Celebration of Billy Connolly's legacy

Glasgow is to honour Sir Billy Connolly with a weekend-long celebration of his work and legacy.

The Big Yin Weekend will take place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September and will include:

• Big Yin’s Best Of: A comedy showcase at The Stand featuring past winners and nominees of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, although the line-up has not yet been announced. Tickets.
• The Big Yin Tune-In: A free pop-up musical performance at The Park Bar at midday on Saturday featuring Gary Innes & Friends and the premiere performance of a new song entitled Big Yin by Scottish group Mànran, to celebrate Billy Connolly’s contribution to folk music and commemorate the 60th anniversary of his band The Humblebums.
• Big Banana Feet Screening: A showing at Glasgow Film Theatre of the fly-on-the-wall documentary following Billy Connolly on his 1975 tour of Ireland, introduced by comedian Scott Agnew. Tickets.
• Walking and cycling tours: Gallus Pedals Tours will host tours inspired by Billy’s life and legacy, taking in key locations and mural sites across the city. 

The weekend is part of Glasgow’s ongoing  850th anniversary celebrations. 

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, said: ‘Throughout our birthday year Sir Billy Connolly’s name has come up time and time again. As arguably the city’s best loved and most famous modern-day Glaswegian, we couldn’t celebrate this landmark year for the city without honouring Billy.

‘Billy’s pioneering stand-up has always drawn on Glasgow’s spirit, resilience and uniquely funny bones, and then added his very own special brand of freewheeling genius to bring laughter and joy to millions. 

‘This weekend responds to the huge affection people have for the Big Yin with a living tribute to his comedy, music, storytelling and contribution to the arts – and to Glasgow.’

Krista MacDonald, director of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, which is organising the Big Yin’s Best Of gig, said: "Sir Billy Connolly is the heartbeat of Glasgow’s comedy spirit, a trailblazer whose wit, warmth and honesty put Scottish comedy on the world stage. He embodies the humour, resilience and character of this city, and continues to inspire every performer who steps onto our stages. 

‘At the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, his legacy is felt in every laugh, reminding us that comedy here isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of who we are. We are excited to celebrate the Big Yin and Glasgow’s 850th celebrations with a special comedy event.’

Gary Innes of Mànran  added: ‘Billy Connolly is a true representation of Glasgow - the city’s wit, warmth, spirit and love of music… It is fantastic to be part of The Big Yin Weekend.’

Published: 27 Aug 2025