More than 67,000 people attended Renfrewshire Council’s spring and summer events programme this year, with six free-to-attend events generating more than £3 million for the local economy and creating thousands of opportunities for community participation.
The programme included Paisley Food & Drink Festival, Renfrew Gala Day, Barshaw Gala Day, Sma’ Shot Day, Renfrew Pipe Band Competition and the return of Johnstone Fire Engine Rally for the first time since 2019.
Research carried out across the events found that 99% of attendees rated their experience positively, while 93% of residents surveyed said events in their local town make them feel proud.
The programme also created 4,176 opportunities for local people to get involved through performances, workshops, sporting activities, volunteering and community engagement.
STAR Project were one of the groups who took part in workshops ahead of participating in the traditional Sma’ Shot Day parade. Heather Kay said: “The creative workshops before Sma’ Shot Day are always great fun. Our community comes together to make their wands and crowns, bringing creativity, spirit and culture to life before we’ve even set foot in the parade.
“There’s immense pride in walking alongside groups and organisations from across Renfrewshire. People wave from windows and come out of shops, and the streets are lined with people cheering everyone on. It’s fun, inclusive and gives our community a real sense of connection, pride and ownership.
“At STAR Project, as an anti-poverty charity, we also love that the day keeps the story of mill workers alive. It matters that people can celebrate that history together and see themselves as part of Paisley’s story today.”
The events programme also helped strengthen community connections. At Sma’ Shot Day, more than 120 members of the public engaged with Sewing2gether All Nations to find out more about its Faces of Belonging Community Arts Programme.
Corrine Watt said: “Being part of Sma’ Shot Day was a wonderful opportunity for our members to express their creativity, celebrate identity and belonging, and connect with people across Renfrewshire.
“Taking part has helped raise the profile of our charities work and celebrate Paisley’s rich thread and textile heritage. We have created a tapestry of self-portraits from these sessions which symbolises inclusion and community.”
Volunteers also played an important role in the programme’s delivery, with 32 volunteers contributing more than 145 hours of support across the six events.
The results support the aims of Renfrewshire’s Events Strategy 2025-2028, which focuses on delivering high-quality events that benefit communities, support local businesses and contribute to the local economy.
Earlier this year, councillors approved additional funding to extend the programme through 2028 and to support the development of cultural events across Renfrewshire. An updated events toolkit to help local communities develop their own events is also expected to launch later this year.
Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Iain Nicolson, said:
“Our events programme continues to make a meaningful contribution to communities across Renfrewshire. It brings people together, supports local businesses and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to take part in activities that celebrate the area’s culture and identity.
“The refreshed community events toolkit will also help those benefits reach the rest of Renfrewshire by equipping community groups across the area to stage their own events – by offering a mixture of funding and expert advice.
“This year’s results so far demonstrate the value of investing in events that deliver both economic benefits and positive community outcomes. It’s particularly encouraging to see such strong feedback from attendees and the pride these events inspire in local towns and neighbourhoods.”
The next major event to take place in Renfrewshire is Paisley Halloween Festival. The free to attend, two-day festival will take place on Friday 23 October from 4pm and Saturday 24 October from 2pm, transforming Paisley town centre into a playground packed with thrills, chills and family fun.
After Halloween, Renfrewshire will bring in the festive season with Christmas Lights Switch-On events in Paisley, Renfrew, Johnstone, Erskine and Linwood in November.
For information on upcoming events, visit http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events.
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