1 ANOTHER Finnieston spot is in the offing. The fab duo behind Derby Lane have served us up another cracker, a secret sexy smouldering basement bar in the heart of the Glasgow strip. It’s everything you want a bar to be, a bit cine noir, loungy and languorous with a sexy crooner on the small stage singing the blues. Follow the neon lights and look for Charles for the perfect seat at the perfect spot, near derby lane, Glasgow, When you find it, keep it on the downlow.
2 THE end of the summer means there is no better time to give the weans a treat. Head to Charleton fruit farm, just outside Montrose, pick some strawberries, redcurrants, raspberries and apples. Grab a basket from the farm shop, and have a munch then play at the adventure play park or shop for some home grown fresh produce at the market shop. If you feel like making a weekend of it, you can even book one of their gorgeous cottages onsite.
Every day 10am-4pm, check out their website at www.charleton-farm.co.uk
3 TEXAS are all set to hit the Granite City. The Glasgow rockers, led by front woman Sharleen Spiteri, have been banging out the hits for over 30 years. Now, their new LP is about to drop and they are hitting the road to launch it with a bang. They are playing at the Tivoli, 34 Guild Street, Aberdeen on Saturday September 4. tickets available at www.viagogo.co.uk/Concert-Tickets/Rock-and-Pop/Texas
4 SHUGGIE Bain, the brilliant Booker winning debut novel propelled author Douglas Stuart to literary fame. The book, based on Douglas’s own wee Glasgow mammy, the book is a gorgeous tribute to a woman striving to do the right thing by her son. Tomorrow, Stuart discusses his novel with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Monday August 30 at 8:30pm. www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/douglas-stuart-with- nicola-sturgeon-welcome-home-shuggie-bain
5 IT’S been a long wait but live music is back with a bang this September and Prestwick’s hottest live music event Prestfest is back for a three-day extravaganza over the weekend of September 3. The annual event sees the town’s businesses, shops and pubs throw open their doors to revellers in a unique experience. Last year’s festival was cancelled due to the pandemic but the 2021 celebrations hope to entertain crowds in various venues across Prestwick’s Main Street. This column will be there bopping and rocking to my pal Billy’s band, Azure Halo at the Eagle inn 2pm. There are literally loads of great gigs, so for the line up and more info head to www.facebook.com/prestfest2021/
6 INVERNESS is where its at with The Gathering, a festival of folk and Scottish country music headlined by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore. There will be fun for all the family – weans and dugs included – including mini highland games and food stalls. The weather forecast says its going to be braw, so gather maw, paw and the bairns and get thee to Northern Meeting Park, Inverness on Saturday September 4. For further info please head over to www.thegatheringscotland.com
7 THE Riverside Festival, Scotland’s premiere celebration of electronic music is back at Glasgow’s iconic Riverside Museum. Join the party with the world’s cutting edge DJ’s including Jamie XX, Amelie Lens and Skream. Three days of dance heaven. Just to make this festival even more unforgettable the gang behind it have just announcedthey are partnering with Turn the Tables. Turn the Tables is a social enterprise that aims to provide support for people affected by homelessness. Way to go Riverside.
Love it! Head over to www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com
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