A Rutherglen opticians is set to participate in a major new outdoor celebration on Saturday 13th June, combining a free community parade and Party in the Park marking the town’s 900th anniversary.
Specsavers Rutherglen has generously donated goody bags and will have representatives in the creative tents to discuss eyecare on the day.
Sarah Freel, director optometrist at Specsavers Rutherglen, says: ‘We are delighted to be part of Striding the Streets. Connecting with locals is incredibly important to us and it is a perfect opportunity to step out of the test room and into the heart of the community.’
The event revives the spirit of Rutherglen’s historic parade traditions for a new generation, bringing together local people, artists, schools and community groups in a lively public procession that strides from Fernhill Road/Blairbeth Road junction to Broomieknowe Road/ Rodger drive and culminates in Overtoun Park.
Natalie Allison, Rutherglen 900 producer, says: ‘Striding the Streets has grown out of local consultation and collaboration with schools, community groups, artists and partner organisations across the town. The wider Rutherglen 900 programme has been developed to celebrate the people, heritage and future of Rutherglen throughout its anniversary year.’
Kicking off at 2pm, the parade will feature more than 100 local participants. Host Jack McGinty will be keeping the energy high alongside a fantastic lineup, including music from the Shunpike Social Club and giant horse puppets by the Puppet Club whilst the brand-new R900 community banner and vibrant flags designed by local schools will be on full show. Dougie, the Pigeon, will also be making a special appearance.
Rachel O’Neill, Rutherglen 900 project lead, says: ‘Residents are invited to cheer on the procession along the route before making their way to Overtoun Park for a free afternoon of live music, performances and family activity.’
At 2:45pm, Party in the Park kicks off with a jam-packed lineup, including Shunpike Social Club, Vince Virr and Aishwarya Patil. Those attending will also enjoy fantastic sets from Rutherglen 900 Schools Choir and the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Rock and Pop Chorus, all leading to headline performance by folk music star Siobhan Miller and her trio.
The afternoon will build to a finale from Kings Park Brass Band performing a new R900 song, alongside the chance to meet Clydesdale horses up close, and enjoy workshops, walkabout performances and creative activities across the park. Local event partners Grow 73, and Overtoun Park Bowling Club are also open on the day, with additional food vendors and accessible public toilets available.
Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of Rutherglen 900, says: ‘This is a huge opportunity for local people to show their pride in the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen and its amazing 900-year-old history. Our grateful thanks to Creative Scotland who have funded the event and to our other partners on the day.’
Audiences can attend for free, with no ticket required. More information is available on where to watch the parade and what’s on at rutherglen900.com. The parade is intended to be watched safely from the pavement and designated public viewing points rather than followed behind.
Specsavers Rutherglen is open seven days a week. To book an eye or hearing care appointment, call 0141 647 5588 or visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/rutherglen
Issued by Tigerbond on behalf of Specsavers Rutherglen
For more information, please contact nicole.starrs@tigerbond.com / T: 07730812631
About Specsavers
Specsavers is celebrating more than 40 years of care and is now the largest privately-owned eye care and audiology company in the world with more than 2,500 businesses in 11 countries.
The company is committed to changing lives through better sight and hearing by making expert care accessible and affordable for everyone, and also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to travel to one of its 1,000 locally owned stores.
To learn more, visit: www.specsavers.co.uk
