When Daniel Parks walked into the Clutha Bar in Glasgow 10 years ago, he was “just a kid who wanted to play music.”
Fast forward to 2026, and the 21-year-old is a full-time musician and an exciting emerging talent in the industry in Scotland.
Daniel has performed alongside major artists, such as Kings of Leon, and he is preparing to open for The Bootleg Beatles at Glasgow’s Barrowland in September.
It all started at the Clutha.
When the Commonwealth Games last came to Glasgow in 2014, the city centre bar was rebuilding in the aftermath of the 2013 helicopter crash that claimed 10 lives.
More than a decade later, The Clutha Trust is helping young people build confidence, develop skills and discover opportunities through music – with support from the Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund.
The Clutha Trust is one of 161 organisations benefiting from the expanded £1.25 million fund, which is supporting community-led projects and events across all 23 of Glasgow’s wards as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Trust has used the funding to deliver a new programme of BEAT music workshops, bringing together 25 young people to work with industry professionals, develop new skills and create their own live music showcase.
The programme will culminate in a special performance at Clutha Live on the weekend of August 1 and 2, as part of the wider Glasgow 2026 Festival celebrations.
Since its creation following the helicopter tragedy, The Clutha Trust has provided opportunities for thousands of young people through music, performance and community programmes, creating a welcoming environment where young people can learn new skills, express themselves and connect with others.
Daniel, who is from Kirkintilloch, first joined Clutha Kids around a decade ago after attending one of the Trust’s free music sessions. What started as a chance to perform in front of an audience soon developed into a passion that would shape his future.
Daniel has also returned to the programme as a tutor, helping support the next generation of young musicians.
Daniel said: “The Clutha Trust gave me opportunities I simply wouldn't have had otherwise. It gave me confidence, introduced me to incredible people and helped me realise that music wasn't just something I loved - it could actually become my career.
“When I first joined, I was just a kid who wanted to play music. The Trust gave me a stage, encouraged me to keep going and helped me develop as a performer. I honestly don't think I'd be where I am today without it.”
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Daniel has been involved in helping deliver the programme and says it demonstrates the lasting impact community-led projects can have.
He said: "One of the best things about The Clutha Trust is seeing people come back and give something back to the next generation.
"Watching someone arrive feeling nervous and unsure of themselves, then seeing them grow in confidence and discover what they're capable of, is brilliant.
"That's why funding like this matters. It means more young people will have somewhere they can belong, learn new skills, meet new people and discover talents they perhaps didn't know they had.”
He added: “Hopefully, in another ten years' time, one of the young people coming through these programmes will be telling the same story I'm telling today."
The Glasgow 2026 Festival runs until August 9, bringing hundreds of community-led events, performances and activities to neighbourhoods across the city.
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