Toni James, chair of the festival board, on why you should check out this year’s festival programme.

You can find out just why Toni is so excited on the Tannahill Arts Festival website.

“The experience of Tannahill Arts Festival in 2023 is going to be very different.

“The 2021 Festival was delivered while the pandemic was still altering life, and dictating what we could or couldn’t do.

“I am really quite proud of us. We were among the first arts organisations at that time, to deliver a hybrid festival that included in-person events. The team had to develop stringent Covid protocols of course, but also really embrace the challenge of reimagining what was possible.

“In light of the hardship so many people endured during that time, the work took on even greater significance.  The task was to ensure artists could continue doing the work they love for their audiences, who felt safe and could savour the joy of being immersed in live performances again.

“This year’s festival continues to affirm the sense of magic that happens in those live moments between artist and audience; the very first event is a homage to that in a way.

“Saxophonist Tommy Smith OBE is one of the finest jazz musicians on the planet – he’s played with so many greats, from Chick Corea to Kenny Barron.  This concert for Tannahill Arts Festival will be a special, intimate, contemplative experience for the audience; the artist will explore the relationship between sound and space, letting the music breathe and develop in the natural acoustics of the cavernous Paisley Abbey.  Drawing on tunes from the jazz, folk and praise song traditions, Smith says, “I see [this] as a celebration of melody”.  Speaking to London Jazz News, Smith spoke about the chance to experiment with and explore concerts in churches, abbeys and cathedrals, “because they all have different characteristics and that makes every concert unique”.

“Certainly, this festival has a jazz theme running across its opening two nights!  However, the programme covers so much range stylistically.  Violinist and vocalist Seonaid Aitken’s Ella Fitzgerald homage, exploring the Great American Songbook with her trademark maverick arrangements, will bring distinct glitz, glamour and flirtatiousness to Tannahill.  Well-suited to deliver the musical stylings of Jazz and Hollywood’s golden ages, much like the bankable stars of the era, Seonaid has her very own brand of star power.  Considered one of the most interesting musical artists working in Scotland today, her composing and arranging credits include commissions from the BBC, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

“If the 2023 festival feels a bit starry, that’s because it is. This year also welcomes The Whistlebinkies, pioneers of the Scottish folk revival, with an impressive worldwide following.

“That notwithstanding, from its inception, the organisation has cemented the role it considers to be at the heart of its mission: to support the development of diverse talent.  The organisation offers workshops and training and gives up-and-coming voices a platform.  ‘Script to Stage’ events featured table-readings and performances of new scripts by local writers.  This year, Ivor-Novello-nominated songwriter and national hero Boo Hewerdine brings his critically acclaimed workshop to Paisley for the first time, to work with and inspire a new generation of songwriters.

“Artistic Director Alan Fleming-Baird says these types of tailored, bespoke training opportunities are key for aspiring artists: “all developing artists need access to opportunities that develop their professional skills and networks, and who better than someone who has written songs for Sia, K.D. Lang and Eddi Reader”.  Hewerdine will also adjudicate the festival’s annual young artist competition, this year open to songwriters and named in honour of Paisley arts supporter and stalwart Corbin Miles.

“One area of its activities the organisation hopes to expand in the coming months, is its programming for children and young people. Acknowledging the critical importance of access to creative learning for wider cognitive, social, physical, and psychological benefits, Tannahill takes seriously its role engaging young audiences.

“This year’s festival will host Hopscotch Theatre Company, an organisation with 30+ years of experience at the forefront of professional contemporary theatre for young audiences.  Hopscotch takes its programme of plays, pantomimes and learning projects to communities across Scotland, nurturing young learners and helping them navigate the world.  Local children in Renfrewshire, will be enthralled and delighted by an energetic, interactive and original play that takes them on a journey through the life, music and poetry of the bard Robert Burns with the help of some of his friends.  Campfire Storytelling Club also returns, providing children with the opportunity to create their own stories and characters in a relaxed, low-key and non-intimidating environment.

“Tannahill Arts Festival helps us brush off the winter cobwebs this year, encouraging us to get out and about.  Writer Anne Scriven and her musical collaborators celebrate the new season with their Spring Evening of Word and Song.

