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Renfrewshire is set to host a spectacular programme of major events across 2023.
This year’s programme will feature the return of the Royal National Mòd to Paisley. Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic culture and heritage will take place in October – exactly 10 years after the town first staged the revered event.
Mòd Phàislig 2023 is expected to bring thousands of visitors and competitors to the area for a range of competitions, as well as a Mòd fringe festival of events across nine days.
Organised by Renfrewshire Council, the area’s major events programme begins with the popular Paisley Food and Drink Festival on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 April.
The two-day event will see a tantalising offer of top street food from across Scotland, fantastic local traders, live music, workshops and more against the stunning backdrop of Paisley Abbey.
This will be followed by the annual Renfrew and Barshaw Gala Days on Sunday 4 June and Saturday 17 June.
Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebration is one of the world’s oldest workers’ festivals and will take place on Saturday 1 July.
The holiday takes its name from a famous dispute between the local shawl weavers and manufacturers in the 19th century and is held on the first Saturday in July to mark the time of year when the weavers and their families would traditionally take their holidays.
Summer will also see the return of the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition, which takes place at Robertson Park on Saturday 22 July.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore hidden gems and fascinating venues in the area during a full weekend of fun at Renfrewshire Doors Open Days on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September.
The Mòd Phàislig 2023 programme will take place at venues across Paisley from Friday 13 – Saturday 21 October.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Mòd festival will feature a range of competitive disciplines, including Gaelic song, poetry, literature, drama, instrumental, Highland dancing and sport.
The Mòd fringe will see a range of events to enjoy, including activities for children and families, at venues around the town centre alongside the main festival programme.
Widely regarded as one of the best events of its kind in the UK, Paisley Halloween Festival will return with a spine-tingling programme of thrills and frights for all the family in October.
There will be lots of family fun to bring in the festive season with Paisley’s Christmas town centre activity across December and Christmas Lights Switch-On events in Renfrew on Saturday 25 November and Johnstone on Saturday 2 December.
Louisa Mahon, Head of Marketing, Communications and Events for Renfrewshire Council, said: “We look forward to hosting another year of thrilling events for locals and visitors to enjoy.
“Renfrewshire has firmly established itself as a key destination on Scotland’s events map and the programme is part of a wider plan to attract visitors and drive footfall to our town centres and villages.
“We’re also thrilled that the Royal National Mòd will return this year, marking the second time we have hosted this event, and the opportunities it will provide for local communities to come together, learn and celebrate the importance of Gaelic language and culture.”
