Glasgow praised for welcoming spirit ahead of WWE Clash at the Castle at OVO Hydro

Glasgow’s friendliness and welcoming spirit has been praised by the council leader as the city gears up to host another global event next month.

WWE show Clash at the Castle is the first of its kind in Scotland and will take place next month at the OVO Hydro where Glasgow will join cities like Toronto and Berlin who have also staged the event.

Council leader, Susan Aitken, also agreed during Thursday’s full council meeting that hosting an event was a metaphorical “smackdown” against people that talked Glasgow down and this would show them that global organisations had the same faith in Glasgow as its administration.

Ms Aitken said: “I do appreciate that Clash at the Castle is a really big deal for Glasgow and for wrestling fans across the city of whom I know are more than one in this chamber.

“It is quite unusual for me to be welcoming an event that is being trailed by one of its key protagonists with the unforgettable line “if you make me go to Glasgow I’m going to be hiding in a bowl of haggis and and I’m going to pop out and break your face. [CM Punk]

“Seriously though, as I understand it, this is the first ever WWE premium live event staged in Scotland. It is one of the first in the UK and it sees us join Toronto, Berlin and Perth Australia in staging this two day event.

“It will be viewed in around 180 countries and I am reliably informed that it is a massive deal for the wrestling fraternity and I have no doubt that those two nights at the Hydro will be quite a big opportunity for Glasgow.

“Having secured it once again, points to Glasgow’s standing as an international events city and sheer hard work that goes into ensuring that the event economy remains crucial to our economic reputational success as a city.”

Councillor Malcolm Mitchell who asked councillor Aitken if she would welcome Clash at the Castle to Glasgow then asked if this was proof that worldwide organisations had faith in the city.

Councillor Mitchell said: “I wonder if the leader of the council agrees with me that this is the metaphorical smack down for those who talk our city down when clearly all the evidence shows that organisations from around the world have the same faith in this city as this administration does.”

Councillor Aitken responded: “Thank you for your remarks which I absolutely agree with. Our continued success and continued, not just willingness but demand from global organisations to keep coming back to Glasgow.

“When they do come here, not only do we put on a fantastic event for them but they have a fantastic experience in the city and they go away with incredible reports of the city.

“This is a fantastic city. Like all cities it faces its challenges but those challenges are not unique. What Glasgow does have which is unique is an absolute spirit of welcome and friendliness which does keep people coming back and which keep bringing these enormous boosts to our local economy.

“I think we should be asking all members of the chambers to applaud that and keep welcoming the success of the city in that respect.”