“We may need to don winter woollens and bundle up one last time to take The Urban Historian’s new ‘Origins of Paisley’ walking tour, which explores how a once ancient village became Scotland’s largest town!

“Gifted and charismatic wordsmith and Tannahill Arts Festival Makar, Shaun Moore, will bring this year’s smashing festival to a riotous, celebratory conclusion with the hugely popular poetry slam Tanna Slamma Ding Dong 2.  In 2021, the event saw participants from far and wide converge on Callum’s Cavern for a truly breath-taking and uplifting evening of original spoken word.

“Playing a key role in Paisley’s ongoing renaissance, Tannahill Arts Festival has the distinction of appealing to visitors and locals alike; it has a relevant, current and international outlook, while being a local festival for local people that celebrates local people.

“Apt for the season and showing signs of things to come, Tannahill Arts is planting seeds for the future and seems set to grow and grow.”

Do you love listening to opera singers like Pavarotti, but maybe never thought to give it a go yourself? Or you love to sing but have never considered that opera could be for you? Perhaps you’ve only ever sang in the shower!

Paisley Opera is on a mission to unite the community through music and prove absolutely everyone can sing and enjoy opera.

They have a free free taster session on Sunday 5 March (2pm-5pm) at Holy Trinity & St Barnabus Church Hall, Back Sneddon Street, Paisley – your chance to meet new people and see what it’s all about!

Eilidh Riddell is taking part for the first time and she told us a little more:

“I will  be joining Paisley Opera as a newbie from Sunday, but what I do know is that Paisley Opera is a community opera company founded on the principles of making the joy and friendship that opera brings accessible to everyone who is brave enough to come along and try it out.

“They’ve built a community of music lovers who are able to bond over all aspects of life, including singing wonderful music together.

“You can be old or young, you don’t have to be able to read music or do an audition – and the best part is you’ll get the opportunity to sing with a fantastic orchestra and professional opera singers.

Verdi’s Macbeth

“My first experience of singing was in a similar community opera group, which was the entire reason I went on to study music at university. So I’m very excited to join Paisley Opera at the taster session for their production of Verdi’s Macbeth.

“If you know the Shakespeare play that it’s based on, you’ll be familiar with the story. If not, that’s not a problem – we will be singing in a unique ‘Paislean’ translation, as they have done for their previous productions of La Bohème and A Paisley Kiss.

“Verdi’s music is also extremely tuneful (think of The Drinking Song from La Traviata) so I’m sure that by five o’clock, lots of us have the melodies stuck in our heads for quite a wee while!

The Taster Session

“The taster session itself will start at 2pm with an introduction from founder, Simon Hannigan, and members of the team. Then everyone will start to warm up our voices and sing together – easy pace and no pressure!

“Next we’ll split into two groups to start to learn a wee bit of the music from Macbeth with a well-earned tea break in the middle!

“Once we’ve sung in our groups some more, there will be a solo performance from one of our professional singers, and then it’s time to come together to sing what we’ve learned in the afternoon.

“Whether you’re a seasoned opera singer who’s looking for a great performance opportunity in your neighbourhood, or you just fancy coming along to meet new people and see if it’s for you – Paisley Opera will give you a very warm welcome. I’ll definitely be chatting to as many people as I can!

“If you would like to let us know you’ll be there, you can send an email saying just that to register@paisleyopera.org, or feel free to just show up on the day.

“Looking forward to seeing you there!”

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.”

Ingliston Estate and Country Club on the outskirts of Bishopton in Renfrewshire has opened a fully-serviced luxury Motorhome and RV Park (Recreational Vehicle Park) on its grounds, widening its reach as a popular tourist destination.

The Paddocks will feature 30 hard standing pitches complete with water and electric supply as well as access to all the amenities Ingliston has to offer including restaurants, bars, live entertainment and award winning equestrian facilities.

Representing a £500,000 investment, the Park is expected to a minimum of 10 new jobs.

The Park has been designed to be open 365 days per year. Luxury amenities include onsite shower, toilet and washing facilities and a laundry.

Managing Director Paul Fraser said “Ingliston’s location is at the heart of its charm, not just its views, and we hope the new Motorhome and RV Park will open up a new leisure market, which has exploded since the pandemic, that will be of benefit not just to us but the local community.

