We come from Govan: Raising the Bandstand
The Tin Forest Govan started on a balmy Friday evening, with the Govan Fair procession.
The Govan Fair is the oldest such event in Glasgow, dating back to 1756 when it was established by the Govan Weavers’ Society. Since then, the first Friday in June has always been Govan Fair Day, and an annual parade has taken place.
Lead by the ‘Goat’s Heid,’ and Maria Leahy, the parade journeyed through Govan, before arriving at Elder Park to crown this year’s Govan Queen. Old and young alike participated in the procession whilst hundreds of families lined the streets to cheer on and celebrate the place and the people of Govan.
Govanites who were participating in acting classes at the Pearce Institute made up The Tin Forest Govan float.
Dressed as superheroes, they were accompanied by their families, Friends of Elder Park, Govan’s Hidden Histories group and local community and heritage association, GalGael. All were united as they sung their way through the streets, pronouncing proudly that ‘we come fae Govan!’
As they marched, the group carried four panels which were made in association with GalGael’s Tam McGarvey; drawing on ideas and stories collated through the Govan’s Hidden Histories project. The panels later adorned the side of the bandstand.
A small group of talented youngsters from the acting classes performed a dynamic movement piece to mount the panels onto the bandstand, in order to make way for the entrance of the Govan Fair Queen. The Chief of Govan Fair, Jimmy Stringfellow, joined the Queen, before shaving off his bright pink beard.
A great start to The Tin Forest Govan!