GlasGLOW is a world-class, outdoor sound and lighting show, returning for 2019 with a brand-new story and a journey that lasts double the time of last year’s. Following our sell-out 2018 run which welcomed over 75,000 people to Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens, we’re back with a bang with a show that’s part Stranger Things and part X-Files, with a dash of The Goonies thrown in.
Our brand-new show will be bigger, better and glowier than before, as we once again transform the Botanic Gardens into an immersive world of sound, light and fantasy created by the teams behind some of the UK’s biggest and best outdoor events.
GlasGLOW is open every day from 25th October until 10th November, with time slots every 15 minutes from 5pm (6pm on 25th & 26th Oct). Once you’re in, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like - there’s plenty to keep you entertained until we close! Final entry is at 9:15pm and the park closes at 10:30pm.
GlasGLOW is for all ages - it’s family-friendly but
definitely not just for kids! In our inaugural year we had
75,000 people attending, with families; girls’ nights outs;
groups of colleagues coming along after work; and people
enjoying romantic date nights. The event is for anyone who wants
to see Glasgow in its best light and enjoy a world-class event
in the heart of Glasgow.
Last year, we got lots of amazing feedback and we’ve taken it
on board to create an even more engaging experience for kids
and adults alike.
Not at all! We’re back with not one, not two, not three… but nine brand-new worlds. This year’s event is:
*Subject to confirmed licence. ID will be required to purchase alcohol
Absolutely! Under 3s go free - just remember to get them a free ticket :)
We’re building nine epic worlds with plenty to see and do (and lots of noise and lighting effects!) so young children might find parts of it a wee bit overwhelming.
We’ve added more immersive and interactive elements to this year’s brand new show - it’s more magical than scary, but some parts might be a bit overwhelming for some wee ones!
We’re hoping for good weather and the route is on hardstanding paths, but it is Scotland so make sure you wrap up and dress appropriately for the weather!
Who doesn’t love dressing up? You’re more than welcome to dress up for the event, and we hope people will get especially into the Halloween spirit on the 31st October!
Timeslots for GlasGLOW start from 6pm on 25th & 26th October and from 5pm on 27th - 10th November. Your ticket will indicate the time your GlasGLOW experience starts. Please do not arrive any earlier than 10 minutes before your time slot to avoid long queues.
That’s up to you! The route is just over one mile and depending on how long you spend at each feature, it will take around an hour to walk it. We’ve created a bigger bar and street food area this year, so there’s lots of cosy spots to pull up a chair and enjoy the view for as long as you want.
The last entry slot is at 9:15pm and the event closes at 10:30pm.
No! Our motto has always been “the fewer trees we cut down to make paper, the more there are to decorate with fairy lights” ;)
You can do your bit for the environment and show it on your phone, and if you want to print it, that’s absolutely fine.
Unfortunately we are unable to swap tickets as tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Check the My Orders section of your itison account – if you can’t see your tickets there, please contact the team on [email protected] or 0141 223 8843, and they’ll do their best to help.
The team are available Mon-Thu 9-5:30pm and Fri 9-4:30pm.
Your ticket is for a designated time and date - if we have space, we’ll try our best to accommodate you but, please note, the event is expected to sell out and this may not be possible.
Your ticket is valid for the time and date stated, so please make sure you arrive no more than 10 minutes before your official time slot. Once in, you’re welcome to stay for as long as you’d like. Last admission is at 9:15pm and the park closes at 10:30pm.
Yes - you can purchase up to 40 tickets at a time. For any purchases above 40 please contact [email protected] to arrange.
All kids need tickets: you should book free tickets for under 3s, and a child’s ticket for ages 3-15.
Kids aged under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Under 18s can’t access the bar area unless accompanied by an adult.
Unfortunately we don't offer concession tickets.
We’re building a food village from Glasgow’s best street food traders plus a whole world dedicated to marshmallows. There’ll be something for everyone, with options for gluten-free and vegan diets.
You’ll be able to cosy up at our brand-new outdoor bar which serves up winter warmers* and unparalleled views of the show.
*Subject to confirmed licence. ID will be required to purchase alcohol
You asked and we’ve listened! We’re building an incredible bar* and street food village with loads of space to enjoy an incredible view, a warming drink and a bite to eat.
