Go Live! Official Fan Zone - George Square
Find out more about all the events happening at the Go Live! Official Fan Zone at the heart of the action in George Square, Glasgow.
Go Live! George Square
George Square will be the location for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships’ official fan area, hosting the road race finishes and their medal ceremonies too.
Throughout every day of the event the city’s civic square will be transformed into a venue showcasing the best of Glasgow’s and Scotland’s music scene, including contributions from Celtic Connections, Piping Live, Glasgow Mela and many other great bands.
It will also have opportunities for people to come and try different sports and food and drink offerings - so come and join us!
What's On
Explore the full programme of events happening at the Official Go Live! Fan Zone at George Square, Glasgow
Opening Ceremony [17:00-20:00]
Join us for an evening of celebration featuring a community cycling procession, spoken word, dance and a performance from KT Tunstall. Open to all and free to attend, make sure you don’t miss the opening celebrations for the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships!
The People’s Peloton community cycling procession will feature cycling groups from across Scotland including the Scottish Deaf Cycling Club and Cycling Without Age.
Various Spoken Word artists including Courtney Stoddart and Chris Dolan.
A one-time-only performance from our mega choir, The Velocity Voices, made up of choirs from across Glasgow including Voice of the Town and Scottish Opera’s Community Choir.
Be-spoke (get it?) music performances from familiar faces such as Frances Thorburn (River City).
And a headline performance from KT Tunstall!
Open to all and free to attend, get down early to save your spot.
Gates 16:00, Event Starts 17:00.
The Afrowegian Soundsystem presents… [12:10 – 12:50]
Major Taylor ‘The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World’. A spectacular audio-visual revue of the life and times of ‘Major’ Marshall Taylor - the world’s first black sporting superstar. Featuring live performances from Courtney Stoddart, Mark Tremaine, AiiTee and Ally MacInnes.
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Find out more about The Afrowegian Soundsystem
Navegantes [13:10-13:50]
Navegantes is a six-piece band led by Brazilian singer and songwriter Ligia Auter. With a fusion of Jazz, Brazilian Popular Music, Hip hop, and R&B, Navegantes rocks the audience into a tropical, fun, and dancing dimension.
Find out more about Navegantes
Aiitee [14:10 – 14:40]
AiiTee is an up & coming Nigerian-born singer-songwriter based in Scotland whose albums have been nominated for Scottish Album of the Year in 2021 and 2022. AiiTee’s style is a unique blend of Afrobeat, Soul, Gospel and R&B.
The Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble [15:05-15:50]
Glaswegian musician, producer and DJ and Rebecca Vasmant, leads a Live Ensemble featuring some of the movers and shakers of the new Scottish jazz scene. Their sound tells a love story to Scotland, and the wonderful talents happening in the beautiful country, through ethereal and floating textures.
Find out more about The Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble
Brontës [16:10- 16:50]
Five-Piece Indie Rock band Brontës are bringing a fresh sound to the Scottish music scene, with influences from artists such as Foals and Talking Heads; the band have cultivated an alternative funky feel.
AKU! [17:10-18:10]
AKU! make a powerful statement when they perform, generating sound with saxophone and trombone trading between the roles of a rhythm section and highly intense drums. Fusing together the genres of noise-rock, afrobeat and hip-hop AKU! follow in the footsteps of artists including Death Grips, Sons of Kemet, Fela Kuti and The Thing.
Samson Sounds [18:30- 19:50]
Groove travelling four-piece, exploring Afro and Latin rhythms, global bass music and beyond... Samson Sounds are Glasgow-based creators of positive dancefloor vibrations. Using a combination of live vocals, guitar, percussion and brass with electronic musicality, they bring a wide range of grooves and energy into any situation. Their unique stage presence and uplifting performances will never fail to bring smiles to faces and motion to bodies!
Artists in Communities presents Glasgow Barons and Mairi Morrison
Glasgow Life Artists in Communities is a programme which aims to transform lives through engagement and participation in creative and cultural activity. Our two performances today are from SUMBOY, a band formed through the project with support from The Glasgow Barons, and Mairi Morrison, an Artist who helps to deliver the project.
Sumboy: [11:50- 12:20]
SUMBOY is a 4-piece collective consisting of lead singer Hawaii Fivo, lead guitarist Craig Paterson, Bass player Mick Mcgill and drummer Drew Cox. Together they create a combination of Hip Hop funk, peppered with wavy guitars and high choruses, and a sprinkle of Glaswegian storytelling.
