Hosted by The Glasgow Bell.

It’s been a strange year, hasn't it?

Glasgow has been described as “filthy”, a “hellhole” and “a national scandal” — while simultaneously saving the Commonwealth Games and being named one of the best places to visit by Tripadvisor and Time Out (with the latter praising our “culture, colour, flavours, and thrills”). Govanhill was even crowned the fifth coolest neighbourhood on Earth, shortly after a Reform UK MSP branded it a “ghetto”. Welcome to Schrödinger’s Glasgow; a city that’s dead and alive at the same time, depending on whom you ask.

This contrast has got us debating something that feels surprisingly hard to pin down:

On Thursday, 15th October, The Bell hosts an evening of stories, debate, and practical solutions at Drygate Brewery, bringing together leading thinkers, campaigners, and readers to unpack the city's glories and gripes.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

• • Is progress being distributed fairly around the city?
  • How do we tackle youth violence as it creeps back up?
  • Will Govan become Glasgow’s next big success story?

SPEAKERS & PANELLISTS

• Darren McGarvey: Orwell Prize-winning author, social commentator, and hip-hop artist.
• Emily Cutts: Director of the pioneering G20 Youth Project.
• Andrew Hoolaclan: Urban planner and academic specialising in Glasgow's urban regeneration, geography, and development.
• Further guest speakers to be announced.

EVENT SCHEDULE

• 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Doors Open & Registration
• 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Keynote Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A
• 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Post-Event Drinks & Casual Discussion (Join The Bell team and fellow attendees at the Drygate bar)

TICKET OPTIONS & PRICING

• General Admission: £8.00
• Bell Member Admission: £4.00

DETAILS AND LOCATION

• Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
• Venue: Drygate Brewery, 85 Drygate, Glasgow G4 0UT

  
  

Please take your seat by 6:20 PM so we can begin promptly at 6:30 PM.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Purchasing a ticket will automatically sign you up to The Bell’s free mailing list, receiving our local reporting and event updates straight to your inbox.

By attending, you consent to being photographed and recorded. If you prefer not to be filmed or photographed, or would like to opt out, please email us in advance at info@millmediaco.uk or notify our team at the registration desk upon arrival.

For any press enquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions regarding the event, please get in touch at info@millmediaco.uk.

ACCESSIBILITY 

Drygate Brewery is wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities for visitors with disabilities.

If you have any specific access requirements, parking enquiries, or require reserved seating, please contact us at info@millmediaco.uk prior to the event so we can accommodate your needs.

JOIN THE BELL:

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