Glasgow to celebrate Sir Billy Connolly with weekend of events

Glasgow to celebrate Sir Billy Connolly with weekend of events

Sir Billy Connolly will be honored by Glasgow with a weekend of events as part of the city’s 850th anniversary celebrations. The Big Yin Weekend, scheduled for September 6 and 7, will pay tribute to the Glasgow-born comedian through a diverse range of activities including film screenings, music performances, comedy showcases, and walking and cycling tours. Among the weekend’s highlights is a comedy showcase presented by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and a screening of the documentary Big Banana Feet, which follows Connolly during his 1975 tour of Ireland.

The weekend’s festivities are part of the broader Glasgow 850 program, a year-long celebration organized by Glasgow City Council to commemorate the city’s 850th birthday. According to Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, Sir Billy Connolly’s name has been consistently mentioned throughout the city’s birthday year. As one of Glasgow’s most beloved and iconic modern-day figures, the city deemed it essential to include him in the landmark celebrations.

The event is designed to showcase Billy Connolly’s groundbreaking stand-up comedy and musical talents, which draw inspiration from Glasgow’s spirit and humor. Conducted by Gallus Pedals Tours, the weekend will feature walking and cycling tours that explore significant locations and mural sites across Glasgow that are connected to Connolly’s life and legacy. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a pop-up musical performance at The Park Bar featuring Gary Innes & Friends, as well as the premiere of a new song titled “Big Yin” by Scottish group Manran.

Admission to the event is free, with reduced-priced tickets available for other activities to make it accessible to a wider audience. Known affectionately as the Big Yin, Billy Connolly was knighted in 2017 for his contributions to entertainment and charitable causes. Born in Glasgow in 1942, Connolly began his career as a welder in the Clyde shipyards before transitioning to a folk singer and musician. He later ventured into stand-up comedy, a move that propelled him to fame. In recognition of his achievements, Connolly was granted the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010

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