WITH the summer holidays approaching and the weather getting warmer, there’s no better time to go out and have fun at one of Scotland’s many free festivals!
But with so much choice out there, we thought we’d make a list of five of the best free festivals that Scotland has to offer over the next couple of weeks, to help you decide where you’d like to visit.
Dandelion Festival – June 17-19
Taking place in Kelvingrove Park, this festival is an amazing melting pot of art and entertainment that aims to reimagine our relationship with food and the planet. Offering music, talks, workshops, art and food, this festival is an accessibly priced chance to experience a diverse variety of entertainment while learning about the environment. A nursery for under-5s which showcases nature and plants is also available for families with young ones.
The event's info can be found at: www.dandelion.scot
Helensburgh Summer Festival – June 18|
This fun festival has a craft fair, market stalls, street food, and music available for visitors from 10am to 5pm this Saturday. Highlighting local talent, there will be buskers and dancers showcasing their skills, with a special show from the pupils of Claire Burns School of Dance taking place in the evening. Fairground rides and sideshows will also be there to help keep you entertained all day.
Info on the event can be found at its website: www.helensburghsummerfestival.co.uk
Mind Be Kind Wellbeing Festival – June 18-19
Princes Street Garden plays host to this mental health focused festival. Established to help the local community with their mental health, the event gives a platform to professionals, practitioners and organisations who can help benefit the public’s wellbeing and signpost them to appropriate groups and places that can help their mental health. Through arts, music, dance, performances and speeches, the festival hopes to motive people and inspire happiness.
More information is available at the festival's website: www.mindbekind.org
Glasgow Mela – June 26
While only taking place over a short time, this festival is Scotland’s biggest multi-cultural arts festival. It will take over Kelvingrove Park, where acts will perform on the main stage as well as throughout the park. A Mela Artist in Residence will be there throughout the day and provide an interactive experience where they will collaborate with the audience to create art. Food and market vendors will be available from midday until eight in the evening.
Event info is available at: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
Loch Lomond Shores Summer Fest – July 2-3
Anchoring itself on the shores of Loch Lomond, this two-day family festival has live music, children's entertainment, rides, a marquee bar, stalls and street food on board. Additionally, there will also be competitions and giveaways, and face painters for the whole family. Visitors will be able to soak in the beauty of the area by enjoying the beach and going on nearby woodland walks. However, while this event is free, it is ticketed, so make sure you get yours before it starts – or before they sell out!
Find out how to get tickets at the festival's eventbrite page.
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