Celebrating Creativity...

This week, we’re heading to Glasgow to celebrate the return of the Merchant City Festival.

Running from 24 July to 2 August, the two-weekend festival will transform the heart of the city into a celebration of culture and community, bringing creativity out of traditional venues and into Glasgow’s streets and public spaces.

The programme spans live music, dance, circus, street theatre, workshops, DJ sessions, family activities and independent markets. Highlights include the Surge Festival of Street Theatre, Imaginate Family Days and Hen Hoose and Friends - a celebration of Scottish women and non-binary artists.

As a flagship event within the Glasgow 2026 Festival, this year’s expanded programme is built around a brilliantly simple idea: the streets are the stage.

By combining free activities with accessible ticketed events, the Merchant City Festival gives more people the chance to experience live creativity while supporting artists, independent businesses and Glasgow’s wider cultural community.

Find out more about the Merchant City Festival

➡️ Every Friday we use the Handle blog and socials to celebrate the creative industries. If you would like to nominate a festival, charity, event or initiative that supports and promotes the UK’s creative industries, please get in touch!