Are guerrilla events stealthily edging ahead?
Cafe Gandolfi hosted one of Glasgow’s largest and most extravagant pop-up bars over the September weekend, ‘Gandolfi Goes Pop’. Hutcheson’s Hall opened its doors for the first time in two years as the backdrop for one of the launch events of the Merchant City Festival, as Cafe Gandolfi got ready to celebrate 30 years at the heart of both the Merchant City and indeed Scotland’s restaurant scene. The Merchant City Festival brings the throngs along: http://www.merchantcityglasgow.com/news_articles/39
extratime popped in to the pop-up Perrier-Jouet Champagne bar at the weekend to check out the hard work of Gandolfi pioneer Seumas MacInnes. Brands bared their wares to intrigued visitors to the 4 day event, while burlesque dancers, fire-eaters and musicians entertained the merry throng. To heighten the glamour, models showing off clothes by Vivienne Westwood and Derryck Walker for Harris Tweed Hebrides wandered the historic building. For more information on ‘Gandolfi Goes Pop’, please check out the Scottish Herald: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/bubbly-set-to-fizz-as-at-risk-historic-venue-wins-reprieve-1.919727
The National Trust for Scotland is due to meet to determine the fate of Hutchesons’ Hall in the coming weeks. Hopefully ‘Gandolfi Goes Pop’ got enough people through the doors to prove once and for all that this architectural icon in Glasgow deserves to be back front and centre as a venue and as a treasure in the city.
As for the risqué nature of revolutionary occasions, which may be du jour in London, and even in Edinburgh (during the festival), what is the consensus in Glasgow? Is the jury still out on guerrilla events, or do we all agree that one-off experiential ‘pop-ups’ really are the way forward for a city full to the brim with talent, new and old? At extratime, we definitely vote for any opportunity to push boundaries, utilising lesser-known or abandoned venues to showcase local talent. If you agree with us, we would love to hear your thoughts on experiential campaigns and drum up the design for another eye-popping event.
Were you at the 4 day extravaganza? Let’s compare notes! Fire over an email to me at nicola@extratimegroup.com to discuss!