Find out more about Glasgow Barons and Sumboy
Mairi Morrison: [12:40- 13:10]
Màiri Morrison is an actress, playwright and singer from the Isle of Lewis who carries her Gaelic upbringing in her heart and her voice. Today, Mairi plays with Alasdair Roberts, renowned Scottish guitarist and singer, hailing from Scottish folk lineage, as the son of former folk guitarist (and musical partner of Dougie MacLean) Alan Roberts.
Find out more about Mairi Morrison
Celtic Connections Presents…
Celtic Connections, Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival, will host an exceptional day of entertainment at George Square. Welcoming the world to Scotland every January, the 18-day event is renowned as Europe’s largest winter music festival, and today the festival is set to showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical experts alongside international guests.
Amy Laurenson: [13:30- 14:10]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year 2023 Amy Laurenson is a pianist from the Shetland Isles. Rooted in the traditional music of Shetland, Amy explores the music of her homeland alongside traditional and folk music from Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia. Growing up surrounded by classical music, she has developed a unique style which fuses traditional, classical and jazz elements.
Find out more about Amy Laurenson
Beth Malcolm Trio: [14:30-15:10]
Beth Malcolm is a singer-songwriter and keyboard player from Perth. Beth’s music is folk-inspired, and she sings a mix of traditional, modern and self-penned Scots songs. In 2022, Beth won BBC MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year. “Judging by this debut, a glowing future beckons” The Scotsman
Find out more about Beth Malcolm Trio
Assynt: [15:30-16:10]
Award winning instrumental folk trio ‘Assynt’ are former BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year finalists, Graham Mackenzie (fiddle) and David Shedden (pipes/whistles) alongside BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Innes White (guitar). Inspired by the great piping, fiddle and Gaelic traditions of the Highlands of Scotland, Assynt’s self-penned melodies are “refreshingly contemporary” (Folk Radio UK) while remaining true to the music traditions they are rooted in.
Paul McKenna Band: [16:30- 17:10]
Scotland’s Paul McKenna has long been ranked among our finest younger singers and songwriters, armed with a powerful yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience. He and his band – Robbie Greig (fiddle), Conal McDonagh (pipes/whistles), Conor Markey (banjo/bouzouki/guitars) and Ewan Baird (percussion) – draw on both Scottish and Irish roots, in a dynamic, full-bodied array of original and traditional material.
Find out more about Paul McKenna Band
Alogte Oho and his Sounds Of Joy: [17:30- 18:30]
Hailing from northern Ghana, Alogte Oho is a highly popular gospel singer described by The Guardian as both “remarkable” and “joyous”. His Sounds of Joy include a two-woman choir, a fruity horn section and some delicious vintage keyboards. Growing up in the rainforest of southern Ghana, all Alogto ever dreamt of was to join the church choir. When he turned thirteen, he did so and quickly ascended to stardom as a Frafra-Gospel artist.
Find out more about Alogte Oho and his Sounds Of Joy
Valtos & Guests: [18:50-19:50]
Valtos are a Scottish-Electronic duo comprised of Isle of Skye natives Martyn MacDonald and Daniel Docherty. Finding inspiration in both the traditional music and breath-taking beauty of their home, the self-titled album hosts a range of musicians synonymous with the Highlands and Islands, alongside the new generation of highland Talent.
Michael McGovern & Scott C. Park: [16-40- 17:20]
Michael McGovern and Scott C. Park collaborate for a one-off show at this year's UCI Cycling World Championships. Backed by a band, it will be a collaborative reimagining of their recent work, with subtle roots arrangements and adorned with rich vocal harmonies.
Find out more about Micheal McGovern & Scott C.Park
Mischa MacPherson and friends [17:40-18:25]
Lewis-born singer Mischa Macpherson has scooped several major UK folk awards – a fitting testament to her music’s ‘pure-distilled expressiveness and radiant vitality’. Named Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards and BBC Radio 2’s Young Folk Award Winner, she has toured across Europe, Canada and Australia. ‘An artist of deep sensitivity [and] fresh, young, vibrant perspective’ (Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2)
Find out more about Mischa MacPherson
The Siobhan Miller Band [18:45- 19:50]
One of Scotland’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller has earned numerous accolades, including four BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards' Scots Singer of the Year titles and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track. Siobhan's unique vocal style has been honed through collaborations with many of Scotland's top musicians, including Eddi Reader, Kris Drever & Phil Cunningham.
