About Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the most vibrant and influential cities in Northern Europe. Located on the River Clyde, it has long been renowned for its strong industrial heritage, yet today its cultural appeal rivals any European metropolis. From the iconic River Clyde waterfront to the sprawling shopping streets, Glasgow is an exciting city with something to offer everyone.
But there is one area in particular where Glasgow stands out: music. The city has a rich musical landscape rooted in its past, with many different genres meeting and cross-pollinating to create something unique—from traditional Scottish folk to modern indie-pop and hip-hop. Music lovers will find plenty to explore here, from live music venues to festivals like TRNSMT that draw huge crowds every year.
Glasgow's iconic past meets modern times when it comes to organising concerts in this city. Old churches have been converted into live performance spaces, traditional pubs offer cosy settings for acoustic gigs or folk nights, and modern concert halls with state-of-the-art sound systems provide a perfect venue for more significant events and world tours. Glasgow’s variety of locations could make it suitable for any kind of musical event; from classical organ recitals in cathedrals to open-air indie raves by night—there is something for everyone!
Concert Options in Glasgow
- Promotion and Advertising
Advertising is crucial to get people to your concert. Marketing services can include creating a social media presence for the event, advertising through print media and radio spots, or customising promotional materials such as posters or flyers. A promotion agency will also organise press coverage for the event and create strategic partnerships with sponsors to help provide additional exposure.
- Broadcasting
Broadcasting services are a great way to reach a larger audience who may not be able to attend the concert in person. This could involve streaming the show online or recording it for broadcasting on television or radio at a later date.
- Event Staffing
Many concert venues require additional staffing on hand during live shows including security personnel, technicians and ushers among others. An event staffing agency can help ensure all these positions are filled quickly with qualified individuals who are trained and experienced in handling large crowds or providing technical support when needed.
- Lighting/Sound Engineering Services
Lighting and sound engineering professionals take into account factors such as the acoustics of the space and audience size when selecting equipment. They also ensure that everything is correctly connected and functioning optimally before the performance begins. This helps to deliver an audio experience that is tailored to each specific performance, allowing spectators to enjoy their favourite artists in comfort and style.
Concert Vendors in Glasgow
- Cameron Events
Cameron Events is a family-run business, providing event planning and production for over 70 years. With innovation and imagination at the centre of their services, Cameron Events has experienced team members with the creative spark to take clients' messages further. Whether it's content creation, sound and lighting design, or cutting-edge technology implementation, Cameron Events offers comprehensive event management and furniture hire for various events. Their dedicated team of professionals can bring any idea to life, determined to make each project extraordinary with meticulous attention to detail.
- Blackbox Pro Audio
BLACKBOX Pro Audio is an event technical service provider, specialising in providing high-end professional audio equipment and engineers for festivals and concerts. With a wide range of products from renowned brands such as D&B Audiotechnik, Avid, Midas, Allen & Heath, Shure, and Sennheiser to choose from, BLACKBOX offers clients the best in quality audio equipment as well as knowledgeable engineers to ensure that their events run flawlessly. BLACKBOX also provides dry hire services, new audio equipment sales, and pre-owned sales to meet all of its customers' needs.
- NiftyVideo
NiftyVideo is a partnership run by two passionate filmmakers and film graduates from Glasgow, Scotland. With their creative eye and modern equipment, they specialise in event live streaming for any type of event—from weddings to business conferences. NiftyVideo's team of two is highly flexible and can operate with or without mains power to deliver live events anywhere in the UK using mobile broadband and DSLR cameras. Their technical expertise allows them to capture every moment of the event with high-quality imagery as well as provide additional services such as colour correction, sound design, editing and more.
Pros and Cons of Concerts in Glasgow
Glasgow is a major city in Scotland that attracts many visitors who are interested in its lively nightlife and cultural activities. In particular, the city has a thriving music scene with plenty of live concerts hosted throughout the year. However, organising or attending a concert in Glasgow may have specific pros and cons that should be considered before making any decisions.
Advantages
- As a popular tourist destination, Glasgow makes it easier to attract visitors from outside the city and around the world to attend shows.
