The cover of a souvenir programme for Glasgow's peace celebrations in 1919.
Although fighting ended on the Western Front with the Armistice on 11 November 1918, the Peace Treaty was not signed at Versailles by Germany and the Allied powers until 28 June 1919. Glasgow celebrated the event on 4 August with a parade of servicemen from Glasgow Green to Charing Cross. Dance music was played in park bandstands in the afternoon and the evening, and there were firework displays at Glasgow Green, Queen's Park, Bellahouston Park and Kelvingrove Park.
On 7 August, 20,000 elderly ratepayers were entertained in public halls across the city. In September 4,000 children with disabilities were taken to Rouken Glen, and other school children enjoyed festivities in public parks, including music, refreshments, sports and prizes. Later in the month the Corporation entertained 80,000 ex-servicemen with their partners.
Reference: SP.2002.11.60
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
Bellahouston Park, children with disabilities, dancing, disability, fireworks, First World War, Glasgow Green, Kelvingrove Park, parades, peace celebrations, Queen's Park, Rouken Glen, school children, servicemen, souvenirs