Explore Scotland’s Music Capital with Flying Scots Girl, Cat Thomson

The OVO Hydro is Scotland’s largest entertainment venue and, interesting fact, it’s regularly ranked amongst the top ten venues in the world by Pollstar. It was built in 2013 as a multipurpose venue which can be transformed rapidly from one stage set to another whether for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Elf the Musical or for one of the biggest names on the global music scene (think Becky Hill, The Script and Deep Purple). It may be useful to know that if you’re an OVO Energy customer you can upgrade your tickets for free on the OVO app. You’re welcome! Take a look at the events schedule to find out what’s on.

If someone asked you what sound most reminds you of Scotland, there’s a high chance that the answer would be ‘the bagpipes’. A staple sound of Buchanan Street, you’re certain to hear the pipes as you explore your way around the centre of Glasgow. The Museum of Piping at The National Piping Centre, contributes to Glasgow’s diverse music scene. This is a great place to visit if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about this unusual yet traditional Scottish instrument. You can even try your hand at playing the chanter or the pipes themselves. A word of advice, they’re even harder than they look, and you’ll need plenty of puff to get a note!

Originally built as a dance hall, the history of Barrowland Ballroom spans ninety years from its construction in 1934. The Barrowlands is not just one of the most iconic music venues, but one of the most iconic venues in Glasgow full stop. This is in part thanks to the fabulous neon Barrowlands sign which you must visit when it lights up at night for a classic Glasgow Instagram shot. The Barrowlands has seen the likes of the biggest artists in the world play here from Blur to Snoop Dog, Iggy Pop and Slipknot amongst so many others. In 2024, The Barrowlands was named Time Out’s best music venue in the UK. This rating came from artists that have played there so this is an incredible achievement and means music lovers must grab a ticket to experience the incredible atmosphere for themselves. At the weekend you can also have a rummage through the Barras Market right next door for vintage finds.

King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (or as Glasgow locals call it, King Tut’s or simply Tut’s) might look rather inconspicuous from the outside but it’s one of the best small, live music venues in the UK and is one of the leading stages to catch new and emerging artists. It was at Tut’s that Oasis were famously signed by Alan McGee in 1993. In 1998, when they’d first moved to the city, Snow Patrol played at Tut’s. The 2000s saw Jason Mraz (2003), Paolo Nutini (2004) and Calvin Harris (2007) raising the roof. Scrolling through the story who’s who of British music royalty. Take a look at their events schedule to see who you could nab tickets for on your trip.

Glasgow City Halls is a beautiful venue in the centre of the city which is the home of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Scottish Music Centre as well as being the Glasgow base for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. City Halls has a shoebox auditorium design which is well known for its superb acoustics which will lead to a night to remember. This is the venue to head for if you want to incorporate some jazz, folk or classical music into your itinerary.

The RED Sky Bar is located right at the top of the Radisson RED Glasgow hotel and it has been named as one of the 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World. In daylight, make your way up here for excellent views of Glasgow and watch the sun go down with one of their delicious cocktails in hand. As day turns to night, the RED Sky Bar welcomes a host of international DJs to set the soundtrack to your weekend as well as various music events from HedKandi to The Soundgarden. It’s the place to see and be seen in Glasgow having won the Best Bar or Pub category at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards 2024. You can find all the RED Sky Bar events here. 

Truly embrace a music filled city break in Glasgow by checking into the Radisson RED Glasgow.  Situated on the river Clyde, just a stone’s throw away from the OVO Hydro Arena and Scottish Events Campus (SEC). It’s so close you can keep an eye on the queue from your room as you’re getting ready. You’ll sleep so well with the comfiest beds and refuel the following morning with an excellent breakfast selection to get you ready for the journey home or another day exploring.  Immerse yourself in music as you also enjoy the inhouse events taking place in Radisson RED Glasgow.  

Make sure to book in for dinner at the OUIBar & KTCHN. The menu is bursting with flavours and tempting dishes to try. A recommendation has got to be for the Neapolitan pizzas which are delicious and what the KTCHN is best known for.

So, if you love music, the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music is absolutely the one to visit. Make Glasgow your next UK city break and jump right into its history, culture and live venues. Book your next stay at Radisson RED to take your experience to the next level and fully soak in Glasgow’s musical story.

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