It’s party time with a new processions and family fun day in Overtoun Park.
Rutherglen is set to enjoy a major new outdoor celebration as part of the town’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
‘Striding the Streets’ will kick off with a free community parade on Saturday, June 13, followed by a ‘Party in the Park’ event later that day.
Organisers from the Rutherglen 900 group hope to revive the spirit of Rutherglen’s historic parade traditions for a new generation, bringing together local people, artists, schools and community organisations.
Councillor Robert Brown, chair of Rutherglen 900, urged local people to come out to cheer the parade and support the event in the park.
He said: “This is a huge opportunity for local people to show their pride in the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen and its amazing 900-year-old history – and to enjoy themselves at the same time.”
A lively public procession will stride from Fernhill Road/Blairbeth Road junction to Broomieknowe Road/ Rodger drive and culminate in Overtoun Park.
The parade will set off at 2pm and feature over 100 local people, host Jack McGinty, travelling music from Oi Musica, giant horse puppets by Puppet Club, a new R900 community banner, school-designed flags and appearances from mascot Dougie the Pigeon.
Residents are invited to cheer on the procession along the route before making their way to Overtoun Park for a free afternoon of live music, performances and family activity.
From 2.45pm, Party in the Park will offer a packed programme led by a high-energy opening from eclectic big band Oi Musica, bold choreography from international dance artists Vince Virr and Aishwarya Patil, performances from Rutherglen 900 Schools Choir and Cambuslang and Rutherglen Rock and Pop Chorus, with a headline appearance from acclaimed folk music star Siobhan Miller and her trio.
The afternoon will build to a finale from Kings Park Brass Band performing a new R900 song, alongside the chance to meet Clydesdale horses up close, and enjoy workshops, walkabout performances and creative activities across the park.
Local event partners Grow 73 and Overtoun Park Bowling Club are also open on the day, with additional food vendors and accessible public toilets available.
Created as part of the wider Rutherglen 900 programme, Striding the Streets has grown out of local consultation and collaboration with schools, community groups, artists and partner organisations across the town.
The wider Rutherglen 900 programme has been developed to celebrate the people, heritage and future of Rutherglen throughout its anniversary year. Audiences can attend for free, with no ticket required.
More information is available on where to watch the parade and what’s on at rutherglen900.com.
The parade is intended to be watched safely from the pavement and designated public viewing points rather than followed behind. Organisers kindly ask audiences not to join the procession.
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Cllr Brown added: “This Novocentenary year we have a Landemer Fortnight with Landemer Day events on Saturday, June 6, and Striding the Streets the following Saturday, June 13.
“Watch out too for other Landemer events including the Mortified Monies lunch, the model railway exhibition, the walking tours and the heritage bus events.
“There is something for everyone but particularly for the children and young people. Older people too will see echoes of the Landemer festivals of the past.
“Our grateful thanks to Creative Scotland who have funded the event and to our other partners on the day. Let’s party.”
■ ‘Striding the Streets’ takes place on Saturday, June 13.
■ The parade starts at 2pm from Fernhill Road/Blairbeth Road junction to Broomieknowe Road/ Rodger drive and culminates in Overtoun Park.
■ The parade ends in Overtoun Park, where Party in the Park runs from approximately 2.45pm until 5pm.
■ The event is free, unticketed, and family-friendly.
■ Rutherglen 900 is a community-led initiative created to celebrate the town’s 900th anniversary across 2026.
■ Core event funding for Striding the Streets is provided by Creative Scotland, with additional support from Healthy ‘n’ Happy, Feral, Specsavers, Clyde Gateway and South Lanarkshire Council.
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