String Ninjas [16:35- 17:15]
Belfast-Based Instrumental Duo String Ninjas are made up of fingerstyle Guitarist Gavin Ferris & Electric Violinist Mick Conlon. There may only be two in the band, but their sound is as big as their personalities. Gavin takes care of the Rhythm, Bass & Harmony thanks to his virtuosic and percussive guitar style, while Mick handles the bulk of the melody lines thanks to his classical training and desire to sound like Hendrix on Violin!
Find out more about String Ninjas
Kitti [17:35-18:20]
Kitti is a singer/songwriter born in the heart of Paisley who takes massive influence from great artists like Chaka Khan & Rufus, Aretha Franklin and Betty Davis, and her live shows and recent recordings ooze complete authenticity and individuality. She promises an electric experience that engages all the senses and leaves you feeling exhilarated and inspired.
CAFOLLA: [18:40- 19:50]
For the last 10 years CAFOLLA has fronted the award-winning ‘Federation of the Disco Pimp'. During this time he has shared the stage with the likes of Nile Rodgers & CHIC, George Clinton & Parliament, Grandmaster Flash and Sister Sledge to name but a few. “They are a band that you could legitimately claim are a Jools Holland appearance away from being a stadium act with a shelf awaiting a healthy collection of Ivor Novello awards with room left over for a couple of Mercury ones too.”
Glasgow Mela Presents an afternoon of exciting new collaborations from Naad-Hara, Turas and Beinn Nan Gall
Beinn Nan Gall [14:00-14:30]
Beinn Nan Gall translates to Mountain of the Stranger. This performance is a meeting place for two cultures - musical performance inspired by Gaelic melodies, Asian ragas and percussion and Scottish country dancing. Beat makers Hammy Sgìth and Farhad Ahmed heavily sample from their respective heritages and use modern dance music to provide a backdrop for reworked traditional melodies and rhythms from Scotland and South Asia. Cèilidh caller Evie Waddel teaches the crowd the dances. The performance seeks to engender a feeling of Scottish-South-Asian-ness, based on shared experiences, good music and The Craic.
Turas [14:45-15:15]
Turas, meaning "journey" in Gaelic, is a captivating band that beautifully weaves together the diverse cultures of Scotland, Australia, and India. This dynamic ensemble consists of five immensely talented individuals, each an established artist in their own realm. Noel Eadie, Anna Murray, Suhas Mitra, Eilidh Young, and Hardeep Deerhe take listeners on a transformative voyage, skilfully incorporating the rich tapestry of their respective cultures.
Naad-Hara [15:30-16:00]
‘Naad-hara’ sees the coming together of five equally accomplished musicians and singers from India and Scotland. Boldly fusing together their rich traditions of folk music with cultural integrity and an adventurous musical streak, the quintet draw on the depths and individuality of the two cultures and combine them with new compositions and improvisation through song, tunes and soundscape.
Find out more about Glasgow Mela
Rise Kagona’s Jit Jive Duo [16:20 -17:10]
Rise Kagona is the founder and lead guitarist of the world-famous band from Zimbabwe, The Bhundu Boys, which toured the world in the 80s and 90s. Flowing through his music are infectious Jiti rhythms, which in his duo are played by Ugandan-born Andy Cooke. The Jit Jive Duo are collaborating with Ubuntu Vibes (Afro-inspired dancers Raquel Ribes Miro and Beti Mencal) to bring Rise's songs to life through dance. This is high quality African music and dance that brings joy to his audiences!
Find out more about Rise Kagona’s Jit Jive Duo
Brownbear [17:30- 18:25]
Brownbear are an indie-soul outfit fronted by award winning songwriter, Matthew Hickman. Their latest album "Demons” is a beautiful collection of tracks with heartfelt meaning behind every lyric, delivered with incredible emotion and is jam packed with melodies that are sure to be stuck in your head for weeks.
The Joy Hotel [18:45- 19:45]
The Joy Hotel is not so much a band as an experience. The Glasgow 7 piece brings a rolling musical thunder of influences to record and stage that may sound unknown and simultaneously familiar, and impossible to pin down. The call and response vocal exchanges and layered harmonies that evoke Laurel Canyon are at the centre of The Joy Hotel’s sound with a swirl of guitar, keys, singing bass lines.
