Barrowland Ballroom


My favourite venue in Glasgow is the Barrowland Ballroom, therefore it is only natural to start the blog with this iconic venue. 

The Barrowlands opened in 1934, originally opening as a dance hall, which was designed to compliment orchestras and bands that played inside. The famous venue was named after the Barra's street market, which is located just next door. The Barrowlands were opened by a woman named Maggie McIver, who was later named the 'Barra's Queen', as she provided an income for many working class Glaswegians.  This was originally opened for functions and dances and eventually formed into live music events. Tragically, the venue burned down in the late 1950s shortly after Maggie's death, but thankfully it was rebuilt to the iconic building it is now and reopened on Christmas Eve of 1960. The new building highlights the legendary neon signage that is known and loved today. 

The original signage of the Barrowlands, was an image of a man with a wheelbarrow, before the new building was built. 


Photo Above: New neon signage 

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Photo Above: The original building and signage with man and wheelbarrow

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One of the most famous and well known aspects of the Barrowlands is the unique roof design inside the ballroom which adds to the fantastic atmosphere inside. This is one of my personal favourite attributes of the venue, as I believe it adds to the character and personality of the building and it is truly unmatched to the architecture of any other venue in Glasgow. 


The photo above is a photo I took from The Fratellis concert in March 2022. The distinguished ceiling design can be seen at the top with the lights shining remarkably onto the stage and audience creating an incredible feeling. One of the most notable moments of The Fratellis concert was singing their rendition of 'Yes Sir I Can Boogie', with hundreds of other Glaswegians and a Scottish band performing in a beautiful venue. I truly feel there is no better atmosphere than a concert at the Barrowlands. 

Many artists and bands have performed on this famous stage over the course of its existence, and I have had the privilege of seeing many including, Dylan John Thomas, Vistas, The Snuts, The Fratellis and Ocean Colour Scene. Notably, four out of five of these artists being from Scotland, I feel many artists also have a tie to the Barrowlands and its significance in the Glasgow gig scene.

Ultimately, I deem the Barrowlands to be a place of culture and shines important history into Glasgow, and is truly a place that many individuals adore.

Sources:

https://barrowland.co.uk/blogs/barrowland-history/barrowland-history

https://thehistorygirlsscotland.com/2016/10/03/barrowland-ballroom/

https://c20society.org.uk/building-of-the-month/barrowlands-ballroom-glasgow#dismiss-cookie-notice

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/maggie-mciver-barras-barrowland-glasgow-17967926

https://ballroom.barrowland.co.uk/blogs/the-founder/maggie-mciver#:~:text=Following%20her%20husband's%20death%20in,local%20traders%20and%20their%20families.

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