Happy Wednesday Glasgow!
I know most of us have hit the mid-week slump.
The weather doesn’t help. One minute it's pouring rain, next the sun is splitting the clouds. Hopefully the sun will stay out for the weekend.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s see what’s happening around Glasgow
Now, in today’s edition:
A B-listed Hillhead church is coming down. 332 objections weren't enough to stop it.
Glasgow Central gets a new mural rooted in a design that's been lost for over a century.
£1.7m is coming to Glasgow's grassroots football pitches. Here's where it's going.
Everything on in Glasgow this week. Theatre, music, comedy and more.
— Ryan
News
A Long-Lost Design is Back on the Walls of Glasgow Central
Over a century on and she's still showing up.
A new ceramic mural celebrating the work of Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh has been unveiled at Glasgow Central Station, in the stairwell at the Argyle Street exit on the lower level.
The mural, called Drooko, reimagines a rare 1890s advertising design by Margaret and her sister Frances. The original survives only in fragmentary photographs held by The Hunterian at Glasgow University.
In a nice twist, the tiles surrounding it are made using a smog-glaze: an art material created from dust collected at the station itself.
Glasgow Central Station, Argyle Street exit, lower level. Go have a look.
Network Rail
Glasgow's Football Pitches Are Getting a £1.7m Upgrade
Good news for anyone who plays, coaches, or watches from the sidelines.
Pitches and changing rooms across Glasgow are set to benefit from almost £1.7m of funding from housing developers, as part of a push to bring the city's grassroots facilities up to scratch.
Sites confirmed for upgrades include Glasgow Green, Bellahouston Park and Springburn Park.
If you've got a kid who plays anywhere in the city, this one's for you.
Glasgow Bar Drops £500k on the Ultimate Sports Experience
And the timing could not be better.
The Raven on Renfield Street has reopened after a half-million-pound makeover with a bold claim: the best sporting experience in the city.
Here's what's new:
A digital wall of eight HD screens plus 20 screens across the venue
A dedicated sports viewing zone called The Arena
La-Z-Boy seating, two electric darts oches and a pool table
A free pint of Cold Town Beer for every Scotland World Cup win
With Scotland vs Morocco on Friday and TRNSMT the weekend after, they've picked their moment to reopen.
The Raven, Renfield Street. Open now.
The Raven Bar Refurb - Glasgow Times
A Glasgow Church is Coming Down. 332 People Objected. It Made No Difference.
The votes were tied. One man broke it.
Plans to demolish the B-listed Hillhead Baptist Church on Cresswell Street have been approved by Glasgow City Council, with 32 flats set to take its place.
Here's what you need to know:
The church was designed by architect Thomas L Watson and sits near two A-listed buildings on Vinicombe Street
Developer Wemyss Properties said retaining the facade was not economically viable
Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney spoke against demolition at Tuesday's committee, saying the case had not been justified
The vote was tied three to three. Committee chair Councillor Ken Andrews cast the deciding vote in favour
332 people objected. 19 supported it.
Hillhead Community Council said the replacement building should at least have a realistic possibility of being listed. It does not.
Events coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
TRNSMT Festival 2026 | This Weekend — Fri 19 to Sun 21 June | Tickets
Location: Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green turns into Scotland's biggest music festival this weekend for the ninth year of TRNSMT.
Here's what you need to know:
Friday 19 June: Richard Ashcroft headlining, plus Wolf Alice, Nile Rodgers and Chic, The Beta Band, Dylan John Thomas
Saturday 20 June: Kasabian headlining, plus Sonny Fodera, The Snuts, Loyle Carner, The Last Dinner Party, The Fratellis
Sunday 21 June: Lewis Capaldi headlining, plus Amy Macdonald, Two Door Cinema Club, CMAT, Wolf Alice
Gates open 11am each day
Pack a layer just in case, Friday is looking mixed with a good chance of rain but Saturday is shaping the be the best day of the weekend.
Lily Allen | Wed 17 June, Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm | Tickets
Location: OVO Hydro, Glasgow
One of the most distinctive voices in British pop plays the Hydro tonight. New album, new show, the West End Girl tour in a full arena setting. A proper Wednesday night out before the city goes full festival mode at the weekend.
Sunset Boulevard: The Backstage Cut | Opens Thu 18 June, runs until Sat 28 June | Tickets
Location: Òran Mór, Top of Byres Road
Not the musical, something more interesting. Morag Fullarton's play takes you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic films ever made, unpicking the real drama that surrounded it. Intimate venue, first come first served seating. Worth getting there early.