Sacred Paws [16:35- 17:15]
Sacred Paws have a natural inclination not to take things too seriously and you can hear it in the light touch they bring to their music, a jangly blend of indie-pop full of fizzing world rhythms and bright horns. Shimmering guitar riffs dance between snappy beats and swooning melodies that will have crowds committing to far more than a simple head-bob. Catch them performing songs from their SAY Award-winning debut album Strike a Match and acclaimed follow-up Run Around the Sun.
Find out more abut Sacred Paws
Hamish Hawk [17:35- 18:20]
Hamish Hawk is an artist who bounces between scepticism and wonder, who alchemises the quotidian, who is engaged in a constant quest to outwit and outflank the ordinary. His songs are filmic and romantic, blending wit, wisdom, resignation and beauty with a kind of sceptical joie de vivre, delivered in a rich baritone that has drawn comparisons to everyone from Jarvis Cocker to Scott Walker. A singer of style and guile peddling accessible intelligence: what’s not to love?
Find out more about Hamish Hawk
Transatlantic Ensemble play Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours [18:40- 19:50]
The Transatlantic Ensemble visit Glasgow for the first time to perform Fleetwood Mac's iconic 'Rumours' album & loads of other FMac classics. If you’ve been lucky enough to see them take the roof off at any of their past shows then you'll already know just how wonderful they are. If you're a fan of the album, this stunning performance by this incredible ensemble is quite simply something you cannot afford to miss.
Join us at the Square from 11:00-15:30 for Family Day – with lots of entertainment to get your toes tapping, hips shaking and hands crafting!
Unicorn Dance Party [11:15 – 12:00 and 14:25-15:10]
Sparkling unicorns Melody and Luna are looking for new pals, and they’ve heard there are some unicorns in your area! They’re throwing the best dance party ever - join them to shake your tails and move and groove to some rockin’ jams! With glittering costumes and visual pizazz, this interactive outdoor show will unlock the joy within us all.
Find out more about the Unicorn Dance Party
Be Bop Bairns [12:15 – 13:00]
Do your kids like to sing and dance? Be Bop Bairns returns for more fun party games, tik-tok dance offs and general madness! Expect to play musical statues, musical bumps and singalong to your favourite songs from the movies and pop charts. Dressing up/costumes are very much encouraged!
Find out more about Be Bop Bairns
Awkward Family Portraits [13:20-14:10]
Awkward Family Portraits have been dishing out rockin’ roots music to the streets of Glasgow since 2016. With a roguish charm and signature style that elevates them far above the dusty stereotypes of the genre, AFP are a band that have one central goal and that is to get you to abandon all of the outside world’s hang-ups and move!
Find out more about Awkward Family Portraits
Brenda [16:35-17:05]
BRENDA is Apsi, Litty, Flore. Drums, discordant guitar, dreamy synth. Tunes. Glasgow. Post-punk, synth-pop. BRENDA is every woman you’ve ever seen, met, heard, enjoyed, feared, laughed at, regretted falling out with. BRENDA listens to, is influenced by, wants to be the Slits. The Roaches. ESG. The Pixies. The Eagles. Prince. Stealing Sheep. Jockstrap. The Fall. Depeche Mode. Yazoo. Beach Boys.
Pictish Trail [17:25-18:25]
Throughout his career Pictish Trail has resolutely furrowed his own path, steadily creating a unique catalogue of recordings & performances, while eschewing the blueprint of the predictable singer-songwriter in favour of something untidily intriguing. Island Family is the fifth album from Isle-of-Eigg-dwelling electro-acoustic psych-pop artist. A strange, unpredictable, sardonic and yet deeply personal record inspired by all from Fever Ray to The Flaming Lips, Liars, Mercury Rev and Beck.
Find out more about Pictish Trail
Walt Disco [18:45-19:45]
2022 was a breakthrough year for Glasgow’s experimental art-pop clan Walt Disco; propelling them on their mission to push musical boundaries, celebrate the outsider, free audiences from an uncertain world and inspire people to be their favourite selves. The world welcomed Walt Disco with their arms wide open and the gang have taken their futuristic new-wave show all over, thrilling audiences at festivals like Glastonbury and SXSW.
Piping Live Presents…
Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band [12:30- 13:15]
Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band were formed in 2017 and in that same year they won the debut category at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships. In 2019 they were crowned Scottish Champions and runners up at the World Pipe Band Championships. In 2022 they were placed 3rd at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships and 4th at the Worlds.
Find out more about Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band
Assynt [13:45- 14:30]
Award winning instrumental folk trio ‘Assynt’ have come to be recognised for their tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing blended with intricate guitar lines and grooves. Their second studio release ‘Where From Here’ was described as “breathtakingly wonderful” by FolkWorld.
