Sound of Paisley rings loud and proud at town’s first arts festival

Brilliant Buddies were celebrated as the first Paisley Arts Festival was declared a hit.

Themed on The Sound of Paisley, the three-day event attracted hundreds of people across the weekend (Friday March 27 - Sunday March 30).

It saw Trainspotting creator Irvine Welsh lead a celebration of the life and legacy of globally-renowned Paisley-born fashion designer, artist and DJ Pam Hogg.

Broadcaster Vic Galloway was joined on stage by major names in Scottish music as he celebrated the town’s rich musical story.

A family fun day saw children reach for the skies on giant swings, dance, and learn more about Paisley’s remarkable past.

And the Town Hall was transformed into a brilliant canvas of colour and movement as part of an eye-catching lights installation by digital artist Katie Robinson and her projection, The Paisley Sound: Radical.

Audiences and artists were clearly impressed by all that they saw and heard.

Michelle Woods, Head of Major Events at festival organisers OneRen, said: “As far as opening festivals go, this was quite something.

“To raise the curtain with Irvine Welsh and a fantastic panel honouring Pam Hogg - one of Paisley’s most iconic and inspirational figures - was really special.

“That set the scene in so many ways for us to celebrate the unique sound of Paisley throughout the weekend - with choirs in Abbey Close, to the amazing lights installation at the Town Hall and some colourful entertainers. There was something for all ages.

“The Punk to Paolo celebration as the closing gig was tremendous. It really highlighted the rich and far-reaching musical story that the town has.

“Our thanks go to everyone who took part and to Creative Scotland for their support. This inaugural festival has given us a great platform upon which we can build.”

Hogg, whose life will also be celebrated in the transformed Paisley Museum when it reopens, passed away at St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, London, on November 26 last year (2025).

Born in Paisley, she grew up in Renfrew and Glasgow before building a career that would see her create looks for the likes of singers Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, as well as a host of supermodels.

Welsh, a friend of Hogg’s since the 1980s, was joined on stage at Paisley Town Hall to discuss her remarkable life by Scottish model and actor, Eunice Olumide MBE and fashion historian and curator Mairi MacKenzie.

Paisley Arts Centre, meanwhile, hosted a rare live performance by alternative hip-hop group Stanley Odd, a musical celebration of place, people and identity led by Paisley’s own Evelyn Laurie and Neil Thomson and A Night With the Artists, exploring Paisley’s creative past, future possibilities and the role of art in the community.

A range of family fun events were also held before the festival curtain fell with From Punk To Paolo, a live celebration of the town’s contemporary music story - from punk and its iconic sounds and scenes to the ongoing worldwide success of Paisley superstar Paolo Nutini.

Curated and presented by broadcaster Vic Galloway, performers included Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake,  Richard Jobson of The Skids, The Rezillos, Kathryn Joseph, King Creosote, Emma Pollock, C Duncan, kitti and Linzi Clark.

The 10-piece house band was led by Admiral Fallows’ Joe Rattray, with the collective covering songs by everyone from The Buzzcocks to Altered Images, Aztec Camera and, of course, Paisley performers including Gerry Rafferty and Paolo.

Paisley Book Festival is the next major arts event taking place in the town, running from May 15 to 17.

Themed on Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons, it is also organised by OneRen, supported by Creative Scotland. The line-up includes renowned crime writers Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone, along with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, broadcaster Sally Magnusson and Jenni Fagan.

More details are available at www.paisleybookfestival.com.