Shop the world at the Southside Souk

The Southside Souk is back, this time a night market complete with roaring bonfire and wood-burning stove.

The event, established this summer by Claire Bell and Mel Grossman, aims to show off the city’s diverse population and the products they have on offer.

Mel, who runs the middle eastern Habibi Kitchen, explained: “There are lots of markets with traditional Scottish products but there didn’t seem to be a place for people of different backgrounds to showcase what they were making. The Southside Souk is a bid to recognise all the cultures in Glasgow.”

Shoppers in search of that elusive, unique Christmas present are encouraged to explore the Souk for inspiration.

Traders will include Palm Africa, selling African fashion and food, soap makers Twa Burds, the Scottish Refugee Council showcasing arts and crafts and Italian deli Bonnyvita.

Glasgow songleader Cath Campbell will start the carol singing at 6.30pm, and the barn’s resident DJ will be spinning festive hits while South African deli Veldt serves potjie kos from an open fire.

The organisers added: “No Christmas is complete without a tree. The Southside Souk tree is built from second-hand books collected by The Old Barn Bookery.

“Claire will lead a children’s craft session on upcycling old books into mini trees, and throughout the evening you can hang your festive wish - for a 50p donation to our resident charity, which works year round to build libraries in disadvantaged schools in South Africa.”

Entry to the Souk, running 4-9pm tonight, is £3 — all proceeds to Glasgow Women’s Aid.