“As well as an investment in our Estate we’re also passionate about generating investment for the local area, including jobs and the wider economic benefits.

“We believe staycations are here to stay and our existing facilities and entertainment, as well as our accessibility to both Glasgow and Loch Lomond, provide all the attributes needed for a terrific holiday. The Park is now open and we are really looking forward to extending a warm welcome to visitors.”

A family owned business founded in 2007, Ingliston, which spans 100 acres, is a popular all-year destination for visitors, weddings and corporate events with a luxury equestrian centre at its heart.

Development of the RV park was supported with a £10,000 grant award from Renfrewshire Council’s Business Resilience Fund.

Details of prices and to book can be made by calling 01505 864333 (OPTION 4) or from  www.ingliston.com/thepaddocks

The Royal National Mòd will return to Paisley in 2023 and is set to bring thousands of visitors and competitors to the town.

This will be the second time Paisley has hosted Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language and culture, and the town hopes to build on the success of the 2013 festival, which at the time was one of the best attended in the event’s history.

The festival will run from 13 – 21 October 2023 and will feature a range of competitive disciplines including: Gaelic song, poetry, literature, drama, instrumental, Highland dancing and sport.

The main venue will be Paisley Town Hall, currently being transformed as part of a wider investment by Renfrewshire Council in the town’s cultural venues. The reopened venue will keep the historic architecture the venue is known for but will add modern entertainment facilities, and the Mòd will be among the first big events it will hold.

This year the Mòd was hosted in Perth which saw around 2,100 participants from across the world take part in a total of 200 competitions. This included 34 choirs and 900 soloists, with a staggering 200 trophies scooped up over the course of the event.

Around 7,500 people are estimated to have visited Perth for the festival and its thought to have contributed around £1 million to the local economy.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron attended the closing ceremony in Perth to accept the Mòd flag and the official handover of the festival to Paisley.

She said: “It’s an honour to accept the Mòd flag, signalling the return of the Royal National Mòd to Paisley in 2023, exactly ten years after it was last hosted in the town.

“The Mòd promises to be a fantastic celebration of Gaelic culture and heritage and I’m really looking forward to welcoming competitors and visitors to our area.

“Renfrewshire has a rich Gaelic history. There are currently more than 1,500 residents of Renfrewshire who speak, read or write Gaelic, and recently we welcomed the first of many children to our new Gaelic school at West Primary.

“We’ve been working hard alongside An Comunn Gàidhealach and our Local Organising Committee to prepare for the event and further details about the programme will be announced soon.”

Angus Ferguson, Chair of the Local Organising Committee said: “As someone who was on the 2013 Mòd Phaislig committee I’m delighted that An Comunn and Renfrewshire Council have agreed to bring the Mòd back to Paisley. It’s a great honour to be part of the team delivering Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival and I’m confident Mòd Phaislig 2023 will be a fitting showcase of Gaelic language and culture.

“Paisley’s central location and first class transport links make it easily accessible from all parts of the country and the town’s growing reputation as a cultural centre means it’s ideally suited to host the Mòd.

“The town’s performance spaces – including the recently refurbished town hall and the iconic Abbey – are second to none and the proximity of venues to each other will enhance the event for competitors and audiences alike.”

Find out more information about the programme as it is announced at the Renfrewshire Council website.

There are few things better than packing a blanket, some sandwiches, drinks – maybe even a sweet treat or two – and heading out to enjoy a picnic in the sun.

Luckily, Renfrewshire is home to a host of great parks, green spaces and delightful hidden gems where you can unpack and unwind.

Take a closer look at these great places to spend a lunchtime or afternoon with friends and family. 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – Lochwinnoch

Looking for a chilled-out afternoon soaking up the sun and scenery or something more adventurous? Well, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park offers the best of both.

You’ll find lots of beauty spots to enjoy a leisurely picnic, with benches and tables handily located around the park.

You can also book a BBQ site at the park by contacting one of the park rangers. Remember, if you’re bringing your own portable BBQ, make sure to place it on bricks or stones rather than directly onto the grass or picnic table. You don’t want to be damaging the beautiful landscape.

Located in the regional park is Castle Semple Country Park and Castle Semple Loch. Here, visitors can launch their own kayak, canoe, windsurf or join one of the boating clubs to learn skills on the water with fully qualified instructors. The park offers a variety of courses to suit all levels.

