One of Scotland’s best loved festive institutions is back for 2021 as the IRN-BRU Carnival returns to Glasgow’s SEC.
The Carnival, which has been running in Glasgow for over 100 years and celebrated its centenary in 2019, was forced to take a break last year due as the SEC became NHS Louisa Jordan during the height of the covid pandemic.
Now the lights will go back up, the waltzers will again whir into action and the music will ring out as one of the biggest events of the festive season returns this winter.
Running from December 22 to January 16 (except Christmas Day), covid safety measures will be in place in line with Scottish Government guidelines, and advance booking will be essential.
The Carnival’s popular Autism Friendly sessions will also return on December 31 and January 11.
During these sessions, the main hall lights will be on, music will be turned off or very low and the rides will be slower where possible, helping as many people as possible enjoy the Carnival.
Greg Cherry, Managing Director of QD Events, organisers of the event, said: “The past two years have been extraordinarily difficult for everyone, and unfortunately we just couldn’t deliver the Carnival experience everyone knows and loves last year.
“We know how disappointing this was for so many people, who see the IRN BRU Carnival as a key part of their festive celebrations and we received so many messages of support and goodwill.
“Now, in 2021, we are delighted to be back in time for Christmas and returning with all of the old favourite classic rides and attractions – and a few new ones.”
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
The IRN-BRU Carnival has been an iconic part of Glasgow’s festive season for the past century, with generations of families visiting year on year.
The classic stalls - some of which were around at the first Carnival in 1919 - including hook a duck and the coconut shy will return as well as family favourites, including the dodgems, waltzers and sticky wall.
Tickets are now on sale for the IRN-BRU Carnival. Standard entry tickets cost £16, and concession and Young Scot tickets are also available with kids under three going for free. Tickets are available online now here