*Subject to confirmed licence. ID will be required to purchase alcohol
We have loads of treats available at our food and drink village so you’ll have plenty to keep you going, but we’re afraid food and drink from outside is not permitted into the event.
Parking is only available for Blue Badge holders and traffic measures will be in place during the event, so please leave the car at home unless you have a badge.
There are loads of great hassle-free ways to get to the event.
If you do need to drive, the closest parking is available at Lilybank Gardens, just off Ashton Lane, and at Kelvinbridge Subway station. However, places are very limited.
Yes - we wouldn’t make you pee in the bushes! There will be toilets located along the route at multiple points, as well as accessible facilities.
We don’t have cash machines on site but there are plenty on Byres Road just a couple of minutes away. All vendors at our food and drink village accept card payments.
For the best GlasGLOW experience for both you and the wee ones, we recommend you bring them in a carrier but you’re welcome to bring a pram if that’s not possible. Remember, under 3’s go free but please ensure you book a free ticket for any little ones you’re bringing!
We’re really sorry but no pooches (except assistance dogs) are allowed. The event is busy, has flashing lights and lots of sounds, so while it’s great fun for humans, won’t be a nice experience for your canine pals.
Yes, small bags are allowed, but please remember no alcohol will be permitted.
As every Glasgow granny says “you’re no sugar, you’ll no melt!”
We’re not afraid of a bit of rain, and the event will go ahead unless we’re experiencing extreme weather conditions. Make sure you check the weather report and dress appropriately before heading out.
Like the GlasGLOW Facebook page for the latest updates.
We don’t have any strobe lights, but due to the number of lights along the route which may flash at times, it could be unsafe for anyone affected by photo-sensitive epilepsy.
Yes! GlasGLOW has loads of incredible things to see - time to upgrade your instagram!
There’s a lot going on and tripods can get in the way of other event-goers, so unfortunately tripods aren’t permitted. Professional photography and videography isn’t permitted without permission.
Yes. We have disabled access and toilet facilities available on site.
One optional area of GlasGLOW is accessible only by steps and therefore not suitable for those with mobility issues.
We have very limited disabled parking on the site, which must be requested in advance by emailing [email protected] and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes - the route through the event is entirely on hardstanding paths. Please note that parts of the route are narrow and there are several fairly steep inclines. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].
One optional area of GlasGLOW is accessible only by steps and therefore not suitable for wheelchair users.
Yes, but please note that parts of the route are narrow and there are several fairly steep inclines. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].
One optional area of GlasGLOW is accessible only by steps and therefore not suitable for those with mobility scooters.
There are lots of benches throughout the Botanic Gardens if you need to take a rest. There’s also a brand-new bar and street food area if you want to enjoy a warming drink as you take in the view.
Yes, we have a limited number of free carers’ tickets available each night which will be issued on a first come, first served basis, provided the carer can show proof of registration at their local carers centre.
To arrange a free carers’ ticket, please contact [email protected].
Our aim is to make GlasGLOW as inclusive and sensory friendly as possible to help autistic people prepare for the event and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.
We will be developing a sensory guide for the event in consultation with the National Autistic Society - if you would like to be sent a copy in advance of the event please contact [email protected].
Yes - just wait till you see what we have in store! We’ve built a whole world inside the palace, and we’re excited to show you.
Yes - you’ll be able to access The Botanic Gardens during the day from 10am - 4pm throughout our run.
We’ll only cancel the event in extreme circumstances. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, but if we do have to cancel the event we’ll email you to let you know
If the event is cancelled for any reason, your ticket will automatically be refunded by itison via your original payment method within 3-5 working days.
Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
GlasGLOW is the brainchild of West End resident and CEO of itison, Oli Norman, who is investing £750,000 in GlasGLOW. In his own words:
“We’re a local company and it’s really important for us to create a local event that the whole city can enjoy. We’re in it for the long-run, and we want to make the event bigger and better every year. We’ve got big plans to make sure the whole community benefits from GlasGLOW. This year we’re launching The Pumpkin Fund to give away 1,000 tickets to those who wouldn’t normally be able to come, as well as working with local schools and charities to get everyone involved in making Glasgow glow!”
For all media enquiries, please contact Morven Begley: [email protected].
For employment opportunities with GlasGLOW, please send
your CV with details of any relevant experience to
[email protected].
If you're interested in providing
a service at GlasGLOW, please send details to
[email protected].
