du Monde is a place you can relax with friends.  Situated in the courtyard of Princes Square in the heart of Glasgow's most popular shopping area, you can catch up over a coffee and croissant or even share a bottle of wine or drop in for a quick snack or enjoy a satisfying meal.

DOOCOT

The Doocot is a design-led Café and Bar providing a stylish environment to enjoy a three course meal, an appetising snack, a quick drink or a cappuccino.

VALUE PUBS

ALFREDO'S

Alfredos serves beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of pub meals. They also have fruit and quiz machines as additional entertainment.

THE GOOSE ON UNION STREET

The Goose is one of over 130 traditional Town Pubs in town and city centres across the UK. All pubs have a great bar with a welcoming atmosphere and a large selection of drinks.

GAY PUBS

DELMONICAS

Delmonicas has been at the heart of the gay community in Glasgow since 1991. Lovingly and more commonly known as Dels', it provides fantastic entertainment 7 days a week. Offering fair trade coffee, daily newspapers, free internet access, Wi-Fi and a karaoke booth for you to hire.

POLO LOUNGE

Modish, multi-roomed gay bar in a spectacular setting voted "Best Gay Bar 1999" by BBC gay time TV viewers. Interior is high-ceiling colonial with grand mirrors and drapes and plenty of plush sofa seating. But the laid-back early-evening cocktail scene gives way to lively dance floor dealings as the night wears on. Admission is charged from 11pm.

REVOLVER

Not everyone wants karaoke and camp. That's where Revolver comes in, with their indie, electronic and Brit pop nights, excellent (and free!) digital jukebox and inexpensive drinks.

Time to celebrate - Glasgow Festivals

Glasgow's international reputation as the 'Friendly City' is reflected in the effervescent and colourful plethora of festivals and cultural events that are showcased in this vibrant metropolis each year.Glasgow's festivals are spread evenly across the year, therefore ensuring a continuous annual programme of events.

CELTIC CONNECTIONS 

One of the world’s largest winter music festivals and the premiere Celtic music festival in the UK, ensures that the city is buzzing with music! Taking place over 18 days in January, Celtic Connections is a major event in the folk and world music calendar. Each year, we welcome visitors from around the globe to the festival, where international artists perform alongside the very best Scottish talent.

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

The Glasgow Film Festival is the fastest-growing film event in the United Kingdom attracting audiences of over 30,000 to GFF10. The 7th Festival runs from February 17-27 2011 and will takes place in a wide range of locations across the city. The Glasgow Film Festival celebrates the passion the people of Glasgow have for the movies and the passion the film industry has for the city.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 

The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is the largest festival of its kind in Europe, and after a record-breaking year in 2010 the next festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. Launched in 2003, this hugely successful festival takes place in March a variety of venues throughout the city.  

AYE WRITE! GLASGOW BOOK FESTIVAL 

Aye Write! is Glasgow's first ever major book festival, and is a celebration of the rich variety of Glasgwegian writing. It also brings together the best of Scottish and international writing, with over 150 events taking place and around 170 authors coming to the city.

GLASGOW ART FAIR 

One of the biggest art fairs in the UK outside London, Glasgow is the place to pick out and perhaps to buy that priceless work of the future, or at least an original and distinctive work from one of the many artists from around the world. Over 50 galleries from around the UK and all over the world travel to the event to display their works. Between them the galleries represent a diverse and highly varied selection of Scottish, national and international artists.

WEST END FESTIVAL

The West End Festival is an independent event that takes place in the west end, but it’s not just for the west end.  WEF has grown from small beginnings in 1996 to a major festival and has now run as long as Mayfest, which ended in 1997. It is partly produced by its founder and director Michael Dale, but much of it is self-produced by one or other of the many talented people who choose to live and work in this great city.Having started off as a small local festival centred around Byres Road, this has now grown over the past 10 years to become one of the biggest cultural events in Glasgow's calendar.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Glasgow Jazz Festival runs for approximately 9 days during the month of June each year. Originally established in 1987, the festival has continued to garner support, and is now held at various participating venues throughout the city of Glasgow, attracting an increasing number of followers amongst musicians and jazz lovers from all over the world. Each year the event attracts some of the best Jazz musicians from around the world. These top performers are carefully selected and their acts are scheduled so as to provide the best line-up possible. People flock to see them - and they are seldom disappointed. Many of the shows include comedy and conversation to make for an entertaining show.

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL

The Science Festival celebrates its 5th year with a huge range of activities at key venues throughout the city. Join in the fun, be inspired and get ready to be amazed. The University of Glasgow Science Festvial holds events in venues all across the campus and the city of Glasgow.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL PIPING FESTIVAL

Pipers from all over the world gather in Glasgow to take part in Piping Live!, a week-long celebration of all things bagpipe. With shows and competitions at the city's top venues it is one of the world's premier piping events. Free outdoor concerts and lunchtime recitals feature pipers and bands from all over the world while a workshop series allows amateurs and the interested alike to learn more about the music. Over the week, talented youngsters battle it out at a variety of solo competitions before the festival culminates with the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow Green.

