Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
Article Source: IRN-BRU
Last Updated: 20 December 2024 13:14
To celebrate the launch, organisers of the IRN-BRU Carnival invited the stars of the Wizard of Oz pantomime taking place at the SEC along to the event to be among the first to enjoy the rides. Dorothy, Aunty Em, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion all headed along the yellow brick road to the Carnival taking a break from performances.
The IRN-BRU Carnival is Europe's largest indoor funfair and has been enjoyed by generations for over 100 years. The event runs until 12 January 2025 (closed Christmas day) offering more than 65 exhilarating rides, games, and family-friendly attractions. From hair-raising spins and dodgems to traditional fairground games, it is a must-visit during the Christmas and New Year period.
This year there are a number of rides making their debut at the event. The Superstar and Twist which both see thrill seekers spinning and twisting at dizzying speed and the Crazy Astroslide which is perfect for the whole family. For the first time in five years there will also be a Carousel, which is always one of the most popular attractions.
There are a number of events over the course of the IRN-BRU Carnival including regular live music performances, a Princess and Superhero Day on Friday 27 December and Sunday 5 January, a Unicorn Experience on Tuesday 31 December 11am-2pm and daily treasure hunts for the whole family.
There are also two Autism Friendly sessions run on Tuesday 31st December (11-2pm only) and Monday 6th January (4-9pm). With reduced sound and light where possible, these popular sessions allow those living with autism and sensory processing differences, a chance to enjoy the rides with smaller crowds. Quiet areas and sensory packs will be available during these sessions for anyone who needs them.
Margaret Cowan, Group Operations Manager for the IRN-BRU Carnival said: “Everyone knows the festive season in Glasgow isn’t complete without a visit to the IRN-BRU Carnival and this year is no exception. We’ve got some exciting new rides, plus all the usual favourites, making this year’s event a must visit for all the family. We can’t wait to welcome back visitors old and new and enjoy a host of festive fun over the holidays and beyond.”
Emily Barnes, who plays Dorothy in the Theatre School of Scotland’s panto said: “We’ve loved getting to take some time out from performances and enjoy the IRN-BRU Carnival. My favourite was the waltzer for sure but there are so many thrilling rides for everyone to enjoy.”
This year’s Carnival ticket prices start from £12.50 for seniors and advance general admission from £20 on most dates, with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, where kids under three go free. Peak prices apply to selected dates. Tickets are available online at www.irn-bru-carnival.com
You can purchase tickets for the Wizard of Oz panto here.
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Barrhead Belters spread Christmas cheer across East Renfrewshire
The Barrhead Belters, a choir formed through East Ren Health and Social Care Partnership Community Pathways service, are bringing festive spirit to care homes and community events this Christmas!
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Newton Mearns resident crowned as Citizen of the Year 2025
A volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award to celebrate her community leadership.
READ MORE
Greenbank Garden nears completion of major daffodil restoration project
Trust staff and volunteers have planted over 70,000 daffodil bulbs at the historic Greenbank Garden as part of the Donate a Daffodil appeal.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme
Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire to introduce 20mph speed limits to improve road safety
East Renfrewshire Council is set to reduce the speed limit on more than 1,100 residential streets and school zones to 20mph in an effort to make roads in the local authority safer for everyone.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Authors celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 at East Renfrewshire Libraries
Libraries across East Renfrewshire celebrated Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025) with a series of author events and workshops.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Salmon return to Levern Water in Barrhead after 170 years
Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Ren Council and SEPA.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links