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Families invited to take part in winter torchlight parade through West End

Winter torchlight parade set to raise money for West End-based cancer charity.

Thousands of people are expected to take part in a spectacular torchlight parade through the streets of the West End next month.

The winter event is the latest from the organisers of the colourful West End Festival.

And people wanting to take part in the fun are being invited to buy a £10 voucher for a torch - a donation from which will go to the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Glasgow’s St Andrew’s Day Torchlight Parade takes place on Saturday November 26 - close to the patron saint's day.

Charity: Money from the event will go towards the Beatson Cancer Charity . Photographs: Martin Shields.

The parade will be open and accessible to all families and friends who want to take part.

It has been supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals, Glasgow City Council and Byres Road and Lanes BID.

Vouchers for torches are now on sale at a price of £10 via the festival website or you can phone Ticket Source.

The evening celebration of Scotland’s patron saint will take the form of a torchlight parade passing through the main parts of the west end using a rolling road closure.

Samba Ya Bamba and SYB Youth Band will be playing on the evening.

The rolling closure will mean the roads are safe for the procession to walk but will limit any inconvenience to road users.

Michael Dale, festival director, said: “We’re delighted that the West End Festival has received the support of EventScotland through the Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme to be part of this winter’s activity in Glasgow and is able to use its resources to organise a celebratory event for everyone to take part in.

“With the funding, we can be sure to make this event fun and inclusive for people in Glasgow and beyond to both take part and spectate.”

It is expected that there will be up to 3,000 people in the procession.

Festival organisers are encouraging those not taking part to come along and enjoy the spectacle along the route.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “St Andrew’s Day is the perfect opportunity for Scots and Scots at heart around the world, to celebrate all that is great about our nation – including our thriving contemporary culture, our rich heritage and our first class food and drink.

“We are a country renowned for our warm hospitality, and what better way to mark our 10th Scotland’s Winter Festivals than honouring one of our patron Saint’s most inspiring traits - sharing.

"This St Andrew’s Day, in the spirit of St Andrew, I encourage everyone to take the time to share – be it a conversation, pot of tea, or even invite someone to the many St Andrew’s Day events happening up and down the country, such as Glasgow’s St Andrew’s Day Torchlight Parade.”

Michael Dale, festival director:

“We’re delighted that the West End Festival has received the support of EventScotland through the Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme to be part of this winter’s activity in Glasgow and is able to use its resources to organise a celebratory event for everyone to take part in.

“With the funding, we can be sure to make this event fun and inclusive for people in Glasgow and beyond to both take part and spectate.”

David Welch, chief executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Glasgow’s St Andrew’s Day Torchlight Parade is a fantastic new addition to the city’s winter activities and we are delighted to be its charity partner.

“As The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is situated in the west end of Glasgow, it’s very fitting to support such an exciting new event and we’d like to take this opportunity to wish Michael and the organisers the very best in putting together a really great evening.

“We are looking forward to it already and hope lots of people come out and join in the fun in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

"All money raised will have a direct impact on thousands of cancer patients and their families who visit The Beatson and its related facilities, both now and in the future, through the dedicated work of the charity.”

* Full details of the event, timings and how to purchase torches are available on the festival website www.westendfestival.co.uk.

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