Inverclyde’s annual Galoshans Festival is getting ready to kick off from 22nd October till 12th November 2021 – bringing a whole host of exciting performances and cultural events centred on Hallowe’en traditions.

Galoshans is an arts festival with a strong focus on outreach and engagement.

This year’s festival takes a break from the annual Galoshans giant’s parade and street party, to welcome the return of more in-person and external events, bringing street theatre, art installations, film, performances and much more to the heart of the community.

Karen Orr from ICC Member Rig Arts, who have supported the festival for the past three years, said:

“RIG Arts is delighted to be a part of the Galoshans Festival 2021 bringing creative, innovative fun to the Inverclyde Community and keeping the traditions of Galoshans alive.”

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Climate’, linking with the globally significant 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, taking place in Glasgow this year.

The 2021 programme offers inspiring creative opportunities with community participation at the core, featuring a range of local and national artists collaborating with the public to create work relating to the theme.

Pauline Kane, Director of The Beacon Arts Centre said:

“Beacon Arts Centre is pleased to be involved in this year’s Galoshans Festival and to be back bringing live arts activities and entertainment to the people of Inverclyde.

“We are particularly excited that Galoshans 2021 has a climate change theme and to be working, once again, with our Climate Beacons partners RIG Arts and Inverclyde Libraries.”

Kevin Jannetts of Inverclyde Youth Theatre (Kayos) said:

“Inverclyde Youth Theatre (Kayos) is excited to be part of Galoshans 2021 and to work with Surge to present to the people of Inverclyde, two pieces of street theatre created by our members.

“We are especially pleased that this year’s Galoshans Festival has a climate change theme.”

Paul Bristow from Magic Torch Comics said:

“My favourite part of this time of year is spooky stories and cautionary folktales, so I’m really looking forward to sharing some reworkings of our local legends during the Galoshans Festival.”

RIG is gearing up for a very exciting festival this year in line with the theme of Climate and hopes the local community and Clyde area is ready to get involved!

The programme will be live within the next two weeks so stay tuned to social media and the website for announcements.