GOVAN Music Festival has opened in Glasgow as it kicks off four days of progressive performances and inclusive cultural participation.

Now in its third year, the festival will take place in venues across the area from Wednesday, March 13 until Saturday, March 16. 

It is part of a community-led regeneration strategy which showcases all that Govan has to offer including homegrown Scottish and international talent across folk, fusion, world, classical, jazz and hip-hop music. 

Glasgow Times: Liam Brolly, Emma Donald, Marina Sánchez Cabello and Aaron McGregor, who make up The Glasgow Barons QuartetLiam Brolly, Emma Donald, Marina Sánchez Cabello and Aaron McGregor, who make up The Glasgow Barons Quartet (Image: Govan Music Fesitval)

Over the coming days the festival, which is run by Govan’s regeneration orchestra The Glasgow Barons supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, is set to demonstrate how music can enhance people’s lives and revitalise an area.

Performances range from a unique collaboration between Scottish rappers and folk and jazz musicians, to an exceptional night of world music and Gaelic trad rock.

Highlights include Freed Up Friday, the launch party for Freed Up CIC which is an independent producer of sober adult events specially curated for the recovery community taking place on March 15.

It will take place at Park Villa Community Sports Hub with performances from leading Scottish rappers Sweet Rogue, Freestyle Master, MOG and Dazza JFT while popular rave tracks will also be mixed by GBX duo Gonzo and MC Cally accompanied by live strings from The Glasgow Barons.

A coming together of trad and world music will take place at Edminston House on Saturday as the award-winning Musicians in Exile and Glasgow Gaelic indie trad band DLÙ put on a special double-bill concert

Glasgow Times: Freed Up Director Donna Boyd, accordionist Neil Sutcliffe, Scottish rapper MOG, violinist Roo Geddes and bassist Ewan Hastie who will perform at Freed Up FridayFreed Up Director Donna Boyd, accordionist Neil Sutcliffe, Scottish rapper MOG, violinist Roo Geddes and bassist Ewan Hastie who will perform at Freed Up Friday (Image: Govan Music Festival)

Paul MacAlindin, artistic director of The Glasgow Barons and Govan Music Festival, said: "Spring is in the air and when we think of this season, we think of rebirth, regeneration, growth and budding new possibilities – this is exactly what Govan Music Festival represents.

"It’s brilliant to be getting the third edition of this warm, exciting and diverse festival underway and we can’t wait to share some incredible music and performance with audiences over the next few days.

"The festival allows us to show Govan off and celebrate some incredible talent across a huge range of music genres.

"Whether the festival is on your doorstep or you haven’t spent much time in Govan, we would encourage you to come out and experience this eclectic and energised part of Glasgow that is on the up."

Concerts cost between £1 and £5 or are free of charge. 

You can find out more about all events HERE