The Spree & Wee Spree 2021

THE SPREE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2021 Wee Spree festival of family fun

Paisley’s popular music, comedy and arts festival returns in 2021 with The Twilight Sad, Arab Strap and Nadine Shah among the bumper line-up. This year’s festival will take place from 7th – 16th October with shows being staged in the iconic Salon Perdu Spiegeltent, which will be located within Paisley town centre. The Spree is one of the centrepieces of Renfrewshire Council’s major events programme which has made Paisley one of Scotland’s key cultural destinations in recent years. Now in its ninth year, the festival has been staged in the town each October since 2012, but was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions. Louisa Mahon, Head of Events, Marketing and Communications for Renfrewshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to in-person events again and working with Regular Music to bring top artists from across the UK back to The Spree festival this October. “The Spree is synonymous with a great night out in Paisley and has become a fi rm favourite in Scotland’s music festival calendar, attracting music fans from across the country to the town. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back and are working hard to make sure festival-goers are safe at our events. Nothing beats being able to come together to enjoy music and comedy in once place and this year’s line-up will be well worth the wait.” The Spree festival has received funding support from Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, managed by EventScotland. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of Paisley’s festival of music, comedy and arts – The Spree, through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund. “The importance of human interaction, connection and shared experiences has never been stronger and although it will take time to rebuild, it’s fantastic to see the return of live events across the country.”

The popular programme of activities for kids and families will take place from Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th October, with plenty for everyone to enjoy during the school holidays. Shows at The Wee Spree will take place at venues and locations around Paisley, including the Methodist Central Hall and the Tannahill Centre. Music is at the heart of the programme with pop tunes and classic sing-alongs, dance sessions for early years before older age groups get the chance to freestyle to popular dance tracks and trends with a TikTok Moves class. There’s also newborn – 18-month baby and parent activities with BuddieBeats Music Makaton & Sensory classes. Youngsters can learn to walk on stilts, spin poi with staff, juggle and much more as part of a two-day Circus Camp. Budding comedians can practice their jokes as the popular Comedy Club 4 Kids workshop returns to The Wee Spree. Drop-in to The Wee Spree Arts, Crafts and Science Hub at the Methodist Central Hall to enjoy activities from local artists and experience the excitement of the Glasgow Science Centre right here in Paisley. Experience a walkway of magical soundscapes at Paisley Abbey Gardens with six fascinating outdoor sound sculptures which visitors can enjoy safely and at their own leisure. The sculptures will then head to Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch, the following weekend. Families can also enjoy a number of pop-up circus and street performances in Paisley town centre from Circus Alba & Oceanallover. Plus, from Thursday 14th October, music lovers can take a Tour of Paisley’s Musical History by downloading a fantastic walking tour app. Led by Art Boss’s team of young producers, the tour will explore the medieval scores discovered in Paisley Abbey Drain, the town’s historic punk past and much more. event details and Tickets are available online at www.thespree.co.uk and www.ticketweb.uk