A ‘ten-day weekend’ marked Govan Fair 250. ‘Govan’s renaissance is being marked by a party to which the whole city is invited,’ said the Govan Fair Association programme.

Starting with a craft market in the Pearce Institute and finishing with a grand finale concert in the McLeod Hall, the events ranged from football and snooker tournaments to Family Days in the park.There were talks from Alastair McIntosh, The Rev Dr Norman Shanks, minister of Govan Old Parish Church and Raymond Young, Chairman of Architecture + Design Scotland. A walk around local landmarks was led by Neil Baxter development Director of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust. There was music and drama – David Hayman in ‘Six and a Tanner’; the Salvation Army Citadel giving full tilt to ‘Songs of Praise,’; and Brechin’s Bar with top rate entertainment from prominent people such as Adam McNaughton, Fraser Speirs, Alan Nimmo, Liz Lochead, Carol Laula and Dave Anderson.

But despite a welcoming message from the Fair’s Patron Sir Alex Ferguson, there were precious few people at too many of the events.

Historic film footage of previous Govan Fair Queen Crownings and shipbuilding on the Clyde attracted fewer than 40 people and most of them were involved in that evening’s programme at the Victory Christian Centre. Janet McBain, curator of Scottish Screen Archive explained how and why the films were in the Archives and appealed for help in identifying some of the Govanites.

The pupils of Lorne Street Primary – where this year’s Govan Queen and attendants are pupils – sang songs they’d written in workshops led by Ewan McVicar and Iain Walker of The New Maakars Trust which promotes community songwriting. They were followed by the Govan Tram Tickets – Flora Pagan, Mary Carey and Jim Mackie who went down memory lane – as befits pensioners – to sing some of the favourite all-time sing-along-songs.

For those directly involved with the Fair, a Civic Reception was a happy occasion. First, the Land Services’ beautiful floral trailer depicting Govan Fair 250 – pictured at the top of this page – was stationed in George’s Square. There Govan Fair Queen, Lisa Carrigan, released 250 balloons before leading everyone across to the City Chambers with her own piper, Pipe Major Jim Wark. This was a real show stopper for the passing tourists.

Formally welcomed by Deputy Lord Provost Christine Devine who praised the work done by the Govan Fair Association, the evening let people trade tales of past Fairs. Fair Queen in 1951, Jemina (McCabe) Devine was thrilled to try on the new crown and with her sister Anne was able to tell what an honour being queen was to her and her family. ‘My mother bought a hat with a feather and my dad and his pals celebrated for a week,’ said Mima.

One of the most significant events during Govan Fair celebrations and the only one that was well attended –was the tribute ceilidh for GalGael’s founder, the late Colin Macleod. Several hundred people whose lives had been touched by the charismatic, visionary, warrior poet shared music and memories, food and funny stories, song and sadness.

Three people gave impromptu performances which set the place alight. Alastair McIntosh sang an appeal for young men and old men to listen to each other and learn from each other. Poet and mystic Lilian Brzoska arrived with greetings from communities in France which had connections to GalGael. In an amazing and dramatic presentation she then challenged everyone present to do their part to make sure the earth’s resources were shared and not stolen.

Young Hip Hop artiste Davie Mulhern delivered a powerful wake up call. ‘I didn’t know Colin, met him only once, but he left me feeling good about myself. I learned from him that when you give back to people something of what you’ve gained you can build a better future for everyone.’

Summing up the evening Colin’s widow, Gehan Macleod said the vision Colin had seen would be carried by those in that hall that evening. ‘The land needs people to love it and care for it, repair it and heal it, then we can grow.’ And she invited those who cared, to plant a tree to help with the healing process.