What’s on in Helensburgh & Lomond

‘My Life in TV’ – The JLB TV100 Lectures – at Helensburgh Community Hub – Free to attend.

Come along to hear local people talking about their life in TV and get a behind the scenes insight into what goes into making television and what it is like to work in television. This is an ideal opportunity for students who might want to pursue a career in television to ask questions, find out what it is really like to work in TV and how to break into the industry.

9 April 7.30pm Mike Edwards: This is the News!
Journalist and author Mike will be talking about this career in broadcasting. Well known as the anchor on STV news for 25 years he reported on the fall of the Iron Curtain, Lockerbie, Dunblane and the First Gulf War, as well as joyful events, and more recently light-hearted weekly musings in the Helensburgh Advertiser. A ‘lad o’ pairts’ there is no guarantee he will not digress in a sure to be entertaining talk.

15 April 7.00pm Stewart Noble: The Life of John Logie Baird
Well-known local historian Stewart Noble will be talking about the Life of John Logie Baird from growing up in Helensburgh, his adventures in foreign parts and the trials and tribulation he faced in his quest to invent television.

22 April 7.00pm Ali Mills: BBC Scotland and beyond – 35 years designing sets for Television in Entertainment and the Arts
Ali has designed hundreds of sets for shows ranging from T in the Park to Balamory and has succeeded in what was a very male dominated career when she started out in 1990. Ali will be talking about the process of working with the complex needs and quirks of directors, producers, lighting directors and the cast.

29 April 7.00pm Andrew Turnbull: From Stage Crew to Studio Control: My Journey into Broadcast Television
Andrew, an Assistant Technical Director at STV News, is a former pupil of JLB Primary School and Hermitage Academy. Andrew will talk about how his early interests in amateur dramatics, television and back stage work with Helensburgh Savoy Musical Theatre Group helped build the practical and technical skills that shaped his career. Working in television since 2012 he says the spark for it all was John Logie Baird.

Check the JLBTV100 website for the final schedule https://jlbtv100.org/

Join Helensburgh Music Society for their seasonal programme of events, held at Helensburgh & Lomond Civic Centre:

Colin Steele Jazz Quintet Kings of Swing – Led by award-winning trumpeter Colin Steele, winner of Best Instrumentalist at the 2025 Scottish Jazz Awards, the band will perform classic hits from the 30s and 40s by legends including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Kenny Ball. https://helensburghmusicsociety.org.uk/node/44

Single tickets: online (preferred) or card/cash on the door: Adults £15, Students £5, under 18s £1
Book online at https://helensburghmusicsociety.org.uk/booking

Helensburgh Music Society presents a series of 5 concerts each year, between October and March, in the form of performances by Professional Ensembles or Solo Recitals. Our concerts, in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Clyde Street, Helensburgh, are open to everyone. An evening out listening to beautiful music, and a chance to meet friends over an interval drink. Ticket prices are low, especially the season ticket. We encourage performers to talk to the audiences, introducing both themselves and the pieces of music they are playing, expanding on the programme notes so adding to the accessibility of the music. Each year the programme we present, features a variety of performers and instrumental combinations. We also include repertoire ranging from early music to established classical works as well as modern compositions and Jazz. Performers include Scottish based musicians as well as international musicians and ensembles, all of the very highest calibre. It is also an important aim of HMS to offer opportunities to outstanding young artists, especially those based in Scotland.

‘My Life in TV’ – The JLB TV100 Lectures – at Helensburgh Community Hub – Free to attend.

Come along to hear local people talking about their life in TV and get a behind the scenes insight into what goes into making television and what it is like to work in television. This is an ideal opportunity for students who might want to pursue a career in television to ask questions, find out what it is really like to work in TV and how to break into the industry.

9 April 7.30pm Mike Edwards: This is the News!
Journalist and author Mike will be talking about this career in broadcasting. Well known as the anchor on STV news for 25 years he reported on the fall of the Iron Curtain, Lockerbie, Dunblane and the First Gulf War, as well as joyful events, and more recently light-hearted weekly musings in the Helensburgh Advertiser. A ‘lad o’ pairts’ there is no guarantee he will not digress in a sure to be entertaining talk.

15 April 7.00pm Stewart Noble: The Life of John Logie Baird
Well-known local historian Stewart Noble will be talking about the Life of John Logie Baird from growing up in Helensburgh, his adventures in foreign parts and the trials and tribulation he faced in his quest to invent television.

22 April 7.00pm Ali Mills: BBC Scotland and beyond – 35 years designing sets for Television in Entertainment and the Arts
Ali has designed hundreds of sets for shows ranging from T in the Park to Balamory and has succeeded in what was a very male dominated career when she started out in 1990. Ali will be talking about the process of working with the complex needs and quirks of directors, producers, lighting directors and the cast.

