GLASGOW'S FAMOUS GARDEN FESTIVAL SHINES AGAIN

Modern version of Clydeside fiesta that attracted millions recreated 37 years on in a dazzling sound and light installation

- BY PAUL ENGLISH

IT WAS one of the most memorable chapters in Glasgow's history, a summer-long fiesta on the site of the old shipyards which drew visitors in their millions.

Now the Glasgow Garden Festival is to be recreated, with the opening of a modern-day version of the colourful Clydeside jamboree.

A new sound and light installation in the city's Botanic Gardens will recreate some of the highlights of the 120-acre site, which took root on the south bank of the river and bloomed from spring to autumn of 1988.

Glasglow's Miles Better will pay homage to the event 37 years after the temporary site was dismantled.

It's the latest contemporary event in honour of the festival, which drew 4.3million visitors and kicked-started Glasgow's modern identity as a major player on the world's cultural stage.

Reworked versions of installations such as the floating tap and the Clydesdale Bank revolving tower will be remembered with new miniature versions, boosted by archive footage projected on a hot air balloon.

Glasglow's creative leader, Oli Norman, wanted to bring back the “carefree days” he remembers from childhood visits to the event and hopes tapping into the happy memories can help boost the city's fortunes.

He said: "I have so many strong memories of visiting the festival. I wish we had kept things like the Coca-Cola Rollercoaster and Clydesdale Bank tower. Imagine having the drama of these things in Glasgow now.