Unique celebration of Gaelic poetry launches Glasgow's countdown to the Royal National Mòd
As Glasgow prepares to welcome the world's biggest Gaelic language, culture and music festival next month - the Royal National Mòd - the event's fringe programme is launching with a special celebration of over 1,000 years of Gaelic poetry.
On Thursday 10 September, Tramway will host Oidhche nam Bàrd - Poetry in Art and Sound.
The 'Night of the Poets' will offer lovers of live performance, spoken word and music - whether they speak Gaelic or not - a unique evening of entertainment featuring a line-up of acclaimed and award-winning talent.
Taking part, and reciting works that weave together the Gaelic voices of the past and the words of contemporary living poet are ten of the leading, most-published poets in Scottish Gaelic.
These include Peter Mackay, Scotland's makar or national poet, Niall O'Gallagher, the Bard Baile Ghlaschu or Gaelic poet laureate for Glasgow, and Meg Bateman and Anne Frater whose works are used in the Scottish curriculum for Gaelic.
All of the poetry recitals, as well as readings, by actors, of Gaelic literature will be accompanied by on-screen translations in English so their meaning and message can be enjoyed by a diverse range of audiences.
For the complete list of performers taking part in Oidhche nam Bàrd - Poetry in Art and Sound and to book tickets for the event on 10 September at Tramway visit this link.
The one-off event is produced by Glasgow Life, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland, as part of the Royal National Mòd fringe programme. Details of all the Glasgow Life events in the festival's fringe can be found here.
Glasgow Life Senior Arts Producer, Rona MacDonald said: "Glasgow is home to the biggest concentration of Gaelic speakers outside the Western Isles and has five Gaelic schools, so Gaelic is an important part of the city's cultural identity. Our aim is to give everyone in Glasgow, whether they speak the language or not, the opportunity to engage with and experience Gaelic's rich cultural traditions and creative expression.
"Glasgow Life's Gaelic Arts Plan 2025-2029 sets out our commitment to encouraging interest and participation in Gaelic language and culture, and action plan for the ongoing development of Gaelic arts, music and culture at our events and in our programmes and venues. Oidhche nam Bàrd - Poetry in Art and Sound is a great example of how we put that into practice. It is an accessible, inclusive event that invites audiences - whether they are Gaelic speakers or have no knowledge of the language - to gather together and enjoy great entertainment in the form of spoken word, stories and songs in Gaelic. And of course, this special evening will provide a real taste of what's ahead during the Royal National Mòd and the festival's vibrant fringe programme showcasing Gaelic arts, music, and culture."
For further information on the Royal National Mòd and festival fringe programme, visit https://modghlaschu2026.org/.