The Big Yin Weekend: Glasgow to host weekend-long celebration to honour Sir Billy Connolly

Legendary comedian Sir Billy Connolly is set to be honoured in a weekend-long celebration in Glasgow as part of the city’s 850th anniversary.

The Big Yin Weekend will honour the Glasgow-born comedian with events including film, music, comedy, and walking and cycling tours.

The weekend, which will be held on September 6 and 7, is part of the wider Glasgow 850 programme, a year-long celebration led by Glasgow City Council to mark the city’s 850th birthday.

The 82-year-old was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013.

‘City’s best loved Glaswegian’

Sir Billy, who was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010, has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades.

He began his working life as a welder in the Clyde shipyards before embarking on a career as a folk singer and musician. He then broke out as a stand-up comedian and was launched into fame.

Sir Billy Connolly has celebrated a career spanning more than five decades. Getty Images

“Throughout our birthday year, Sir Billy Connolly’s name has come up time and time again,” leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken said.

“As arguably the city’s best-loved and most famous modern-day Glaswegian, we couldn’t celebrate this landmark year for the city without honouring Billy.

“Billy’s pioneering stand-up has always drawn on Glasgow’s spirit, resilience and uniquely funny bones, and then added his very own special brand of freewheeling genius to bring laughter and joy to millions.

“This weekend responds to the huge affection people have for the Big Yin with a living tribute to his comedy, music, storytelling and contribution to the arts – and to Glasgow.”

Highlights of the weekend include a screening of Big Banana Feet, a documentary following Connolly on his 1975 tour of the island of Ireland and a comedy showcase presented by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Other events include a free pop-up musical performance at The Park Bar featuring Gary Innes and Friends, and Gallus Pedals Tours – walking and cycling tours inspired by Billy’s life and legacy.

Krista MacDonald, festival director of Glasgow International Comedy Festival, said, “Sir Billy Connolly is the heartbeat of Glasgow’s comedy spirit, a trailblazer whose wit, warmth and honesty put Scottish comedy on the world stage. He embodies the humour, resilience and character of this city, and continues to inspire every performer who steps onto our stages.

“At the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, his legacy is felt in every laugh, reminding us that comedy here isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of who we are. We are excited to celebrate the Big Yin and Glasgow’s 850th celebrations with a special comedy event in the new Stand Comedy Club.”

Paul Gallagher, head of programme at Glasgow Film, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Yin Weekend with a special screening of Murray Grigor’s Big Banana Feet at GFT, complete with an introduction from Glasgow-based comedian Scott Agnew.

“Rarely screened since its initial release, the documentary captures Billy Connolly’s comic genius, musical flair and unmistakable Glaswegian charm off-stage.

“Lovingly restored by the BFI using the only 16mm print known to exist, the film was a sell-out hit when it premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2024, and we’re sure audiences will jump at the chance to experience Connolly’s larger-than-life talent on the big screen.”