Over the Wall festival returns to Gartnavel Royal for a third year

Thursday, August 25, 2016

The third Over the Wall Festival of Neighbours, being held on Saturday at the Gartnavel Royal Hospital site, is shaping up to be the best yet. 

Part of Art in the Gart, the free festival was first held in 2014 to mark 200 years of organised psychiatric care in the west of Scotland and is a diverse mix of music, food and street theatre. 

It now takes place every summer in the beautiful, green surroundings of Gartnavel Royal Hospital offering patients, staff, families, volunteers and neighbours a chance to share in a celebration of music and arts. 

This year there will be music performances by King of Birds, Randolph’s Leap, Progress, State Broadcasters, Chrissy Barnacle, and Jo Mango. 

The comprehensive programme, compered by Glasgow comedian Keara Murphy, promises an interesting mix of activities and entertainment including: 

• Music workshops and performances by Children's Classic Concerts
• Environmental stalls and bug activity courtesy of RSPB
• Staff from the Gartnavel Green Activity Project and The Growing Spaces
• Smoothie-making races with Dumbarton Road Corridor Environmental Trust
• Street theatre with Mischief-La-Bas
• Wildlife and birdlife with Glasgow City Council Heavy Horses and The Scottish Owl Centre
• Soft drinks and burgers at the Coach House Trust food tent

Fiona Sinclair, volunteer service manager and lead for Art in the Gart, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, said: “We have designed the Over the Wall Festival of Neighbours event to be held in an environment where people can have an enjoyable day with family, friends and the local community. 

“Like the previous two years there are a whole range of activities for everyone. Over the Wall plays a role in raising public awareness of mental health while reducing the associated stigma.

“I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along and take part in what I hope will be the biggest festival yet.” 

The festival is running on Saturday, 27 August from 1-5pm. It is being held in the green area at the Crow Road entrance on the west end of the Gartnavel site.