Back in 1975, Glasgow pulled out all the stops to celebrate its 800th anniversary with a festival that at the time was billed as the 'greatest celebration the city has ever seen'.
800 years had passed since Glasgow became a Burgh of the Barony, which entitled a market to be held on Thursdays and for the collection of tolls and market dues from all the goods entering the town. And that needed celebrating, in some style.
The festival, which was held in May of that year, featured a calendar full of special events, exhibitions, concerts, contests and more.
With every schoolkid in the city was given a special 'Glasgow 800' mug to take home with them, featuring a fantastically retro looking design incorporating the fish, bell, bird and tree from Glasgow's coat of arms.
Famously, the Wombles were booed off the park at half-time at Hampden during a friendly fixture between Scotland and Portugal as part of the celebrations, one of a whole host of sporting events including the Glasgow Cup final between Rangers and Celtic, a Glasgow Schools '800' football competition alongside bowling, boxing, table tennis, swimming, chess and netball tournaments.
With a packed entertainment calendar for people to enjoy as the city blew out the candles, residents could go see performances by a Military Band concert at the Kelvin Hall, a Highland Gathering at Scotstoun, the Scottish National Orchestra at Glasgow Cathedral, Lulu at the Pavilion Theatre and a 'very special surprise' at the Apollo alongside big name jazz groups at locations throughout the city.
There was an art exhibition and contest on the subject of 'Glasgow and the Clyde' (with a £500 prize), as well exhibitions ranging from from the comprehensive '800 years of Glasgow history' at the People's Palace to a history of trade and work at the Trades Hall, a Scottish Opera exhibition at the Scottish Design Centre and an exhibition on the work of painter Joan Eardley at the Third Eye Centre.
City districts held their own celebrations featuring music, drama, comedy, open days, the election of gala queens and sports events, while free public lectures invited residents to find out about topics such as 'Old buildings in the city up to the 18th century'.
In terms of special events, a Lord's Provost's Procession saw a cavalcade of floats depicting historical aspects of Glasgow make its way from Kelvin Way to Glasgow Green, while a fireworks display and 'ox-roasting' ceremony took place on Glasgow Green, alongside a celebration ball, cabaret and buffet in the City Chambers and aquatic events on the River Clyde featuring rowing regattas and canoes.
What's on in Glasgow? From gigs to festivals, pop ups to top club nights, keep up to date with the latest events by joining our What's On Facebook group .