Explore the range of things to do at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park here.

Boden Boo & Erskine Beach

Enjoy a picnic on the edge of the River Clyde, under the impressive Erskine Bridge.

Boden Boo and Erskine Beach is a gem of a location, with sandy shores, grassy slopes and picnic benches for you to tuck into a tasty lunch.

The woodlands offer fantastic trails for a leisurely stroll or cycle. There’s also accessible paths ideal for buggies and walking your pet pup too.

Find out more about Boden Boo and Erskine Beach here.

Gleniffer Braes Country Park – Paisley

With outstanding views, Gleniffer Braes Country Park offers fantastic spaces for picnics surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Among the serene spots found within the park is the stunning Craigielinn Waterfall. It’s a particular favourite with locals, visitors to the area and photographers.

Birdwatchers are in for a treat with skylarks, meadow pipits, kestrels, sparrowhawks and many more often spotted at the park. You’re also likely to see some Highland cows grazing the fields during a visit. You might even be lucky enough to spot some deer.

Fancy taking in more sights after your picnic? Renfrewshire Council’s Ranger Service regularly lead guided walks to help you find out more.

Get everything you need to know about Gleniffer Braes here.

Finlaystone Country Estate – Langbank

With around 140 acres of woodlands, Finlaystone Country Estate offers fantastic BBQ and picnic areas.

The attraction is managed by the family of the Chief of the Clan MacMillan, who welcome visitors with open arms to the estate’s beautiful gardens and range of walking trails.

Handy maps can be found at the visitor centre to ensure you don’t get lost around the grounds.

Have a spot of lunch beside trees that are well over 400 years old or take one of the many Ranger-led activities.

There are also brilliant adventure playgrounds to entertain the kids for hours on end.

The estate is open every day of the year from 10am – 5pm, April to September and 10am – 4pm in winter months. It’s located at Langbank, just 10 minutes west of Glasgow Airport.

Find out more about the estate and admissions here.

RSPB Lochwinnoch

Pack a picnic and spend a great day outdoors at the RSPB!

This wetland reserve is another great spot to enjoy some amazing wildlife with the family.

It’s located just 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre by car or train – and close to the Castle Semple visitor centre at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

The reserve is home to an outdoor natural play area, accessible trails, hides, and events suitable for families. Plus there’s daily drop-in kids’ activities from April to October.

While you’re there, see how many different kinds of birds and ducks you can spot around the wetlands.

Find out more about RSPB Lochwinnoch here.

Barshaw Park – Paisley

Located near Paisley town centre, Barshaw Park has lovely scenery and range of great facilities for a fun afternoon out.

Visitors can enjoy children’s play areas, a BMX park, crazy golf and putting (seasonal). There’s a pond used by model boat enthusiasts, outdoor gym, peaceful walled gardens, café and fantastic miniature railway (seasonal).

Barshaw park also has accessible paths and wheelchair accessible swings.

Find out more here.

Fountain Gardens – Paisley

Where can you enjoy a picnic with a view of a Category A-listed fountain containing statues of herons, dolphins and walruses? Paisley of course!

Originally laid out in 1797, Fountain Gardens is Paisley’s oldest public park. The current layout and name dates to the 1860s.

Lined with benches, picnic tables, grassy areas and broad walkways, the park is lots of fun.

All paths lead to the ornate cast-iron Grand Fountain at the centre of the park, which is a popular photo spot for visitors.

Find out more here.

Robertson Park – Renfrew

With a beautiful pond and rich grassy areas, Robertson Park in Renfrew is a pretty location to unpack a picnic.

The park was opened in 1912 as an open space for the children of Renfrew. It was gifted to the Royal Burgh of Renfrew by William Robertson, a successful local businessman.

Today, it continues to offer great amenities and activities for families to enjoy.

Find out more here.

Thomas Shanks Park – Johnstone

Enjoy a picnic in a park steeped in history. Thomas Shanks Park is named after a leading industrialist of the 19th century who owned a company of heavy machine toolmakers – Thomas Shanks and Company.

Thomas’s daughter, Mrs J Polson, gifted the park to the town in the name of her late father for the recreation of the local people of Johnstone.

