Finnieston’s traditional music bars feature in a major new campaign to attract UK tourists to Glasgow.
The Ben Nevis Bar, The Snaffle Bit, The Islay Inn and the Park Bar are said to be must-visit places for music fans.
A 48-hour guide for music tourists sets out an itinerary of suggested places to stay and see, and things to do.
It says of offerings in the West End: “If you want to stumble upon trad and folk musicians jamming in Scottish bars, then head to Finnieston.
“Here you’ll find a quartet of Scottish bars that you can easily walk between … each known for their trad sessions and fine whisky selections.”
The information is hosted on the city’s premier tourism portal peoplemakeglasgow.com.
The site also contains listings on the city’s music venues.
It says of Òran Mór on Byres Road: “Housed in a former church, Òran Mór is a beautiful bar, restaurant and venue with ornate decor throughout.
Graced
“Enjoy live music with previous musicians having graced the stage including Amy Winehouse and The Proclaimers.”
Yorkhill venue SWG3 and Great Western Road bar The Hug and Pint are also listed.
The campaign ‘Glasgow: Music Nonstop’ has been developed by Glasgow Life’s destination marketing team.
Backed by £90,000 from VisitScotland’s Destination and Sector Marketing Fund, it aims to position Glasgow as a first-choice short break destination for music fans.
Pre-Covid, Glasgow hosted an average of 130 gigs and music events every week, contributing an estimated £75m each year to the city’s economy.
Digital and social media advertising will target visitors from across the UK, drawing people to the online guide and content.
Officials hope the drive will see an upturn in people coming to the city to experience its musical heritage.
Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow enjoys a global reputation as a live music hotspot.
"Our venues punch well above their weight internationally – our OVO Hydro is regularly named in the world’s top five arenas – and the passion and enthusiasm of our audiences is unrivalled.
“We’re also home to some outstanding tours and visitor experiences, which delve deep into our city’s vast musical legacy.
Glasgow enjoys a global reputation as a live music hotspot.
Councillor David McDonald
“It’s these credentials that make Glasgow a must-play destination for the world’s biggest artists and promoters, and it’s a major reason why visitors choose to come here.”
Jim Clarkson, Regional Leadership Director (West), VisitScotland, said: “The Destination and Sector Marketing Fund money awarded to Glasgow Life for Glasgow: Music Nonstop will help to accelerate the sustainable recovery of the tourism sector in the Glasgow City Region in the medium to long-term, helping to reach new audiences within the domestic market.”
Piero Marcuccilli, lead singer of Voodoos, who are part of the campaign, said: “From my time playing and attending gigs, I can safely say there’s no better place for a gig than Glasgow.
“The crowds are always electric and the atmosphere tops everywhere else in the UK – I’m sure even all the top artists would agree.
“There’s something different about Glasgow crowds and it’s one of the main things that inspired me to get into music.”
