We’ve seen a bit more sun and warmer weather of late, the daffodils are out and trees are beginning to bud – spring is definitely here! There’s so much happening in our lovely neck of the woods in East Renfrewshire, and this month you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outside at family-friendly community events, catch some theatre or head out for a spot of shopping whilst supporting local craftspeople and producers. Here are some highlights curtesy of WhatsonEastRenfrewshire.com.
The Neilston Agricultural Show & Pad Run returns for 2018, with a wonderful variety of new attractions as well as some annual favourites. As well as many different breeds of cattle, sheep and horses on show there is entertainment for the whole family plus lots of stalls for your perusal. Pick up some lovely local produce or home baking, and you’ll find local craftspeople selling their wares and demonstrating skills such as flower arranging. Learn more about local agriculture and produce at the educational dome and you can even bring along the family dog to show off at the dog show. Running alongside the agricultural show, the Pad Race returns – a trail run of 4.5 miles through the hilly surroundings of Neilston – with trophies to be won.
When: 5thMay 2018, 8am – 4pm
Where: Neilston
Tickets: Adults £6, Children & Concession £2, Family (2+2) £15
Get out into the fresh air with all the family at Greenbank Woodland Play’s Mayday Funday. Head along for a nature-filled Spring Funday in the beautiful historic surroundings of Greenbank Garden, near Clarkston. Activities on offer include plant a sunflower, the popular Gruffalo trail, Happazome plant dye printing, face painting, raffles, den building, decorate a tree cookie and fun with giant bubbles. Don’t miss out on this popular event!
When: 7thMay 2018, 11am – 4pm
Where: Greenbank Woodland Play, The Coach House, Flenders Road, Clarkston, G76 8RB
Tickets: £2 per child, adults and babies under 1 go free
Set in 1940’s post-war Britain, this odd-ball, comic tale based on Alan Bennet’s film ‘A Private Function’ brings together a host of eccentric characters in the lead-up to the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. The story is centred on Betty, an adorable pig, who is being illegally reared to ensure the local dignitaries can celebrate the Royal Wedding with a lavish banquet while the local population make do with Spam. Brilliantly adapted and expanded for the stage with a deliciously infectious, toe-tapping, retro/contemporary score bringing the show to life.
When: 8th– 12thMay 2018, 7:30pm & 2:30pm Saturday Matinee
Where: Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock
Tickets: £14-£17
This month sees the launch of the new Barrhead Foundry Indoor Market which will take place every second Saturday of the month until the end of the year. The indoor arts and crafts market will host lots of local makers, producers, and craftspeople selling a variety of bespoke, unique goods. For the grand opening, come along at 10am to meet special guests, Mickey & Minnie Mouse. Make sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up to date with future events, dates and themes.
When: Second Saturday of the Month (May – Dec 2018), 10am – 3pm
Where: Barrhead Foundry, Main Street, Barrhead, G73 1SW
Tickets: FREE
There are many free events on at Whitelee Farm every weekend throughout May, including an array of arts and crafts activities along with some educational events including Wacky Weather Watching helping children to understand how clouds are formed, why rainbows are so colourful and even how to make snow. Along with a practical demonstration session in the Education Hub, children will be taken outside to observe the weather and record the results for the farm’s weather records.
When: Every weekend from May 5th (May – December 2018)
Where: Whitelee Farm Visitor Centre, Moor Road, Eaglesham G760QQ
Tickets: FREE
This weekly event runs every Saturday and is a great way for the whole family to enjoy Tennis in a safe and fun environment. There are also Tennis For Kids and Tennis Express sessions, as well as a comprehensive coaching programme. The Barrhead Community Tennis Club has one of Scotland’s top young coaches who can deliver top quality sessions for all ages.
When: Every Saturday
Where: Cowan Park Darnley Road, Barrhead G78 1TA
Tickets: FREE
The annual Stamperland Spring Fair features a fantastic mix of stalls, games, quizzes and activities including face painting, coconut shy and old-fashioned children’s games and quizzes. In addition, the tearoom will be serving a wide variety of food including home baking and filled rolls plus an outdoor BBQ.
When: 19th May, 10am – 2pm
Where: Stamperland Parish Church Stamperland Gardens, Clarkston G76 8LJ
Tickets: FREE