East Dunbartonshire offers an array of events all year round. Here are the latest dates for your diary. If you want to add an event, drop us an email.
Further information on this page below:
- A Christmas Carol - Kilmardinny House
- Kirky Picture Palace
- Lillie Art Gallery – latest exhibition
- Auld Kirk Museum – latest exhibition
- Mugdock Country Park
- Thomas Muir Festival 2023
A Christmas Carol - Kilmardinny House
A touch of Christmas magic is coming to Kilmardinny House this December when Charles Dickens’ famous tale is brought to the stage, courtesy of No Nonsense Productions.
A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage is an adaptation of the festive favourite and Kilmardinny House in Bearsden will play host to two shows - a matinee and an evening performance – on Saturday 16 December.
Adapted by Tony Palermo and directed by Kevin Jannetts, this classic tale is performed as a 1950s radio broadcast. Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim along with all of Dickens’ other memorable characters take to the airwaves courtesy of four plucky BBC radio actors. The production also features live sound effects and an original score.
The cast from No Nonsense Productions, which put on sell-out performance of Para Handy at Kirkintilloch Town Hall in 2019, was at the venue to launch the ticket sales.
Show: A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage
Venue: Kilmardinny House, Kilmardinny Avenue, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 3NN
Tickets: £15 (£13 concession)
Dates: Saturday 16 December 2023
Time: 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Booking website [external link opens in new window]
Jim Neill, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Culture and Leisure Trust, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of tickets for A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage. Theatre fans living in East Dunbartonshire will now be able to enjoy a top-notch Christmas show on their doorstep without having to travel into the city centre. The tickets for the show represent a great value Christmas night out and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in early!”
He added, “This performance is the first programmed by EDLC cultural services since the Covid-19 pandemic. We are committed to increasing quality performances and events across East Dunbartonshire and Kilmardinny House, with its beautiful Georgian architecture and stunning grounds is the perfect venue for a period play.”
A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage was originally performed at Beacon Arts Centre in 2019 and in 2020 was filmed at the Beacon, broadcast online and provided for free to local care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kirky Picture Palace
Lights, camera, Christmas – Kirky Picture Palace has unveiled the films on offer in the coming weeks after a triumphant return to its original home.
Cinematic magic is back at Kirkintilloch Town Hall, courtesy of Your Kirky (aka Kirkintilloch Community Council) – supported by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust.
Coming up at Kirky Picture Palace:
Christmas Specials:
Saturday 23 December:
- Elf (PG)
- Home Alone (PG)
- It’s A Wonderful Life (U)
Doors open 15 minutes before screenings, and there will be snacks and refreshments available to purchase. Tickets cost £5 (adults) and £3 (children) – available from Create ED (46 Cowgate, Kirkintilloch) and online by visiting the Your Kirky website (external link opens in new window)
Dementia-Friendly:
Friday 15 December (Christmas Special):
- White Christmas (U)
Tickets cost £5, with carers allowed in for free. Purchase on the door or email kirkyfilmhub@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) for group bookings. Doors open 15 minutes before the screening.
Baby-Friendly:
Tuesday 19 December (Christmas Special):
- The Polar Express (U)
Tickets cost £5 (adults), £3 (children) with under-twos allowed in for free. Purchase on the door or email kirkyfilmhub@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) for group bookings.
For more information visit our News page (link opens in new window). You can also visit the Kirky Picture Palace website (external link opens in new window) and check out Your Kirky on Facebook (external link opens in new window) and check out Your Kirky on Twitter (external link opens in new window).
Lillie Art Gallery – latest exhibition
The Lillie Art Gallery is offering people the chance to buy an unusual gift as the festive season approaches.
The popular Christmas exhibition will be held again at the Milngavie venue – from Saturday 11 November until 20 December – with a selection of paintings, prints, ceramics, and glass and wood crafts on show, as well as a range of unique gift ideas.
This year’s artists include Michael Durning, Jo Ganter, Hanna Kaciniel, Jenny Hunter and Catherine King to name just a few.
