A Glasgow community is set to mark 25 years since a landmark act of protest.
The Govanhill International Festival and Carnival (GIFC) returns for its 10th edition from August 1 to 16, combining arts, activism and neighbourhood celebration in a programme rooted in anti-racism and resilience.
It also marks the 25th anniversary of the occupation of Govanhill Baths, which lasted 140 days, the longest continuous occupation of a civic building in British history, and led to the formation of the Govanhill Community Baths Trust.
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Simone Stewart, arts and heritage manager, said: "A decade ago, this festival began as a direct response to racist attacks in our neighbourhood.
"A lot has happened since; we have been back on these streets many times, standing against hatred and the far right.
"What hasn't changed is the belief that drives all of this: that people coming together, making culture together, is how we build a shared life.
"That is what community cohesion actually means, and this programme is proof of it."
The festival opens on Saturday, August 1, with a colourful parade beginning at the Victoria Road gates of Queen’s Park and ending in Govanhill Park.
Drums, banners, brass bands and community groups come together, and even a unicorn will come together to launch the event.
The festival opening day will also feature music, food stalls, art activities, and performances by Maz and the Phantasms, Makongo, Samba Sene, and Romane Cierhenia.
This year’s programme places special focus on the 2001 occupation of Govanhill Baths, which began after Glasgow City Council closed the building.
Crowds gathered in their hundreds to support the protesters as they were removed from the site in what became known as the Battle of Calder Street.
One object 'allegedly' thrown at the police line was a pineapple, which quickly became a symbol of Govanhill’s spirit and defiance.
To commemorate the anniversary, Govanhill Baths Community Trust will present The Pineapple Trophy, a new civic artwork and community award designed by acclaimed artist Nathan Coley and silversmith Hamish Dobbie.
The festival will also include performances, film screenings, and an exhibition, honouring those who took part in the protest and celebrating the building's continued importance to the area.
Meanwhile, a free outdoor performance, The Ballad of Calder Street, will bring together an all-ages cast for a community theatre piece on the streets near Govanhill Baths.
Exhibitions, heritage walks, poetry sessions and panel discussions will also feature in the two-week programme, alongside events highlighting Govanhill’s Irish and Gaelic roots.
Other programme highlights include cabaret, comedy, spoken word and music events ,children’s activities, and a rehearsal reading of Bill Wright’s Cicero, The Native Son.
Karen Dick, head of place, partnerships and community strategy at Creative Scotland, said: "Through music, performance, literature, heritage and collective storytelling, the festival showcases the richness of Govanhill and the talent, resilience and imagination of the people who call it home.
"As the festival reaches this remarkable milestone, it continues to champion the voices, stories and experiences that shape the neighbourhood, demonstrating the vital role culture plays in bringing people together, strengthening communities and creating a lasting sense of solidarity, belonging and shared purpose."
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Workshops will cover herbalism, ceramics, music history and more, with walking tours exploring the area’s faith, anti-racist, Jewish and Irish heritage.
The festival concludes with the Govanhill Street Music Festival, a multi-location event featuring live music, DJs, and performances curated by collectives including SNACK Magazine, Duende Soundsystem, and the South Asian Network TV.
GIFC is supported by Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, and a wide network of community partners.
For full programme details and ticket bookings, visit www.govanhillbaths.com/festival.
