Paisley’s popular Sma’ Shot Day event returns tomorrow, with fun to be had for all the family.
The town’s streets will be filled with the sound of the Charleston Drum as one of the world’s oldest worker’s festivals hosts its programme of entertainment.
Beginning at noon, the parade will leave Brodie Park and make its way through Paisley town centre, finishing at Abbey Close.
And this year’s event – which is being coordinated by Bridgeman Arts in collaboration with a number of local community groups – performers and musicians will have a particular focus on some of the pioneering Paisley women involved in the 19th-century victory by the town’s weavers over their bosses in an industrial dispute that Sma’ Shot Day commemorates.
Those parading will be treated to a spectacular display of performances from local dance group right2dance and witness the spectacle of the Burning of the Cork – a highlight of the Sma’ Shot Day celebrations – which will be introduced by spoken word artist and Tannahill makar Shaun Moore.
Also showcasing their talents on the day, will be the budding actors at PACE Youth Theatre, who will re-enact the struggles of the Paisley weavers in their efforts for payment of the Sma’ Shot, the Rock Us choir, local singer Hollie Robinson, singer-songwriter Shaz Martin and the Rachel Campbell Trio ceilidh band.
There will be street performances taking place throughout the day as well as free activities for children including face painting, balloon modelling, storytelling, magic shows and arts and crafts.
In addition to events at Abbey Close and Bridge Street, there will be an all-day programme of live music at The Bungalow venue and the popular Poetry Slam in the late afternoon.
The historic Sma’ Shot Cottages will also be open for tours, where visitors can take a trip back in time to two distinctive periods of Paisley’s rich textile history and see what life was like as a weaver in the town in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Sma’ Shot Day is organised by Renfrewshire Council.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “Sma’ Shot Day is always a great day out. Not only does it offer a fantastic range of activities for families but it’s a vibrant celebration of our town’s history.
“This year’s event will give everyone a chance to join in the celebrations, from the ever-popular parade and Burning of the Cork to the creative workshops, live performances and free family activities.
“Sma’ Shot Day is always a sure sign that summer has arrived, so come along and join in the fun!”
To find out more about this year’s Sma’ Shot Day celebrations visit: www.paisley.is
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