The park contains play areas, a skateboard ramp and two grass football pitches for visitors to enjoy.

Renfrewshire is such a great place for wildlife spotting thanks to its many country parks and nature reserves.

Whether it’s somewhere to feed the ducks, do a bit of bird watching or ramble past fields with Highland cows, we’ve listed some popular wildlife spots in the area.

Each outdoor attraction also provides beautiful scenery and viewpoints. There’s no reason not to visit!

Tick off your wildlife checklist at these locations below.

Castle Semple Country Park – Lochwinnoch

Located beside the impressive Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch, this country park is home to an abundance of wildlife.

You’ll be able to see a range of animals across the different seasons. Spot otters, roe deer, whooper swans and geese, blue tits and great tits. You may also see some fox and badger cubs in the summer months.

Before you visit, make sure to check out the park’s handy wildlife almanac which details what you might be able to see each month.

Plus, make sure to pop into the visitor centre to see its interesting wildlife and local history exhibitions.

Find out more here.

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve – Lochwinnoch

One of the few wetlands left in the west of Scotland, Lochwinnoch is the perfect place to go birdwatching.

Spring is a particularly special time to see the elaborate displays of the great crested grebes.

In the summer, broods of cygnets and ducklings can be seen on the loch. You’ll also find a wide variety of butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies among the colourful displays of wildflower.

Catch sight of large gatherings of swallows, flocks of redwings and fieldfares, tits, goldcrests and treecreepers in the woodland during Autumn.

Then, in the winter months you can find whooper swans, wigeon and a variety of ducks.

Find out more about the reserve and what you can see here.

Gleniffer Braes Country Park – Paisley

Paisley’s very own country park sits high above the town and boasts some of the best views in Renfrewshire.

Wildlife found here is typical of woodland and moorland. See skylarks, kestrels and sparrowhawks feeding in the treetops along with goldcrest and chaffinches.

Highland cows are regularly seen in the fields. Shy roe deer can also be spotted stepping from the shadows to graze as dusk falls.

Find out more here.

Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve – Paisley

This nature reserve along the White Cart Water is a peaceful haven for wildlife, near Paisley town centre.

Formerly a quarry, the area has been landscaped and has a network of paths. Here, you’ll be able to spot dozens of species of birds, trees and flowers.

With its handy location beside the water, you might even see otters, eels or a kingfisher from the viewing platform overlooking the River Cart.

Find out more about this great location here.

Finlaystone Country Estate – Langbank

Finlaystone is home to approximately 140 acres of beautiful woodlands, including trees estimated to be well over 400 years old.

There’s no fear of getting lost in the varied landscapes as maps and further information is available from the estate’s visitor centre.

You’ll also find a calendar of ranger-led activities designed to promote the natural environment.

Look out for a host of wildlife, including roe deer, fox, grey squirrel, stoat, and a large colony of herons.

Plus, the neighbouring mud flats on the River Clyde are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This is due to their national importance for wintering birds such as redshank, greenshank, oystercatcher, goldeneye and eider.

Regular sightings of birds at the estate include robin, blue tit, great tit, long tailed tit, blackbird, buzzard, jay, kestrel, sparrow hawk, chaffinch, thrush, swallow, house martin, sparrow and tawny owl.

Find out more about the estate and admissions here.

Paisley Moss Nature Reserve – Paisley

Forming part of Glasgow Airport and bounded by motorway slip roads, Paisley Moss is a hidden oasis for wildlife.

The local nature reserve contains ponds, mossy marshes, reeds and sedge beds supporting hundreds of different animals and plants.

Barshaw Park – Paisley

Located not far from Paisley town centre, Barshaw Park has lovely scenery and range of great facilities.

Within the park is a lovely pond, which is used regularly by Paisley Model Yacht club today.

The pond is also popular with visiting swans and dozens can be seen in the water at any one time.

Find out more about the facilities at Barshaw Park here.

Robertson Park – Renfrew

With a beautiful pond located within the grounds, Robertson Park in Renfrew is a perfect place to go and feed the ducks.

With great grassy areas, playgrounds, a BMX course and skatepark, there’s more than just wildlife to enjoy on a family trip here.

Find out more about Robertson Park here.

