No amount of rain and gale force winds could keep away the 6,000 people who attended the annual Castlemilk Family Day.

The fun packed day had activities and stalls in and around the Castlemilk Community Centre and the Braes Shopping Centre.

The day kicked off with a moving performance by the Castlemilk West Parish Church Girls Brigade Choir singing some well known songs, which had everybody singing, clapping and dancing.

This was followed by the traditional march through Castlemilk. Due to the unrelenting rain and wind this was shortened. Leading the procession were Linn Councillor, John McKenzie and Bailie James Scanlon, Southside Central and the Glasgow Schools’ Pipe Band. This was the first time for the band who took over from that Tommy the Piper, who led the procession in the past. Before the 50 people took to the streets, the Jeely Piece Club was voted as the best dressed float. Fortunately for the children who were on the two big floats, each had a roof to protect the children from the rain. This allowed them to sing, shout and scream as they paraded through the streets.
Children were treated to free trampolines, bungee trampolines, bouncy castles, Chico the Clown, puppet show, face painting and much more.

The adults were treated to beauty treatment, nail painting, and Stress Centre treatments. Many other stalls offerred information and advice.

Chelsea Greenhill (9), who attends Castleton Primary School, won the publicity poster competition with her design for the day. She was presented with £25 in vouchers and the same amount for her school.

Because Castlemilk Community Forum has closed, both funding and the organisational work for the entire Family Day and Awards ceremony had to be sourced through volunteer efforts. Fiona McGovern of Cassiltoun Housing Association has took up the responsibility and set up two new steering groups one for the Family Day and the other one is for Castlemilk Community Achievement Awards.

Sponsors included Ladbrokes, City Building, Strathclyde Police, Scottish Community Fund, Glasgow City Council’s South East Area Committee as well as many more.

A delighted Fiona said, ‘We are really thrilled with the turn out on the day. Despite the non stop rain and wind people still had a really nice time. We are looking forward to next year already.’