The exhibition, which is free to enter, will be officially opened at 2.30pm on Saturday 11 November. All welcome.
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT) – which operates the Lillie, said, "The Christmas exhibition is the perfect place to enjoy an array of artworks, while also browsing a range of potential festive gifts."
The Lillie Art Gallery – Station Road, Milngavie, G62 8BZ – is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.
For more information, call 0141 956 5536 or visit the Lillie Art Gallery webpage (external link opens in new window)
Auld Kirk Museum – latest exhibition
You could secure a cracker of a present for a friend or loved one courtesy of the Auld Kirk Museum in
Kirkintilloch.
The popular Christmas Art & Craft exhibition is back between Saturday 4 November and 20 December 2023.
This year’s guest artist is Denise Chateau-Loney. Denise, who lives and works in Milngavie, is a botanical artist and bookbinder, working with eco printing and watercolours.
As always, there will be an interesting range of handmade artwork, jewellery, ceramics, soaps, candles, woodwork, and glass and textile crafts on show, sourced locally and nationally – including a selection box of potential gift ideas.
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust – which operates the Auld Kirk Museum, said, "The festive exhibition at the Auld Kirk is traditionally very popular, offering people a gift-wrapped opportunity to browse a range of wonderful works and crafts, and perhaps pick up a unique present.
"Thanks to all the skilled crafters, makers and artists who have contributed this year. If you're shopping or enjoying lunch, dinner or a cuppa in Kirkintilloch, why not pop in and have a look?"
The exhibition begins on Saturday 4 November, with the official opening taking place at 2.30pm. All welcome.
The Auld Kirk Museum – Cowgate, Kirkintilloch G66 1HN – is open every week, Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Free entry.
For more information, call 0141 777 3013 and visit the website (external link opens in new window).
Mugdock Country Park
Mrs Claus:
Merry Mugdock! Children aged 4-7 are being invited to join Mrs Claus for festive storytel
ling and songs at the country park on Sunday 10 December. There will be two sessions in the Osprey Room - 11am and 1pm - lasting 20-30 mins, after which each child will be able to take home a copy of the storybook.
Tickets cost £5 per child (plus booking fee). Please note, one adult can attend with each child for free as space is limited.
- Book tickets for 11am (external link opens in new window)
- Book tickets for 1pm (external link opens in new window)
Visit the Mugdock what's on webpage for more info on events (external link opens in new window).
Reindeer Run:
Families are being invited to take festive fun in their stride at Mugdock Country Park by signing up for its very first Reindeer Run - taking place on Sunday 10 December.
Walk, dash, dance or prance along the 2k Reindeer Run route. Tickets cost £5 per participant (plus booking fee) and are available for two slots – 10am and noon.
- Book tickets for 10am (external link opens in new window)
- Book tickets for noon (external link opens in new window)
Make sure you pick up your antlers before you start and your medal when you finish! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant will need a ticket.
Visit the Mugdock what's on webpage for more info on events (external link opens in new window).
Thomas Muir Festival 2023
Events have been announced for the 2023 Thomas Muir Festival – the annual celebration of the man hailed as Scotland's 'Father of Democracy'.
As well as Muir, this year the central symposium will reflect on the life and times of campaigner and activist John Maclean – marking the 100th anniversary of his passing.
Thomas Muir is recognised as the Father of Scottish Democracy. He was tried for sedition in 1793 and banished for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all.
His strong links to East Dunbartonshire are marked every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir, who organise a festival in his memory.
Organisers take inspiration from the democratic timeline that links Muir to local and world history.
Now in its 13th year, the Thomas Muir Festival will offer a range of events including:
- East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Exhibition – 18 November to 29 February
The exhibition will be held once again at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop, Huntershill Village. From over 2,000 artworks submitted by school pupils from across the authority area, 25 are selected and professionally framed to go on display at the Thomas Muir Coffee Shop.
- Scottish Parliament Exhibition – 28-30 November