29 April 7.00pm Andrew Turnbull: From Stage Crew to Studio Control: My Journey into Broadcast Television
Andrew, an Assistant Technical Director at STV News, is a former pupil of JLB Primary School and Hermitage Academy. Andrew will talk about how his early interests in amateur dramatics, television and back stage work with Helensburgh Savoy Musical Theatre Group helped build the practical and technical skills that shaped his career. Working in television since 2012 he says the spark for it all was John Logie Baird.

Check the JLBTV100 website for the final schedule https://jlbtv100.org/

Stopgap Community Cinema CIC are keeping cinema alive in Helensburgh until the Tower reopens. Screenings take place in Annexe 1 of the Civic Centre.

Forthcoming in 2026 – tickets and timings will be available from from https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/stopgap-community-cinema-cic

James Acaster 26th March 17.30
NT Live The Audience 16th April 17.30
Molly vs The Machines 21st May 17.30
Everybody to Kenmure St 28th May 18.00
NT Live Les Liaisons Dangereuses 25th June 17.30

An exciting range of Spring music from the Choir and soloists, conducted by Moira Frize-Williams. This evening of song brings together both well-loved and new compositions, including a new arrangement of Bob Dylan by Anna Lapwood, classics by Simon and Garfunkel, and Eric Whitacre’s ‘Seal Lullaby’. In addition to these, the choir will perform TV themes to mark the arrival of television and celebrate John Logie Baird.

Cove Burgh Hall Saturday 18th April, 7.30pm. Tickets: £12 adults, £6 under 18s (children under 12 free). Tickets on the door and from Kilcreggan Post Office. Cash Bar and RAFFLE.

Saturday 25th April. John Logie Baird Festival – Music in The Square from 12- 5.30pm (see us at about 2.00pm), followed by a Gala Concert in the Parish Church Helensburgh, Featuring combined Peninsula Choir and Dorian Choir to make a Festival Chorus accompanied by Lomond and Clyde Community Orchestra. 7.00pm till 9.00pm. Entry free – Donations on leaving.

‘My Life in TV’ – The JLB TV100 Lectures – at Helensburgh Community Hub – Free to attend.

Come along to hear local people talking about their life in TV and get a behind the scenes insight into what goes into making television and what it is like to work in television. This is an ideal opportunity for students who might want to pursue a career in television to ask questions, find out what it is really like to work in TV and how to break into the industry.

9 April 7.30pm Mike Edwards: This is the News!
Journalist and author Mike will be talking about this career in broadcasting. Well known as the anchor on STV news for 25 years he reported on the fall of the Iron Curtain, Lockerbie, Dunblane and the First Gulf War, as well as joyful events, and more recently light-hearted weekly musings in the Helensburgh Advertiser. A ‘lad o’ pairts’ there is no guarantee he will not digress in a sure to be entertaining talk.

15 April 7.00pm Stewart Noble: The Life of John Logie Baird
Well-known local historian Stewart Noble will be talking about the Life of John Logie Baird from growing up in Helensburgh, his adventures in foreign parts and the trials and tribulation he faced in his quest to invent television.

22 April 7.00pm Ali Mills: BBC Scotland and beyond – 35 years designing sets for Television in Entertainment and the Arts
Ali has designed hundreds of sets for shows ranging from T in the Park to Balamory and has succeeded in what was a very male dominated career when she started out in 1990. Ali will be talking about the process of working with the complex needs and quirks of directors, producers, lighting directors and the cast.

29 April 7.00pm Andrew Turnbull: From Stage Crew to Studio Control: My Journey into Broadcast Television
Andrew, an Assistant Technical Director at STV News, is a former pupil of JLB Primary School and Hermitage Academy. Andrew will talk about how his early interests in amateur dramatics, television and back stage work with Helensburgh Savoy Musical Theatre Group helped build the practical and technical skills that shaped his career. Working in television since 2012 he says the spark for it all was John Logie Baird.

Check the JLBTV100 website for the final schedule https://jlbtv100.org/

Noir at the Bar presents: Oh I do like to die beside the seaside – Join Helensburgh Book Festival and Daydreams Bookshop for a chilling night of seaside crime, murder & mystery. Hosted by best selling author Daniel Sellers.

Raising funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Tickets https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasgow/The-Osprey-Suite%2C-Commodore-Hotel/Noir-at-the-Bar-presents-Oh-I-do-like-to-die-beside-the-seaside/42283509/

Friends of Duchess Wood is holding a bat walk Saturday 25th April at 19.45

Join a bat expert for an entertaining and educational evening expedition!  Get hands on with bat detectors and learn some fascinating facts about bats.  Suitable for all ages.  Free, with any donations received split equally between the Loch Lomond Bat Group and Friends of Duchess Wood.

Email nickyfodw@gmail.com to reserve your place. 

https://duchesswood.org.uk/fodw-events-2/

All concerts start at 7pm and last about an hour. Entry is free although there is a retiring collection to help pay for the series.

