Mardi Gras returns to Glasgow’s West End

SCOTLAND’S biggest “Mardis Gras” event is to make a return to its traditional home this year.

Glasgow's Mardi Gras. Picture: Jane Barlow

Byres Road in Glasgow will be closed off for the event for the first time in five years to help mark the 18th birthday of the West End Festival in June.

Funding problems involved in paying for the road closures led to a scale-down parade being moved off the thoroughfare and into Kelvingrove Park. This was axed completely last year.

However festival organisers say additional support from funders such as Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council and local businesses has meant the event can now return to Byres Road.

It is hoped around 80,000 
attend this year’s parade, which was a popular annual highlight of the festival since its inception in 1996.

Festival chair Liz Scobie said: “We asked for help and got it which shows how much affection there is in the community for the Byres Road parade. The festival brings everyone out to have fun with friends and neighbours and it’s impossible to put a price on that.

“Securing funding for the 2013 Mardi Gras was hugely important for the city.”

This year’s West End Festival runs from 31 May-30 June and includes more than 400 events.