It's Glasgow Festival time

Two of Glasgow’s most popular festivals - the Glasgow River Festival and the Glasgow Show - return this summer with new dates offering two back-to-back weekends of family fun.

The first exciting instalment – the Glasgow River Festival – kicks off on the 25th & 26th of July in and around the Tall Ship, SECC and Glasgow Science Centre and promises to be a spectacular two day nautical celebration.

No sooner than you’ve steadied your sea legs, the second action-packed weekend - the Glasgow Show - takes place on the 1st and 2nd of August at Glasgow Green and will feature exciting entertainment and activities for all the family.

Locals, day-trippers and tourists alike can look forward to two weekends of adrenaline-fuelled action and spectacular stunts on water and land with both of these exciting festivals.

The Lord Provost, Bob Winter, said:

“I am delighted to announce that the people of Glasgow, and visitors to the city, can now enjoy two consecutive weekends of family entertainment in and around two of the city’s most iconic locations, the River Clyde and Glasgow Green.

“The festivals highlight ways to enjoy the city on both water and land and the strength of this year’s programme emphasises Glasgow’s versatility as a place for people to work, live and play.

“I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy themselves during Glasgow Festival Time and celebrate all the things that make Glasgow such a vibrant and inspiring city.”

The Glasgow River Festival – 25th & 26th July

The Glasgow River Festival, returns to the Clyde for the sixth year in 2009 and looks set to be bigger and better than ever before!

The festival, which takes place in and around the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour, the SECC and Glasgow Science Centre, welcomed over 87,000 visitors last year, and promises to be another unmissable family weekend in 2009.

For the first time, spectators at the Glasgow River Festival will be able to enjoy high-octane live pirate action featuring cannons, musketeers and sword-fighters on the pirate ships Zebu and Vilma. Watch the pirates battle it out and see who will capture the bounty!

The Waverley is also joining the line-up for the first time this year and will be running cruises from Glasgow on the Sunday of the festival. As the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, she will provide a hint of nostalgia that is sure to impress all that board her! Best of all, The Waverley is offering a free child ticket for every adult ticket purchased on Sunday.

For the dare-devils among us, Seaforce, the powerboat training school, will be offering short rides on their high-speed rib. Meanwhile, festival favourite, the white knuckle Zapcat, will be available for taster sessions from Glasgow Community and Safety Services.

Sensational jet-ski demonstrations from the Jet Sport Racing Association are sure to thrill the crowd and will include spectacular stunts from four times World Pro Freestyle Champion, Lee Stone.

The River Clyde is the home to Loch Lomond Seaplanes and you can witness the spectacular and unique sight of the Seaplane landing on the river during the Festival

On land the excitement continues with live music, funfairs and displays from the Wildcats Netball team.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) will be providing free shuttle bus services from Glasgow city centre and beyond to the festival site. Check out the website for more information and timetables.

Whatever your age, there's great entertainment and fun in this packed programme and best of all – entry is free.

The Glasgow Show – 1st & 2nd August

Glasgow Green will be bursting at the seams during the Glasgow Show with its action-packed programme of entertainment and activities for all the family.

With 15 zones packed with events, activities, daredevil stunts and performances as well as top acts, attractions and displays, this year’s show is expected to draw record audiences.

2009 sees the return of highwire acrobat Jean Monti whose daredevil performances in the air will make you glad you have both feet on the ground!

Also returning by popular demand are the Rockin’ Horse stunt riders who will storm the Glasgow Show with thrilling high speed equestrian stunts normally reserved for Hollywood blockbusters.

Catch live acts in the Music Zone, see giant monster trucks and motorbikes in the Main Arena, take part in the Sega Racing Challenge at the Motorsports Zone, meet Titan the Robot, bounce your way through the children’s zone and gasp as The Golden Lions parachute in to the Main Arena.

Join the Glasgow Show Parade which leaves from George Square at 11.30am on the 1st August. The parade led by the Lord Provost & the Canadian Massed Pipes Drums will showcase some of the acts and provide a wonderful start to what is sure to be an amazing weekend.

For more information, go to Seeglasgow.com.