Eighties legend Billy Ocean, Motown superstars Sister Sledge and American hip hop trio De La Soul will play Glasgow's open-air Kelvingrove Bandstand in June, as part of a three-day celebration concluding the city's annual West End Festival.
The West End Festival 'Fiesta' will run over three days - Fri 24, Sat 25 and Sun June 26 - and will feature support from a host of Scottish bands and DJ's, as well as a gourmet street-food market, craft beers and a cocktail bar courtesy of Glasgow’s Laneways Collective.
Gates will open each day from 3pm. Tickets go on sale on Friday April 29 at 9am, priced from £29.50 (www.westendfiesta.co.uk).
Fiesta Organiser Ricky Scowler said: "The West End Festival Fiesta is designed to be much more than just a series of gigs. We wanted to create something really special to round off the West End Festival and to bring the Kelvingrove Bandstand to life in spectacular style."
He added: "Who doesn’t love Billy Ocean, De La Soul or Sister Sledge. They are true legends and we can't wait to see them on stage here in Glasgow, supported by some of Scotland's finest local talent."
Billy Ocean, currently in the midst of UK tour, said, "I love Scotland and can't wait to play the Kelvingrove Bandstand as part of the Fiesta weekend. I have been lucky enough to play a lot of cool venues, but this place looks pretty special. It's going to be a great party, that's for sure. "
The West End Festival is Glasgow’s largest multi-cultural event and will run from Friday 3rd June, concluding with the West End Festival Fiesta on June 24th, 25th and 26th.
Earlier this week, it was announced Glasgow Indie pop band Belle and Sebastian are to play a series of shows at the festival.
The group will perform between June 10 and 15 before heading to the Royal Albert Hall for two sell-out concerts on June 22 and 23.
Two special events, both free, are also taking place at the Kelvingrove Bandstand: ‘Summer Arts Community Stage’.
On 5 June, arts groups from across Glasgow’s north west will take to the stage - from samba drumming to joyous singing, upbeat dance to fresh young theatre.
Then on June 18, 'a celebration of singing' will entertain the crowds as the festival welcomes local choirs to the iconic venue. WEF is working in partnership with Glasgow Life for these two events.
Michael Dale, WEF director, said: “Over the last 21 years, we have not only played to over a million people in free and ticketed events, but we have given birth to a number of important mini-festivals such as the Bard in the Botanics, the Cottier Chamber Project, the Gibson Street Gala, the Partick Farmers' Markets and The Electric Gardens, all of which have their origins in the West End Festival, and all of which have gone on to bigger things.”
"The West End Festival is 21 today and all of us connected with it feel very happy that we've reached this major milestone. Over the years we've grown to become the largest community festival in Scotland and this is due to the efforts of a small army of dedicated staff, volunteers who donate their time and effort, and numerous supporters and sponsors who give us their money and encouragement.
“We must thank Glasgow Life, the W M Mann Foundation, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Cross Foundation and the Scottish Book Trust for their contributions. But special thanks must be reserved for Glasgow City Council whose confidence in the WEF has never wavered. Let Glasgow Flourish!”
Lorraine Wilson, Senior Arts Officer, Glasgow Life said: “It’s fantastic to be presenting these music and fun packed days at Kelvingrove Bandstand for everyone to enjoy as part of this year’s West End Festival, as we look forwards to a summer of great events for all the family at this iconic and much loved venue.”
