Glasgow’s festivals anticipate record audiences

A marvellous March is predicted in Glasgow as three of its most popular arts festivals look certain to draw record audiences to Scotland’s largest city.

The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Aye Write! The Bank of Scotland Book Festival and the 16th French Film Festival UK all make a welcome return to the city next month and each festival is predicting record takings at the box office as shows, appearances and screenings across the city continue to sell-out.

Early sales figures predict successful runs for each festival. Aye Write! has reported ticket sales of over 5,500 since the festival programme was announced in January while box-office sales for the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival are up 20% on last year as shows featuring headliners such as Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle have already sold out. With screenings of Priceless (Hors De Prix) starring Audrey Tautou, who shot to international acclaim in the heart-warming Amélie, demand for tickets for the French Film Festival is expected to be high!

Aye Write! Bank of Scotland Book Festival returns for the third time to its base at the Mitchell Library from 7 – 15 March, where highlight appearances from Hollywood star Kathleen Turner and veteran politician Tony Benn, are among those which have already sold out.

Returning for its sixth year from 6 – 23 March, the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival promises to deliver a stellar line-up of international and home-grown comedy talent. Festival highlights include a rare live appearance from French and Saunders alongside Mock the Week’s Dara O’Briain and Omid Djalili plus some of the best stand-up talent to hale from Glasgow including Jerry Sadowitz, Karen Dunbar and Craig Hill.

The French Film Festival UK, hosted by the Glasgow Film Theatre from 7 – 20 March, will feature over 20 films and accompanied by some very special guests, represent the very best of le cinéma Français.

Bailie Liz Cameron, Vice-Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, commented: "I’m absolutely delighted that the public is responding so positively to these wonderful festivals. 2007 was a great year for cultural events in Glasgow and this trio of impressive festivals, followed shortly afterwards by the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Contemporary Art in April, will help ensure that 2008 will also be a record breaking year!"

For more information on what to do and where to stay in Glasgow: Scotland with style, visit Seeglasgow.com.