Current Events: Wed 17 and Thu 18 June
Events marked with [Tickets] require advance purchase. Double-check times before heading out.
Live Music 🎵
Lily Allen | Wed 17, Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm | 14+ | Tickets
OVO Hydro | The West End Girl tour in a full arena setting. One of the biggest shows in Glasgow this week outside of TRNSMT.
Tony Blackburn presents Sounds of the 60s Live | Wed 17, 7:30pm | Tickets
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall | BBC Radio 2's Tony Blackburn with a full live band. A proper night out.
Beverley Knight | Wed 17, Doors 6:30pm | Tickets
SEC Armadillo | Born To Perform 2026 tour. Celebrating her career in music and musical theatre.
This Will Destroy You + Cahill/Costello | Wed 17, Doors 7pm | 14+ | Tickets
G2 The Garage | Farewell tour, playing Young Mountain and Another Language in full. Post-rock and ambient. Serious music for serious listeners.
The Hut Sessions: Curiosity Shop + Any Young Mechanic + Bonnie Kemplay | Wed 17, Doors 7:30pm | 18+ | Tickets
King Tut's, St Vincent Street | Three emerging Glasgow artists on the same bill.
Death To All - Symbolic Healing Tour | Wed 17, Doors 6:30pm | 14+ | Tickets
Slay, Glassford Street | Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Symbolic and 35th of Spiritual Healing. A landmark night for death metal fans.
Gretel + Fright Years | Wed 17, 7pm | Tickets
Poetry Club SWG3
Red Leather + Jady | Wed 17, 7pm | Tickets
Warehouse SWG3 | Alternate country artist
With Eve | Wed 17, Evening | Tickets
The Hug and Pint, Great Western Road
Once Upon a Time in the South — Open Mic | Wed 17, Doors 8pm | 18+ | Free
The Rum Shack, Pollokshaws Road | Hosted open mic night. New acts, established artists trying out new material.
Damin Spritzer organ concert | Wed 17, 8pm | Free
Glasgow Cathedral | Free organ concert in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Part of Glasgow Cathedral Festival.
Sister Madds + Tina Sandwich + Lacuna | Thu 18, Evening | Tickets
King Tut's, St Vincent Street | TRNSMT Pre-Party.
Billy Fuller | Thu 18, Evening | Tickets
The Hug and Pint, Great Western Road
Dez Dare | Thu 18, Evening | Free
Bloc+, 117 Bath Street
Paul Gallagher | Thu 18, 6pm | Free
Bluedog, 151 West George Street
Comedy ❗
Just One More Gong | Wed 17, Doors 7:30pm | 18+ | Tickets
Blackfriars Basement | Glasgow's original gong show. You decide who stays and who goes.
Shxtsngigs: Daddy's Home Tour | Thu 18, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm | 16+ | Tickets
SEC Armadillo | Back on home turf after touring North America and Australia. Big room, big laughs.
The Thursday Show | Thu 18, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm | Tickets
The Stand Comedy Club | Five acts, two hours, one of the most reliable nights out in Glasgow.
Theatre 🎭
Sunset Boulevard: The Backstage Cut | Thu 18, 8pm | Tickets
Òran Mór, Top of Byres Road | Opening night. Runs until 28 June. Not the musical — a play about the real drama behind the making of the film.
Talking Heritage: Shakespeare at the Citz | Thu 18, 7pm | Tickets
Citizens Theatre
Miss Saigon | Wed 17 + Thu 18, Evening and Matinee | Tickets
King's Theatre Glasgow | Final days. Ends Saturday 20 June.
Talks and Events 🎤
The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits and Women | Wed 17, 6:30pm | Tickets
The Glee Club Glasgow
Talk: Daniel Cottier and William Lepier | Wed 17, 6:30pm | Free
Cottiers, Hyndland Street | Part of WestFest. Free entry.
In-conversation: Lisette May Monroe and Maggie Matić | Wed 17, Evening | Free
Glasgow Women's Library | Part of Glasgow International. Free entry.
The Bookclub Collective | Thu 18, 7-9pm | Tickets
The Marlborough | Book vs Screen. The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Family 👨👩👧
A Celebration of Glasgow | Wed 17, 10am to 3pm | Free
Cottiers, Hyndland Street | Hands-on slating and stone carving as part of WestFest. Free and open to all ages. Tickets can be booked online.
Barbie: The Exhibition | Open daily | Tickets
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum | Running until October.
Thanks for reading Glasgow Digest! Speak again Friday.