1. Start to End. Following a smash sell-out at Celtic Connections this group of incredibly talented musicians, who take hugely popular classic albums and play all the tracks from – you’ve guessed it – start to end are back playing the blue arrow in Glasgow. This time they’re performing Coldplay’s Parachutes. Tuesday, March 26, Blue Arrow, Glasgow, at 9pm. Tickets are £10 ... a real bargain.
2. The feisty and fabulous Libby McArthur is appearing three times at Webster’s Theatre this week with her show In For A Penny, which is based on the true story of a woman who goes to prison for unpaid parking tickets. Serious, sad, funny and brilliant, McArthur will shine as always. Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week, 8.30pm. Tickets £12 at https://glasgowcomedyfestival.seetickets.com/event/in-for-a-penny/websters-theatre/1292176
3. An evening with John Hartson. In 2009, after successfully fighting cancer, the former Celtic striker created the John Hartson Foundation and now uses his profile as a former top-flight professional footballer to increase awareness of the disease and to help raise money to support others affected by cancer. This will be a great night, with Q&A, an auction and a meet and greet. Tickets are £20 for the event on Thursday, April 4 at 7pm at 80 North Lindsay Street at Dundee. Tickets available at Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-john-hartson
4. Head to Stirling with the family on Mother’s Day, March 31, for the Big Spring Fling from 10am onwards. There’s a treat in store at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park with 3D cinema, magician, puppet shows, egg trails and much more ... All included in your standard price of entry to the Safari Park. Tickets £16.50, infants free and kids £13, March 30-April 14.
5. Fancy a family day out? Head to Drumlanrig Castle in Queensberry Estate: guided castle tours, 90000 acres to explore, rangers, bracelet-making, fun workshops, den building, the Buccleuch art collection and, of course, a tea room with gooey buns. Open 10am-5pm daily with special events for Mother’s Day and the Easter holidays. £6 for adults and £4 for kids.
6. The wonderful Glasgow Women’s Library does it again. On Saturday, March 30, from 10am-4pm the doors are thrown open to welcome women to a free event, Our Space, Our Place: Creating Eco Feminism. Global ecological activism is built on the work of women, yet the value of women’s environmental campaigning and action often remains invisible. If you haven’t yet been to the women’s library, 23 Landressy Street, Glasgow, this is a great chance to make amends.
7. The fabulous East Kilbride SNP are hosting an afternoon of politics and chat over a coffee. Guest speakers heading to the event include Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, Richard Walker, editor of this paper, and my good self. Hosted by Linda Fabiani MSP, on what would have been Independence Day. The questions will turn to business and independence. SNP members only this time. A free event, today, 1pm at Murray Owen Centre, East Kilbride.
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