- Glasgow boasts excellent public transportation links with a comprehensive network of buses, trains, and taxis which makes it easy for people to travel to concerts in the area.
- Glasgow offers a variety of venues including bars, clubs, theatres, and outdoor spaces perfect for hosting live music events.
- Glaswegians have an appreciation for a wide range of music genres, with everything from traditional Scottish folk songs to modern pop hits played at local venues.
Disadvantages
- Scotland is known for its unpredictable weather which can make it tricky for organisers to plan outdoor shows during certain times of year due to potential rain or snowfall.
- The crowded environment at concerts can lead to safety issues due to overcrowding or violent behaviour among attendees.
- Loud music can cause vibrations throughout buildings which could damage walls or windows if left unchecked by authorities or property owners.
- High volumes may disturb neighbours living near the venue leading them to file complaints against organisers or promoters.
Tips on How to Organise Concerts in Glasgow
Planning and organising a concert is a complex task that requires attention to detail, advanced planning, and much effort. To successfully host a concert in Glasgow, there are several important steps to take. This list will provide helpful tips on how best to organise and hold a successful concert in Glasgow.
- Gather the necessary permits: Depending on your event, you may need certain permits to make it happen. Do some research into what types of permits may be required, make sure they are obtained early enough, and check for other local regulations you may have to comply with.
- Create an event program: Put together an itinerary of activities that will take place during the show; this includes making sure performers arrive on time and that all necessary setup takes place before attendees arrive at the venue. Additionally, consider creating intermission breaks for snacks/drinks or contests/prizes to give attendees something extra during longer shows.
- Improve the venue: Offer adequate seating options if you’re utilising an outdoor space. Provide ample lighting so people can move around without worrying about tripping. Make sure there is enough room on stage for performers, and set up sound systems that will ensure everyone gets crystal clear audio during performances.
- Make sure all equipment is working properly: A common problem at concerts is faulty equipment not being picked up before the performance starts, leading to a poor experience for both performers and audience members alike. Make sure everything from speakers and mixing desks to lights and stage settings are tested well ahead of time so that nothing goes wrong on the night of the show.
- Prepare for logistics: Make sure rules are enforced (no smoking or alcohol consumption) and work with vendors to provide food options at concession stands during intermissions if desired. Also, consider security personnel for crowd control purposes, if necessary. Contact local police precincts beforehand so they can be aware of any disturbances that might occur at your event.
Famous Locations in Glasgow
- Burrell Collection
Located just three miles out of Glasgow, the Burrell Collection is a must-visit for both locals and tourists. The museum, gifted to the city by Sir William Burrell in 1944, houses an eclectic mix of treasures from around the world and takes visitors on a journey spanning 6,000 years of history. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tapestry collection, but there is so much more to see, from Chinese porcelain and mediaeval furniture to Egyptian pottery and paintings by famous French artists. With 225 displays across 24 galleries, the Burrell Collection offers a unique and fascinating insight into cultures past and present.
- Museum of Piping
Discover the rich history of the bagpipe at the Museum of Piping, located in the National Piping Centre. This premier museum houses over 300 years' worth of piping heritage. Visitors can view a variety of historic bagpipes from Lowland Scotland, the British Isles, and even mainland Europe. One key exhibit is the oldest surviving chanter of the Highland bagpipe in the world: that of Iain Dall MacKay. Additionally, the museum features displays on pipe music and the manufacture of bagpipes. To complete the experience, guests can watch a captivating film on the history, culture, and music of the beloved instrument.
- George Square
George Square serves as the civic heart of Glasgow, with the majestic City Chambers building positioned prominently on the eastern side. This expansive outdoor area is adorned with striking statues honouring notable figures from Glasgow and its surrounding regions, such as Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir John Moore, and Sir Walter Scott, who stands atop a towering column. Two fiercely imposing lions watch over the site's impressive war memorial. Unbeknownst to many, George Square has also served as a memorable film location, featuring scenes from the popular zombie blockbuster, World War Z, shot on-site in Glasgow.