Merchant City Festival

03/06/2026

So much family fun 🤹🦄

03/06/2026

Excited to be part of this amazing festival 🤩

From events like MCF and Glasgow Mela, to community fun days and art installations at GOMA…check out what else is on in Glasgow this summer👇

Glasgow 2026 Festival is underway across the city 🎉

See the full schedule at glasgow2026festival.com 🗓️

03/06/2026

TWO WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY!
Surge Volunteer Programme: Festival Assistant Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers for SURGE Festival 2026 which takes place on the 25th - 26th July & 1st - 2nd August in Glasgow outdoors in the Merchant City. We are also looking for volunteers to assist with Festival preparation the week leading up to SURGE, week commencing 20th July.
The programme is an annual opportunity for the successful candidates to gain experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival.

Benefits:
● Building connections with artists, producers and other volunteers
● Full training
● Experience interacting with the public
● Experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival
● Free meals provided per volunteering day
● Travel expenses covered
● Opportunity to see outdoor street theatre performances at the festival

Dates:
Monday 15th June (5pm): Closing date for applications
Tuesday 23rd June: Volunteer interviews (short, informal interview)
Tuesday 14th July: Training Session (late afternoon/ evening) Merchant City, Glasgow
20th – 24th July: 1 volunteer shift during the week
25th – 26th July: SURGE Festival, both days
And/ or
1st – 2nd August: SURGE Festival, both days
You must be available for the interview, training session and be available to volunteer one shift between 20th - 24th July plus 25th – 26th July and/ or 1st – 2nd August.

Duties will include:
FESTIVAL PREP:
● Assisting with setting up dressing rooms and costumes;
● Running duties.
● Artist Arrival assistance
DURING SURGE:
● Artist liaison;
● Stewarding;
● Welcoming and directing the festival visitors and audience during events and performances;
● Undertaking audience evaluations;
● Assisting with organising the dressing room/workshop spaces;
● Running duties.

The ideal candidates will have an active interest in the arts - especially street arts, physical theatre and circus and an enthusiasm for learning behind the scenes, helping with festival artists and engaging with members of the public.
The chosen candidates will get first-hand experience volunteering with festival performances and performers and shall hopefully take this experience on to future work within the arts.
To apply, please send the following by Monday 15th June (5pm):
● A copy of your CV
● Your availability across the festival dates
● 500-word statement outlining your specific interest in the post, and what particular skills / qualities you will bring to it.

Applications should be emailed by: to Rosa Thomas – Producer - [email protected]

For enquiries, please contact us on 07506721574
Please note this opportunity is open to volunteers who are 18 years +

As this is a public facing role, strong verbal communication skills in English is essential.

02/06/2026

Expect the unexpected 🎪

Our Surge Festival street theatre programming is taking over the pavement. From giant inflatable wonders to interactive AI slime, and even a bickering flower bed - the streets are coming alive! 🎭🕺

👉 25 & 26 July and 1 & 2 August 2026

29/05/2026

Parents, save this post and mark your calendar 🗓️

Our Imaginate family days are packed with magic! Get up to mischief with an old folk tale inspired dance act, watch hilarious acrobatics, or join our inclusive ceilidh 🎻

Free fun for all generations 🤸‍♂️✨
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July, 11am - 5pm in Merchant Square

26/05/2026

Say hello to our brand new festival hub, The Briggait 🏛️✨

Drop in for amazing food, live DJs, hands-on family activities and insightful talks in the Watershed Zone. Plus, look out for unique pop-up performances! 🍔🎶

Best part? Entry is totally FREE! 🙌

22/05/2026

The Merchant City Festival is BACK and we’re bigger and better than ever 🎉

With extra support as part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, we’re bringing you an unforgettable 10 days as part of a 10 week invitation to gather capturing Glasgow at its best!

Full programme is LIVE now 📲 ✨

18/05/2026

14/05/2026

Surge Volunteer Programme: Festival Assistant Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for SURGE Festival 2026 which takes place on the 25th - 26th July & 1st - 2nd August in Glasgow outdoors in the Merchant City. We are also looking for volunteers to assist with Festival preparation the week leading up to SURGE, week commencing 20th July.

The programme is an annual opportunity for the successful candidates to gain experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival.

Benefits:
● Building connections with artists, producers and other volunteers
● Full training
● Experience interacting with the public
● Experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival
● Free meals provided per volunteering day
● Travel expenses covered
● Opportunity to see outdoor street theatre performances at the festival

Dates:
Monday 15th June (5pm): Closing date for applications
Tuesday 23rd June: Volunteer interviews (short, informal interview)
Tuesday 14th July: Training Session (late afternoon/ evening) Merchant City, Glasgow
20th – 24th July: 1 volunteer shift during the week
25th – 26th July: SURGE Festival, both days
And/ or
1st – 2nd August: SURGE Festival, both days

You must be available for the interview, training session and be available to volunteer one shift between 20th - 24th July plus 25th – 26th July and/ or 1st – 2nd August.

Duties will include:
FESTIVAL PREP:
● Assisting with setting up dressing rooms and costumes;
● Running duties.
● Artist Arrival assistance

DURING SURGE:
● Artist liaison;
● Stewarding;
● Welcoming and directing the festival visitors and audience during events and performances;
● Undertaking audience evaluations;
● Assisting with organising the dressing room/workshop spaces;
● Running duties.

The ideal candidates will have an active interest in the arts - especially street arts, physical theatre and circus and an enthusiasm for learning behind the scenes, helping with festival artists and engaging with members of the public.

The chosen candidates will get first-hand experience volunteering with festival performances and performers and shall hopefully take this experience on to future work within the arts.

To apply, please send the following by Monday 15th June (5pm):
● A copy of your CV
● Your availability across the festival dates
● 500-word statement outlining your specific interest in the post, and what particular skills / qualities you will bring to it.

Applications should be emailed by: to Rosa Thomas – Producer - [email protected]
For enquiries, please contact us on 07506721574

Please note this opportunity is open to volunteers who are 18 years +

As this is a public facing role, strong verbal communication skills in English is essential.

07/05/2026

Glasgow Life has revealed a bumper 2026 Summer of Events programme which will see standout local, national and international artists wow crowds across the city!