Festival 2018: Balloch Loch Lomond announces event programme
An exciting mix of local and international acts are lined up to entertain residents and visitors at Festival 2018: Balloch Loch Lomond this August to help celebrate the European Championships coming to Loch Lomond.
A free family friendly event, Festival 2018: Balloch Loch Lomond is taking place in Balloch on Saturday 11th August as part of Festival 2018 – the cultural programme for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
The festival programme brings together a fantastic range of local artists, community groups and international performers who will entertain local residents and visitors in a world-class setting.
Scottish Opera will be showcasing a new piece of work at the event called ‘Be a Sport, Spike!’ for 4 -7 year olds and their families and the street theatre company Mischief La Bas will be on hand to provide hilarious sponge wrestling and a Great Selfie Hop Challenge.
Pop up orchestra, Nevis Ensemble, will be making an appearance at the festival playing a mix of music and interactive theatre company Oceanallover will be performing ‘Orographic’ a new piece of promenade drama.
A diverse range of local acts are also taking part in the festival programme including performances from Urbaniks, an award winning urban dance group from Balloch, samba drummers from Awestruck Academy, Clydebank, Singer Station from Alexandria and local singer Chirsty Hawkins.
Scottish Opera's 'Be a Sport, Spike!'
The stars of the day are the 150 participants who will take part in the carnival parade through Balloch in the morning to create a true festival feel.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said: “We’re excited that Loch Lomond has been chosen to host the open water swimming competition at the inaugural European Championships in August. The competition will bring a worldwide audience to Loch Lomond attracting thousands of visitors to the area.
“Festival 2018: Balloch Loch Lomond has been created with businesses and the local community to combine sport and culture and provide a fun, festival atmosphere for everyone, encouraging spectators to spend more time in Balloch and boost the local economy.
“We’ve got some great acts lined up to entertain people and shine a light on local talent.”
Glasgow 2018 Championships Director, Colin Hartley, said: “It’s brilliant to see Festival 2018: Balloch Loch Lomond launch. We are delighted the iconic shores of Loch Lomond will host the Open Water Swimming events as part of the first ever European Championships.
“The 11th August looks set to be a fun-filled day for the whole family to experience with an amazing mix of cultural and sporting events – we hope locals and visitors alike enjoy an unforgettable event.”
There will also be food and drink stalls from local producers and a bar serving locally-brewed beers and ales. The event will start at 10.00am on 11th August with performances taking place throughout the day in various locations until the early evening followed by entertainment and special offers in local bars and restaurants.
The European Championships, part of Glasgow 2018 – is a brand new multi-sport event being co-hosted with Berlin this August. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will stage the European Open Water Swimming Championships at Drumkinnon Bay at Loch Lomond from 8th – 12th August, giving sports fans an opportunity to see some of the best aquatics stars on the continent take to the iconic waters of Loch Lomond – for free.