Bumper year for major events

2018 promises to be another significant year for major events, including the biggest multi-sport event hosted in Scotland since the Commonwealth Games, and the Year of Young People.

The Glasgow 2018 European Championships will take place over 12 venues in Scotland in August and has a potential TV audience of up to 1.03 billion. A Festivals 2018 cultural programme will run at the same time.

A series of events will help to mark 2018 as the Year of Young People. Co-designed by young people themselves, the programme, supported by EventScotland, part of the VisitScotland Events Directorate, will celebrate their talents and contribution to Scottish life.

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“Major events enrich our cultural and sporting life, and also bring significant benefits to Scotland’s economy. Along with regular events like the Edinburgh Festivals and Hogmanay, there are dozens of other highlights to look out for.

“With six sports taking place across 12 different venues, and a parallel ‘Festivals 2018’ cultural programme, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships is sure to be a stand-out feature of Scotland’s offering this year.

“There will also be a year-long programme of events and activities associated with the Year of Young People, giving Scotland’s young people a chance to tell their own story to the world.”

Background

Other major events coming up in 2018 include the World Junior Curling Championships in Aberdeen in March, and the Special Olympics Anniversary Games at Stirling University in August. The Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art takes place in April, and the 147^th Open will take place at Carnoustie – one of nine top-class golf events happening in Scotland during the year.

Major events in 2016/2017 drew more than two million spectators. These included Edinburgh’s 70^th anniversary as the world’s leading Festival City, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the World Badminton Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

As part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, 17 events were funded through Visit Scotland’s Scottish Clan Event Fund. The 2017/18 Winter Festivals programme has featured 23 events across 17 local authority areas.