Ailis Sutherland and Laura Wilkie [15:00- 15:45]
Piper Ailis Sutherland and fiddle player Laura Wilkie take delight in following each other’s lead to create a thrilling blend of close unison and parallel harmony. Unafraid to dig in, Laura’s daring style compliments the pipes with a resonant flare. Take in their laid-back swing and eager drive in old melodies and fresh tunes.
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Find out more about Ailis Sutherland and Laura Wilkie
Malin Makes Music [16:15 – 17:00]
Malin Lewis is a queer bagpiper, fiddler, instrument maker and award-winning composer. One of Scotland’s most exciting innovators, Malin melds tradition with electronics on a unique newly invented, self-made bagpipe. Hair tingling, philosophical and dance inducing melodies inspired by European folk traditions, humans, queerness and the universe.
Find out more about Malin Makes Music
Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band [17:30- 18:15]
Established in 1880, the Canterbury Caledonian Society is one of the strongest Scottish Cultural Societies in New Zealand. Based in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, the Canterbury Caledonian Society has a strong membership base, and includes sections for Highland & National Dancing, Scottish Country Dancing, Collections & Archives, 4 Pipe Bands and a College of Piping & Drumming.
Find out more about the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band
Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton Trio [18:45 – 19:30]
Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton have a long history of mutual musical roots. The duo also started their musical careers with the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band at a very young age and have gone on to play in many leading Scottish bands including Treacherous Orchestra, Old Blind Dogs, Shooglenifty and Capercaillie. The trio is completed by Jenn Butterworth, one of the most notable folk guitarists in the UK acoustic music scene.
The Niche Family [12:00-12:45]
The Niche Family, are a band originating from Rutherglen and Toronto. Former members of the Glasgow Freak Folk ensemble, The Hoojamamas, brothers Stuart and Andrew Neil, alongside Lauren Thompson, started performing as The Niche Family following an impromptu jam session. Recently, they have expanded their lineup to include Aberdeen folk singer Adam Thom on banjo and Scott McPherson of The Black Denims on Bass, enriching their live performances.
Find out more about the Niche Family
Surge Festival - Beautiful Bones Grand Finale (13:00 – 18:15)
Embrace the exhilaration! Join us in casting aside all fear. Witness the spectacle as the ominous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Dogs of Doom are rendered powerless by your sheer abandonment. We invite you to revel in a celebration of your own existence led by our trombone orchestra and the Scottish All Star Brass Band.
Find out more about Surge Festival
Massaoke [18:30-19:45]
Massaoke Scotland makes a welcome return to George Square. If you were part of the 5,000 crowd at the 2018 European Championships who witnessed the singalong sensation, you will know what to expect! A live band play singalong anthems with the words on a big screen. A mass singalong that has played some of Scotland's biggest festivals and venues. This is NOT karaoke! This IS Massaoke!
SURGE FESTIVAL - BEAUTIFUL BONES GRAND FINALE [16:45-18:15]
Immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor arts as SURGE Festival 2023 guarantees an indelible experience. Unshackle your inhibitions and embrace a celebration of life, creativity, and the unexpected. Beautiful Bones finale – 16:45-18:15. See listing for Friday 11 August.
Find out more about Surge Festival
Colonel Mustard & the Dijon 5 [18:35-19:35]
The ultimate festival band and Barrowland-Hall-of-Famers, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 are renowned for their genre-hopping, yellow pollen count of happiness, with shiny disco ball hats, crowd participation, fun and laughter at the heart of their live performances. From Glasgow to Korea, Inverness to Donegal and everywhere in between, they are a party at its most outrageous and ridiculous. Expect the unexpected in the Dijonverse.
Kinnaris Quintet [17:00-18:00]
Uplifting, fresh, honest and powerful music…created by three fiddles, mandolin and guitar. Expect influences of Trad Scottish and Irish, Bluegrass, Old-Time, Classical, Appalachian, Scandinavian music, harmonies, energy, and drive.
Find out more about Kinnaris Quintet
Tom McGuire & the Brassholes [18:20-19:35]
Tom McGuire & the Brassholes are a funk soul powerhouse from Glasgow. Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft and untouchable in live performance, the band is carving a niche of their own. Their music is full of vitality, the sound of a new niche being cut, classic pop sensibility with high musicianship values and rewarding arrangement and rich production. All told hyper distilled and delivered in finely honed funk pop parcels of aesthetic joy.
