Calling all southsiders for summmer shindig

The new Queen’s Park Arena is just the spot for a celebration of cultures near and far next weekend.

The Southside Shindig — funded by The Big Lottery’s Celebrate programme — is the latest event showing off just what can be done with the southside’s latest venue.

Running from noon on Saturday, June 21, the free event has a Commonwealth theme, focussing on countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.

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Event manager Marie Davidson told The Extra: “It’s a cross-cultural event to celebrate the Commonwealth Games, and the twinning of the park with Asia.

“There will be a full programme of music, culminating with the premiere of a new cross-cultural Asian/Scottish/Irish musical commission from Glaschu Ekikaran Ikhthay (Glasgow as One).

“Members of the southside community will also host workshops on how to make a great chickpea curry, Malaysian stir fry, Bubble Tea or Welsh dishes, and will invite people to try a new take on Scottish cuisine.

“You can also try out a musical instrument, hear wonderful tales from the storytelling tent or join in a dance or an art workshop.”

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There’s entertainment galore throughout the day, including performances from Shawlands Academy pupils, Big Noise Govanhill, Theatre Ecole, Miss Punjabeez Dancers, Howlin Radio and more.

The restoration of the old bandstand — destroyed by fire in 1996 — has been five years in the making, and more info on upcoming events or using the space is available at www.queensparkarena.org.uk.

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