Merchant City Festival 2010

Brings Buzz, Energy And Ents To A Lovely Part Of The City

	merchant city festival brings music, markets and laughter to glasgow do more?.. quick-links: highlights| events| pre-theatre venues| comments AgentX

Merchant City Festival arrives on the buzzing streets (and in a few venues) on 22 to 25 July. Moving from the end of September to the glories of mid Summer in 2010, the schedule of events looks as vibrant as ever...

For four fun filled days and nights, concerts, exhibits, street performers, street markets and dancers bring lots of laughter and delights to this historic part of Glasgow.

One of the nicest parts of Merchant City Festival remains the way all sorts of arts are brought out, to the people and especially to youngsters.

So you can expect troupes of dancers around Brunswick Street, small stages with great music dotted around Merchant City, and something big and impressive in George Square (and no, we don't mean those huge lion statues!)

Weird and wonderful acts like The Pipe People make Merchant Square home during the 2010 Festival. Described as a mix of dance, art , loony and vaudeville, like all street performers, their show is completely free. Who could ask for more?

'Conflux Maximus', a parade of gladiators, makes its way down Buchanan Street from Glasgow Royal Concert Hall... Sounds like a spectacle to see...

For details about the full event programme, visit the official Merchant City Festival website. Then carry on reading here, to make sure you have the most wonderful, care free Glasgow Merchant City Festival ever. Have a fab time at this years' Merchant City Festival.

Before we reveal our full mini-guides to all the best pre-theatre fun for eating, drinking and staying near your favourite event, check out the pre-theatre "top 10" below, as voted by visitors.

What makes it into the pre-theatre top 10? Simple. Only the very best places in Glasgow.

Add your vote and your own recommendations below!

Don't forget our full mini-guides to all the best pre-theatre fun.

It's important to make the most of your special days at Glasgow Merchant City Festival. Glasgow has some top bars, restaurants and hotels to add value to any event.

Knowing the best places for some laid back or romantic meals, and for fun and classy drinks, will add sparkle to your excellent evenings. Getting it right makes all the difference.

So here are our mini-guides, revealing the very best pre-theatre places just a stroll from this year's top venues.

Every mini-guide reveals the best places for both buzzing and peaceful dining and drinking, the best sightseeing spot for visitors and the top places to stay nearby for all budgets. Just click on the venue name to reveal all the best places... Have fun!