Articulation is on a mission to shine a spotlight on the amazing work emerging from our sector. This month, we’ve invited RIG Arts to share an update ahead of this year’s Galoshans Festival.

As we approach the much-anticipated 10th anniversary of the Galoshans Festival, we invite you to join us in a celebration of artistic practice, culture, and performance. The festival presents a vibrant programme of high-quality arts intervention – bringing art installations, film, theatre, live music, and much more to the heart of the community. 2024 welcomes 10 years of the Galoshans Festival which will take place from 17th October – 2nd November, centred around Halloween traditions and a core aim to celebrate the wealth of art and culture that Inverclyde has to offer.
Galoshans is a traditional piece of folk theatre originating in Inverclyde and performed on feast days throughout Scotland in the mediaeval times, particularly around Hallowe’en. Deeply rooted in artistic activity and community participation, the festival uses this unique tradition as a launchpad to explore, promote and champion creative arts locally. Galoshans celebrates Inverclyde’s unique heritage while cultivating high quality artistic programming and a strong level of creative community participation.
The 10th anniversary is a massive milestone for the Galoshans Festival, reflecting on the many achievements since its transfer to RIG ownership in 2018. With each passing year, the festival has grown, undergoing various management changes while continuing to elevate its offerings. In 2024, the festival will build upon the established partnership with Glasgow-based producers, Feral, who will contribute contemporary conceptual outdoor work alongside our grassroots cultural programme. This dual approach, with RIG Arts leading the community participatory programme, will be further elevated through the inclusion of RIG Arts’ artist residencies, bursaries, and commissioning of Oceanallover.
This year’s lead partners are RIG Arts, Feral and The Beacon Art Centre. Supported with programming by Inverclyde Libraries, Watt Institution, Kayos Theatre Company, Greenock Rock Choir, Magic Torch Comics, Inverclyde Council, Clyde Murishel Regional Park, The Wyllieum, Trancnd and Oi Musica/YMI Youth Band. Funded by Creative Scotland, the festival will feature a range of events and activities where locals and visitors can immerse themselves in a world of art installations, theatre, street performances, live music and much more! The festival will be rounded off with the return of the beloved RIG Arts Street Party on Tuesday 29th October, a highlight of the festival, showcasing street bands, live performances and captivating outdoor theatre.
RIG Arts will use this anniversary as a platform to celebrate our progress while looking forward to the future. The programme supports Galoshans’ ambitious goals of progression, collaboration, and growth.
We are excited to share our full programme for Galoshans Festival 2024. For detailed information about the events and activities planned for this year, please visit Galoshans Festival Programme 2024.
Join us in celebrating the vibrant culture of Inverclyde at the Galoshans Festival— a celebration of creativity with community at its heart!
See you on the 29th October!