East Kilbride artist reflects Carnival’s place in local community
Glasgow’s favourite festive attraction, the IRN-BRU Carnival, is back and booming this year. The event which runs until January 15 is Europe’s largest indoor funfair and has become a staple of the Scottish winter season, popular with families and thrill-seekers alike.
This year will be the 103rd IRN-BRU Carnival, after its humble beginnings in Kelvin Hall. The event moved to its current site in 1985 and has continued to grow in popularity since, with ride operator Charlie Horne stating that this year is “busier now than ever” after facing two years of closures due to the pandemic.
Local artist Katie Smith worked on a piece of artwork for the Carnival, showcasing the special place the event holds in the heart of Glasweigans. Sharing her fond memories of the Carnival, Katie said, “It reminds me of my childhood. Going to the Carnival with my friends till they were sick on the rides or the candy floss or going with my family and playing Ring Toss”.
“I wanted to bring to life the thrill and adventure of the IRN-BRU Carnival and add an element of magic, with the can at the centre and all of the joy exploding out. I took inspiration from some of my own memories of the Carnival and as a child with the bright lights, everything felt oversized and exaggerated. It’s a place of electricity.”
“I also always remember in school people saying ‘I’m absolutely buzzin to go’ so I had to add that in somewhere!”
Hailing from East Kilbride, Katie has worked for big names such as Bare Minerals, Iolla, Bed Head, Glamour magazine, and pop star Shania Twain.
Currently a student at Glasgow School of Art, Katie was thrilled to get involved with a project that has strong ties to her community. “Glasgow is such a creative city and a city where special things take place. I feel honoured I got to create a piece that celebrates that, especially as a local artist.”
The IRN-BRU Carnival will be open until 15 January 2023 at the SEC, Glasgow. Standard entry tickets are available from £18.50 with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, and kids under three go free. Tickets are available online at www.irn-bru-carnival.com.
