GlasGLOW was created and is written each year by Oli Norman, the founder of Glasgow based itison and a local resident of the West End.
Conceived in 2010, it took until 2018 to fund and bring the show to life. Having visited light shows throughout the UK and abroad, Oli felt Glasgow lacked an event to bring light to the dark months with the ambition of creating a world class spectacle rich in story that could compete with more established light shows that Glasgow was lacking.
Now in its fifth year, GlasGLOW has grown to become a sold out show annually loved by locals and visitors alike.
Each year, the story for GlasGLOW changes. Designed to take visitors on an epic journey of escapism that allows people of all ages to believe (and toast marshmallows in one of our most beautiful gardens).
Based in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the show takes place after hours once the gardens are closed, minimising impact on the local community.
The goal of each GlasGLOW is to bring ever increasing good. Over the last two years alone over 4,000 tickets have been donated to local organisations, charities and hospitals. The itison Pumpkin Fund, created in 2019, has donated a mini-bus to Ruchill Primary LCR, has recently funded a new sensory GLOW room for Eastpark School in Maryhill and has also committed a five figure sum to help develop the Children’s Garden within the Botanics.
GlasGLOW, as with all activities, has an impact on the environment and has a published plan aimed to minimise our impact which improves annually.
GlasGLOW delivers greatly for the local economy contributing an estimated £6 million, creating 150 predominately local jobs, providing significant fees to the gardens and pays for remedial works required to the gardens (typically small patches of grass needing returfed).
Each year starts with a list of areas to improve and invest in, but most importantly an entirely new story.
GlasGLOW was never designed ‘as just another light show’, but one uniquely Glaswegian and brought to life each year by an exceptional team of creative and production talents.
Like to know more or join the team? Drop us a line at glasglow@itison.com