21 September 2025 – Lea Shaw (Mezzo-soprano) with Derek Clark (piano)
19 October 2025 – Mackintosh Ensemble present ‘Life Cycles’
26 October 2025 – 60th Anniversary Season Opening concert – Helensburgh Hymnfest
30 November 2025 – Anthony Moffat (Violin) with Derek Clark (piano) ‘ Vive la France!’
21 December 2025 – 7.30pm – ‘Come and Sing’ Christmas Concert
25 January 2026 – Mozart – Gran Partita K.361 (Serenade for 13 wind instruments)
22 February 2026 – Jamie MacDougall (tenor) 60 years in Song
15 March 2026 – Stainer’s ‘The Crucifixion’
29 March 2026 – Lomond School
26 April 2026 – Music for friends – Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor
31 May 2026 – Sean Nelis – Requiem
28 June 2026 – Kilted tenors

NOTE NEW DATE – Sunday 26th April

The Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award winner Susie McCabe is back! On the back of her sold out shows Femme Fatality and Merchant of Menace, this year she is on her Best Behaviour.

After supporting Kevin Bridges, Jason Manford and John Bishop on tour, as well as appearing on TV’s Have I Got News For You, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and radio shows such as News Quiz, Just a Minute and Off The Ball and another successful Edinburgh Fringe run, she is heading back out on the road with another brilliant new show.

She can also be heard on the smash-hit podcast Here Comes The Guillotine, alongside Frankie Boyle and Christopher Macarthur Boyd sharing their subversive and darkly funny opinions on the chaos of the world.

Tickets https://liveargyll.co.uk/event/susie-mccabe-best-behaviour-2/ (No-one under the age of 14 will be admitted. Under 16s will only be admitted if attending with a suitable adult.)

‘My Life in TV’ – The JLB TV100 Lectures – at Helensburgh Community Hub – Free to attend.

Come along to hear local people talking about their life in TV and get a behind the scenes insight into what goes into making television and what it is like to work in television. This is an ideal opportunity for students who might want to pursue a career in television to ask questions, find out what it is really like to work in TV and how to break into the industry.

9 April 7.30pm Mike Edwards: This is the News!
Journalist and author Mike will be talking about this career in broadcasting. Well known as the anchor on STV news for 25 years he reported on the fall of the Iron Curtain, Lockerbie, Dunblane and the First Gulf War, as well as joyful events, and more recently light-hearted weekly musings in the Helensburgh Advertiser. A ‘lad o’ pairts’ there is no guarantee he will not digress in a sure to be entertaining talk.

15 April 7.00pm Stewart Noble: The Life of John Logie Baird
Well-known local historian Stewart Noble will be talking about the Life of John Logie Baird from growing up in Helensburgh, his adventures in foreign parts and the trials and tribulation he faced in his quest to invent television.

22 April 7.00pm Ali Mills: BBC Scotland and beyond – 35 years designing sets for Television in Entertainment and the Arts
Ali has designed hundreds of sets for shows ranging from T in the Park to Balamory and has succeeded in what was a very male dominated career when she started out in 1990. Ali will be talking about the process of working with the complex needs and quirks of directors, producers, lighting directors and the cast.

29 April 7.00pm Andrew Turnbull: From Stage Crew to Studio Control: My Journey into Broadcast Television
Andrew, an Assistant Technical Director at STV News, is a former pupil of JLB Primary School and Hermitage Academy. Andrew will talk about how his early interests in amateur dramatics, television and back stage work with Helensburgh Savoy Musical Theatre Group helped build the practical and technical skills that shaped his career. Working in television since 2012 he says the spark for it all was John Logie Baird.

Check the JLBTV100 website for the final schedule https://jlbtv100.org/

THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD! THREE GLASGOW BIRDS & THAT BAND OF GOLD…

(If you liked The Provy Wummin-You’ll love to Meet us at Boots Corner!)

KISS OR DISS? BOOTS CORNER, 1975. WHERE GLASGOW’S YOUNG LOVERS WOULD MEET FOR A DATE. GO TAE RA’ DANCIN’ OR BE SITTING IN THE BACK ROW OF THE MOVIES ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. HOPING FOR SOME ROMANCE AND MAYBE A CHANCE AT A BAND OF GOLD FROM BEAVERBROOKS.

JOIN OUR LOVELORN DREAMERS- LINDA, UNA & VIV AS THEY TAKE YOU FOR A SPIN ROUND THE DANCEHALLS ON SOME DODGY DATES AND SOME SASSY SHENANIGANS…AND A WHOLE LOT OF “GLAM-ROCKING”. WITH A FABULOUS SOUNDTRACK TO THE 70S INCLUDING T-REX-SLADE-ELTON JOHN…ABBA AND SO MANY MORE

Tickets https://liveargyll.co.uk/event/boots-corner-by-paul-moore/