Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow

The Barrowland Ballroom is an entertainment and music venue in the Calton district of Glasgow. Opened initially in 1934 by Maggie McIver, it was originally part of a mercantile zone. The name of the venue and the surrounding area is derived from the Glasgow Barrowland market. However, the original building was destroyed by fire in 1958, leading to a complete reconstruction and reopening on December 24, 1960. The Barrowland complex includes not only the famous ballroom but also large halls for weekend markets, with the ballroom itself located above, renowned for its distinctive animated neon sign.

Barrowland Ballroom has been an integral part of Glasgow's music scene, influencing various elements of popular culture and being referenced in songs by artists such as Amy Macdonald and Simple Minds. The venue's capacity is 1,900 for standing concerts, celebrated for its excellent acoustics and a unique sprung dance floor. Since 1983, it has mainly functioned as a concert venue.

The Barrowland Ballroom has a strong tradition of live music, hosting the Scottish Music Awards annually since 2020. Additionally, the Northern Irish punk band Stiff Little Fingers has performed sold-out concerts every Saint Patrick's Day since 1992 at Barrowland and recorded their "Best Served Loud" album there in 2016, marking 25 years at the venue.

The venue's cultural significance extends beyond music, having been featured in various films and television shows. Movies like "The Legend of Barry Thomson", "God Help The Girl", and the British crime TV series "The Field of Blood" have all used Barrowlands as a filming location, further cementing its status as an iconic element of Glasgow's cultural landscape.