Preview: UK AIDS Memorial Quilt
- Tickets
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Free - no ticket required
- Dates and times
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Friday 11th Sept 2026
7:00pm
A preview of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, exhibited in Scotland, in full, for the first time.
At Tramway, the Quilt will be displayed alongside archival material from The Lothian Health Services Archive which traces the Scottish roots of the project, as well as the documentary film There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. An events programme curated by Glasgow based artist and researcher Steven Grainger accompanies the exhibition.
The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt represents over 600 people lost to HIV and AIDS in the UK. It is part of the world's largest community art project, begun in the USA in 1985 by activist Cleve Jones to commemorate friends, family and loved ones lost to AIDS. In the late 1980s, Scottish activist Ally Van Tillo began coordinating the UK Quilt, as others were doing around the world.
This opening event includes a preview of the display, followed by speeches from Cleve Jones - founder of the NAMES Project and the AIDS Memorial Quilt, Grant Sugden - CEO Waverley Care and UK Quilt Partnership, and Stephen Gellaitry - Quilt panel maker and Names Project volunteer in the 1990s who will add a historic panel to the collection on the night. A drinks reception follows.
The exhibition continues until 4 October 2026
Read more about the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt display at Tramway
The AIDS QUILT UK is presented by Tramway and made possible with Creative Scotland funding. The exhibition features a display of archives supported by Lothian Health Services archive, University of Edinburgh Library.
Image courtesy of Waverley Care
Accessibility guides
Read the Accessibility Guide for Tramway on AccessAble
Large Print and Braille programme material available upon request.
Some performances may also be BSL interpreted, audio described or have further assistance available. Access information for individual events is included in their event listing.
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are available on all three levels of Tramway, and come equipped with handrails and emergency pull cords. Please contact Tramway prior to your visit if you have any additional requirements
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. We can provide a bowl of water for an assistance dog. The assistance dog toilet area is located to the rear of the building.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
Wheelchair access
There is level access to all Tramway spaces and the cafe, with lift access to the upper spaces.
There are designated spaces for wheelchair users in the theatre.
Baby changing
Baby changing facilities are available on the ground floor
Baby feeding
Breastfeeding is welcome at Tramway
Cafe or restaurant
Full table service is not available. Food or drinks can be ordered at the counter and will be brought to the table.
No tables are permanently fixed. No chairs are permanently fixed.
Menus are hand held only, but are clearly presented in contrasting colours. Menus are not available in Braille.
Parking
On street only
Photography and video recording
At times, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.
The public are only permitted to record and take photos where explicit permission has been granted in advance.
Free wifi
There is free Wi-Fi available at Tramway, which you can access by registering through Facebook or an online form. Once registered, you can access free Wi-Fi whenever you are at Tramway.
Please note, Tramway does not offer a cloakroom or bag storage service. During large-scale and busy events bag searches may be in operation and bags larger than A3 size will not be admitted to the venue.
Location Map
Tramway is a post-industrial venue with a range of unique and versatile spaces, popular with private and corporate clients looking for a venue ‘with a difference’. Tramway is an ideal space for performances, exhibitions, private viewings, seminars, meetings and smaller scale functions.
Visit Tramway's venue hire web page to find out more.