Your Southside Christmas Markets Guide
Southside Christmas markets, Palestine reparation, empowering tenants, Arkbound writing workshops and where to get your hands on a Govanhill 2025 wall calendar!
Hello,
While festivities are in full swing, there’s a couple of weeks left before the Greater Govanhill team hang up their hats and dive headfirst into mince pies. This week we’re bringing you a round-up of the Southside’s festive markets taking place. Pop by for all your festive gift needs and support independent makers.
We’ve been dashing to as many community spaces and local businesses as possible this week to drop off copies of the festive poster, however, a few of our delivery elves have been unwell so we’ve not dropped off all our usual spots – not yet, anyway. If you can’t wait to pick up yours, pop into the Community Newsroom, weekdays between 10 and 5PM.
You’ll find us crafting the next issue, on hidden harms and hidden lives, for launch in January 2025! Want to be part of it? Drop us a line at newsroom@greatergovanhill.com.
Plus, keep reading for more information on the free writing workshop course led by Arkbound, our latest stories, and where to pick up one-of-a-kind Greater Govanhill merchandise.
Warm wishes,
- Samar, Journalist
Latest from our website
Facing hatred with hope
Sadia Sikander writes about the challenges she faces as a refugee in Scotland, from the emotional toll of societal hostility, systemic barriers, navigating unfamiliar systems and finding employment. Sikander also highlights the need to hold onto hope in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Seven reparations, one reckoning: Farah Saleh’s embodied call for justice in Palestine
Balfour Reparations 2024-2044, a performance lecture by Farah Saleh, uses a mix of movement, spoken word, and participatory action to confront the UK’s colonial role in Palestine and explores our role in shaping a decolonial future.
Empowering tenants: How to stand up to Landlords and fight for your rights
Tenants often face challenges like unaddressed repairs, dampness, and rent increases, compounded by a power imbalance with landlords. This article highlights how Living Rent supports renters through collective action and member defence sessions.
The Southside festive markets!
🛍️ Park Lane Market
When: Every Saturday and Sunday throughout December
Where: Shawlands
What: A variety of stalls and festive offerings.
🎁 St Ninian’s Church Hall Christmas Fayre
When: Saturday 14 December, 2–4pm
Where: St Ninian’s Church Hall
What: Baking, jewellery, books, bric-a-brac, and cards.
Entry: £2.50 for adults, 50p for children (includes a drink and cake).
🧼 First Annual Artist-Led International Soapdish Market of Glasgow 2024
When: Saturday 14 December, 3–7pm
Where: Southside Studios
What: Unique soapdish designs by Scottish artists, handmade soaps, live music by DJ Despicable B***ard, glühwein, snacks, and a bubbly poetry reading.
Entry: Free (cash and cards accepted).
🌟 Govanhill Baths Community Trust Festive Market
When: Sunday 15 December, 12–5pm
Where: The Deep End
What: Crafts, holiday treats, and a Greater Govanhill merch stall featuring t-shirts, calendars, and more.
You’ll also find the Greater Govanhill team at the Govanhill Baths Community Trust Festive Market. Pick up one of our stylish mugs, t-shirts, or the real prize: the brand-new 2025 Govanhill calendar. Featuring stunning photographs of the neighbourhood’s seasons and moments, captured by members of our photography group, it’s the perfect gift. And don’t forget to treat yourself – you’ve earned it!
Or take advantage of our online shop, with a few clicks you can order our festive package from the warmth of your home and have it delivered to you door before Christmas!
Govanhill Inspired Calendar
Looking to start your new year with a photo of the neighbourhood? The Greater Govanhill calendar features a collection of photographs showcasing the charm of our community. Taken by our talented photography group, you’ll find photos of the Aurora lights, misty mornings at Queen’s Park, colourful snaps from this year’s Govanhill Festival and many other nods to our dear neighbourhood.
You can order yours from our website or pop by the the Govanhill Baths Festive Market this Sunday, we’ll be around from 12-5 and stocked with plenty of calendars!
Apply for Arkbound’s Free Writing Workshops [AD]
Arkbound Foundation is running a series of 6 free workshops at Greater Govanhill across January and February that will focus on developing creative writing skills and discussing the bigger picture around the cost of living crisis.
Following the workshops, there will be the opportunity to have a short piece published in Greater Govanhill Magazine. We have 10 spaces and anyone from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background is encouraged to apply!
Support the mag!
Looking for the perfect festive gift? We've got you covered with our Greater Govanhill-themed mugs, T-shirts, and our stunning 2025 Govanhill Community Calendar!
For an extra-special treat, check out our exclusive package, which includes:
A 12-month subscription to Greater Govanhill Magazine (print & online)
A 20% members discount on all future merchandise
A stylish Tenement T-Shirt
A Greater Govanhill & Tenement Mug
A Greater Govanhill Pin Badge
The 2025 Greater Govanhill Community Calendar
A FREE Greater Govanhill sticker!
You can also purchase individual items to create your perfect gift bundle.
Desks for Rent
If you’re looking for a change of scene and plenty of tea choices – among other perks, the Community Newsroom might be for you!
We currently have desk space for hire on Tuesdays for £20 per day or £10 for half a day. To book a tour of the space or to find out more info email us at newsroom@greatergovanhill.com.
Latest from around the neighbourhood…
❄️ Govanhill children celebrate festive season with special winter concert. Young participants of a music and social change programme have taken part in a special festive concert to celebrate the end of term.
🚮 Glasgow flytipper fined £3k for dumping piles of rubbish in notorious Govanhill lane. Habib Safi was issued with the £3277 fine after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) were contacted by Glasgow City Council following a report.
🏠 Survey finds migrant group suffer poor housing in Glasgow area. Roma people in an area of Glasgow are being denied adequate housing according to findings of new research.
🍎 Glasgow Southside foodbank desperate for donations to help struggling families this Christmas. Glasgow SE Foodbank is looking for donations of Christmas foods to make up hampers for people unable to buy their own groceries as the cost of living.
Give the gift of local journalism this Christmas.