You don’t need to book a holiday or head off to the coast to enjoy the beach. There’s a perfect spot to take the family for a sunny day out in Renfrewshire!

Located on the banks of the River Clyde, beneath the Erskine Bridge, is a hidden gem called Boden Boo and Erskine Beach. Here, you’ll find a glorious sandy beach and grassy slopes to relax and unwind.

Offering stunning views down the water, this playful spot is ideal for kids, adults and dogs with fantastic woodlands and picnic areas.

Boden Boo is great for enjoying some sun, sand and paddling, but it’s important to be careful around the water and be aware of strong currents and tides. Families should make sure that children aren’t left unattended when playing in the water.

In addition to the beach, you’ll find two miles of trails for easy walking and cycling. There’s also accessible paths for buggies.

To get to Boden Boo, take the turn-off on the A726, just off the south end of the Erskine Bridge. The nearest post code is PA8 6AX if using a SatNav. Parking at the site car park is free.

You’ll also find lot of places to eat, drink and shop, and public toilets, at nearby Erskine and Bishopton.

Plus, Boden Boo is part of the Clyde Walkway – a 55-km trail from Glasgow’s west end to the New Lanark World Heritage site. The trail allows visitors to discover more of the River Clyde, natural attractions and communities along the route.

Find out more here https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/boden-boo

Music and arts journalist and broadcaster Nicola Meighan takes a look Paisley’s popular The Spree festival, which is back with another brilliant line-up this September.

In 2012, Paisley’s cultural stomping ground was shaken up thanks to a new music, arts and comedy festival called The Spree. Since then, it’s revelled in the town’s history, landscape and architecture, bringing homegrown stars like The Twilight Sad, Paolo Nutini, Justin Currie and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to Paisley Abbey, and global icons like Martha Reeves and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi to Paisley Town Hall.

The Spree’s kaleidoscopic crowning glory is its glorious Salon Perdu Spiegeltent in the town centre, which has become the festival’s lively, yet cosy and intimate home in recent years, hosting – among many others – The Bluebells, Arab Strap, The Rezillos and Kathryn Joseph, and all of 2022’s shows will take place under its picturesque canvas.

This year’s programme reflects Paisley’s touchstones of tradition and innovation (Highlands and Islands folk rock favourites Tide Lines play on September 1), its folk roots (Fife’s Barbara Dickson and Rab Noakes – both enduring collaborators and friends of Gerry Rafferty – are set to bring their treasure trove of songs to life on September 7), and its punk exuberance (Glasgow pop livewire Clare Grogan and Altered Images are live on September 9, replete with a new album under their belts), and the town is set to sing out with Scottish music, old and new.

Elsewhere on 2022’s eclectic bill, there’s a chance to see three of the UK’s most influential and best-loved songwriters joining forces. Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Bernard Butler (Suede, McAlmont & Butler), and James Grant (Love and Money) will take to the stage on September 5, performing work from their seminal back catalogues, and no doubt some surprises too.

There’s more indie / classic ‘90s kicks thanks to Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon and Oscar who come armed with ‘The Riverboat Song’, ‘The Day We Caught The Train’ and myriad gems on September 2 – and their band’s deep-seated love of ‘60s counter-culture resonates throughout that weekend, as local charity LNP Productions’ ModStuff bring their all-dayer on September 3, featuring an array of Northern Soul and Mod acts, along with – of course – a Scooter ride out.

For far-flung kicks, West African / Saharan collective and Grammy Award winners Tinariwen are set to raise the Spiegeltent roof with their unmissable fusion of trailblazing world music and soulful desert blues on September 4, which is their only Scottish date this year.

True to its name, The Spree offers a dizzying wealth of music, but there’s also the popular comedy strand which welcomes multiple Scottish comedy award-winner Susie McCabe. A former construction worker who started out in stand-up as a dare, McCabe brings her glorious musings to Paisley on September 10 (alongside Manchester rock rabble Slow Readers Club), weaving narratives as rich and colourful – and entertaining – as Paisley itself.

Nicola Meighan is a music and arts journalist and broadcaster (The Herald, STV, BBC Scotland). She presents the Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Scotland, every Friday, 2-4pm.

Find out more about Paisley’s rich music story with our film below.