Glasgow Fair
Encyclopedia
The Glasgow Fair is a holiday
during the last fortnight in July in the city of Glasgow
Scotland
. 'The Fair' is the oldest of a number of similar holidays, dating from the 12th century. Originally Glasgow fair was held during the second and third week in July before moving in the 1970s.
Until as recently as the 1960s, most local businesses and factories would close on 'Fair Friday' and workers and their families would use the opportunity to travel for holidays in the local area, typically in the Firth of Clyde
or Ayrshire
coast. This practice became known as going "doon the watter" (literally "down the water" in Glasgow dialect).
in the city of Glasgow. From the 1800s, this event was held on Glasgow Green
. Originally the fair focused on the sale of horses, cattle and the hiring of servants. In later times, the fair became better known for its amusements, with circus and theatre shows popular.
Glasgow City Council has attempted to re-introduce the fair on the Green, albeit with more modern attractions.
Holiday
A Holiday is a day designated as having special significance for which individuals, a government, or a religious group have deemed that observance is warranted. It is generally an official or unofficial observance of religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations...
during the last fortnight in July in the city of Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. 'The Fair' is the oldest of a number of similar holidays, dating from the 12th century. Originally Glasgow fair was held during the second and third week in July before moving in the 1970s.
Until as recently as the 1960s, most local businesses and factories would close on 'Fair Friday' and workers and their families would use the opportunity to travel for holidays in the local area, typically in the Firth of Clyde
Firth of Clyde
The Firth of Clyde forms a large area of coastal water, sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre peninsula which encloses the outer firth in Argyll and Ayrshire, Scotland. The Kilbrannan Sound is a large arm of the Firth of Clyde, separating the Kintyre Peninsula from the Isle of Arran.At...
or Ayrshire
Ayrshire
Ayrshire is a registration county, and former administrative county in south-west Scotland, United Kingdom, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Its principal towns include Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. The town of Troon on the coast has hosted the British Open Golf Championship twice in the...
coast. This practice became known as going "doon the watter" (literally "down the water" in Glasgow dialect).
The Fair
Glasgow Fair has been historically associated with the holding of an actual fairFair
A fair or fayre is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may ten weeks. ...
in the city of Glasgow. From the 1800s, this event was held on Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green is a park situated in the east end of Glasgow on the north bank of the River Clyde. It is the oldest park in the city dating back to the 15th century.In 1450, King James II granted the land to Bishop William Turnbull and the people of Glasgow...
. Originally the fair focused on the sale of horses, cattle and the hiring of servants. In later times, the fair became better known for its amusements, with circus and theatre shows popular.
Glasgow City Council has attempted to re-introduce the fair on the Green, albeit with more modern attractions.