GLASGAY!

Glasgay! is Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture.The Glasgay festival is presented annually from mid October to mid November. The festival presents a professional programme of top acts and new artists from around the world with events spanning comedy, music, film, theatre, visual art, performance art, literature, club nights, education events, community arts projects. The programme is balance of high-profile visits from international artists from around the world and established and emergent artists from across the UK. The events take place at venues across Glasgow.

Sources: www.glasgow.gov.uk
              www.gnws.co.uk
              Scottish Art Council


 

Public Transport in Glasgow

Glasgow has one of the most advanced, fully integrated public transport systems in Europe. Glaswegians are very reliant on buses, the underground and the local railway network which cross the city and link it to the suburbs. The Travel Centre at St Enoch Square (0141 226 4826) is a good starting point for general Glasgow-wide travel information.

THE SUBWAY

The Subway system is one of the most efficient ways of travelling around the city and is a true Glasgow icon.

Tickets can be bought at staffed ticket offices at any Subway station, or from vending machines at the stations.Ticket prices are based on a single or return flat fare, regardless of how long the journey is. There are also multi-journey and season tickets available that can save you time and money. Multi-journey and season tickets are for individual use only. The range of tickets and prices is displayed at each station. Tickets can also be bought at selected SPT Travel Centres.

The Subway operates every 4/5 minutes during morning and evening peak periods, Monday to Friday, and between 12:00 and 18:30 on Saturday.
The service frequency will vary during off peak periods to match passenger demand, with evening and Sunday timetables generally operating every 12 minutes.
The Subway provides close interchange with the suburban and national rail network at Buchanan Street, Partick and St Enoch stations. Bus stances at Govan and Partick stations assist the bus links available from most Subway stations. Park and Ride facilities at Kelvinbridge, Shields Road and Bridge Street stations provide 1,109 car spaces to ease city access by the Subway. Multi-modal public transport is encouraged through the use of ZoneCard, SPT's season ticket that permits easy use of the Subway, suburban rail and bus services.

BUSES

Private bus operators (notably First Glasgow, 0141 423 6600 and Stagecoach: Glasgow, 0141 333 1100 ) provide a comprehensive network of services from early morning until about midnight. You can get on a bus from clearly signposted bus stops in the street - just put out your hand to indicate that you wish the bus to stop. Please note that most buses run an 'exact fare' policy where money is entered directly into a cash box next to the driver and a ticket is then issued with no change given. Prices vary, but a fare of approximately £1.15 should get you on most rides within the city. Night bus services operate at weekends only, when they can be quite boisterous. Tourist bus services operating from George Square are a very popular and informative way to see the city sites. Bus services to and from other UK towns and cities depart from Buchanan Street Bus Station (0141 332 7133).

TRAINS

      An extensive network of regular and frequent local rail services operates in Glasgow, its suburbs and the West of Scotland. Most suburbs and towns within this area are accessible by train, however, the level of service varies greatly and some stations are closed on Sundays. Free timetables are available for each line from the appropriate train station and should be checked before travelling . Telephone enquiries can be made to 0345 484950.

      Tickets should be purchased in advance of travelling from the station Booking Office or from the conductor on the train if the station booking office is closed. If you are staying outwith Glasgow and do not want to drive into the city, you can use the 'Park-and-Ride' system which allows free parking at suburban rail stations, where you then continue your journey by train. CCTV protects most of the parking facilities - the Park-and-Ride also operates at four Glasgow Underground stations.

TAXI 

      Glasgow has approximately 1500 traditional London-type black hackney taxis, all of which are licensed by Glasgow City Council. Each taxi is fitted with a sealed meter which has been approved by council officials and displays the current fare at all times. A fare card stating the tariff should be displayed in a prominent position within the taxi - as should the driver's licence card. As a rough guide, a three mile journey will cost in the region of £7, remember the 10% tip for a good job. Each hackney taxi can carry up to a maximum of five passengers - please do not ask the driver to carry more, as it will cost him his licence if he does.

      Taxis can be flagged-down in the street or queued-up for at designated taxi stances. The stances are usually located at busy spots such as stations and main thoroughfares - a taxi will not usually stop to pick up a hire if they are within a quarter of a mile of a stance. The major taxi companies offer tours of the city for under £30, but always ask in advance for a quote before travelling. If you are going on a longer journey - especially outside the city boundary - certain extra charges may apply and on some occasions the driver may ask for payment in advance. If you require a taxi with wheelchair access, you are best to phone a taxi company and order one.

      Glasgow also has many licensed 'private hire cars' which operate on a similar basis as the black hackneys, except that they cannot be flagged-down in the street and they tend to be slightly cheaper. Always, always look for the yellow licence plate sign in the private hire car window (and the metal plate on the back of the car), before taking a journey and never accept a journey from a private car which stops claiming to be a private hire cab, as this is against the law and no reputable driver would do this.



Sources: www.spt.co.uk
              www.glasgowguide.co.uk