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Govan Fair

Burrell Collection Photo Library

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Govan Fair

The Govan Fair Procession, led by the Govan Police Pipe Band, on Langlands Road, perhaps 1940s or 1950s. The famous sheep's (more accurately, ram's) head is borne aloft behind the band.

The Govan Fair appears to have originated at the end of the 15th century. The Govan weavers revived the annual festival in 1757 and the procession on the first Friday of June became one of the most popular events of the year. It continued until 1881 when, with the traditional weaving trade in terminal decline and the old village swamped with newcomers seeking work in Govan's engineering and shipbuilding industries, the celebrations ended through lack of support.

Members of the Old Govan Club revived the Fair in 1920. It is now organised by the Govan Fair Association, which donates all proceeds to charity.

Reference: 660.83.162

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums

Keywords:
bagpipes, charities, children, fairs, Govan Fair, Govan Fair Association, Govan Police Pipe Band, Old Govan Club, pipe bands, processions, ram's heads, sheep's heads, street collections, women



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