Community group to host 'summer festival of solidarity' in Castlemilk, Glasgow

A group set up to help provide for their local community with basic necessities such as soup packs and fresh vegetables are hosting a free “festival of love and solidarity” in Glasgow.

The Food Solidarity Souper Heroes are putting on the summer event in the Castlemilk area next month.

Live music, poetry, karaoke, face-painting, buffet and arts and craft stalls are just some of the things that will be taking place throughout the community on August 10.

Venues including the Castlemilk Youth Complex, Barlia Sports Complex, Castlemilk Park and the Birgidale Complex will be hosting a series of events throughout the day between 12pm and 11.30pm.

Everyone of all ages is invited to the Youth Complex on Ardencraig Road between 12pm-4pm for games, hot food, information stalls, face-painting and free prizes.

A music event will also be held at the complex on Friday night as part of the festival.

The Barlia football pitches be running free-play events during the day and the Jeely Piece Club, who are also doing free-play from 11am-2pm, are sending face painters along to the Youth Complex.

An adult only night time event at Birgidale will have live performances, including poetry, comedy, music, speakers, story telling and a free buffet between 7pm and 11.30pm.

Drama group The Red Flag Players will be debuting excerpts from their play in progress The Fire That Never Went Out! about the Craigallian campfire that reputedly burned continuously for over 20 years.

Over 800 people attended a similar event held by the group a year ago and they are hoping this one can be even bigger.

The Food Solidarity Souper Heroes, handout Soup Packs, Fresh Fruit and Non Perishable Foods free of charge every weekend with the motto of “bring what you can, take what you need” and run a Curry Karaoke night every month.

A spokesperson from the group said: “The Love and Solidarity summer festival on August 10 is a coming together of our community to share resources information in the spirit of solidarity with all of us who are struggling in the cost living (greed) crisis.

“There will be song, dance, storytelling and sharing all that’s best in us like last year when we all did the slosh in the rain and over 800 people attended.

“Everything will be free so come along and lets share love and joy in solidarity.”