Paisley’s first ever arts festival has been hailed a success after drawing hundreds of people across a packed three-day programme celebrating the town’s creative heritage.
The Sound of Paisley festival, held from Friday 27th March to Sunday 30th March 2026, brought together music, fashion, art and family entertainment under one theme – showcasing the town’s rich cultural identity.
The opening event saw Trainspotting creator Irvine Welsh lead a celebration of the life and legacy of Paisley-born fashion designer, artist and DJ Pam Hogg, who passed away in November 2025.
Hogg, who grew up in Renfrew and Glasgow, went on to achieve global recognition, designing for stars including Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue. Her life will also be celebrated when the redeveloped Paisley Museum reopens.
Welsh, who had been friends with Hogg since the 1980s, was joined on stage at Paisley Town Hall by model and actor Eunice Olumide MBE and fashion historian Mairi MacKenzie to reflect on her impact.
Music also played a central role throughout the weekend, with broadcaster Vic Galloway hosting a major live show celebrating Paisley’s musical legacy.
The closing event, From Punk to Paolo, highlighted the town’s influence on generations of artists, from its punk roots through to the global success of Paolo Nutini.
Performers included Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub, Richard Jobson of The Skids, The Rezillos, Kathryn Joseph, King Creosote, Emma Pollock, C Duncan, kitti and Linzi Clark, backed by a 10-piece house band led by Admiral Fallow’s Joe Rattray.
Across the festival, Paisley Arts Centre hosted a series of performances and discussions, including a live set from Stanley Odd and events exploring identity, creativity and the town’s artistic future.
Families were also well catered for, with a dedicated fun day featuring giant swings, dance activities and interactive experiences for children.
Paisley Town Hall was transformed by digital artist Katie Robinson’s striking projection piece, The Paisley Sound: Radical, turning the building into a canvas of light and movement.
Michelle Woods, Head of Major Events at OneRen, said: “As far as opening festivals go, this was quite something.
“To raise the curtain with Irvine Welsh and a fantastic panel honouring Pam Hogg – one of Paisley’s most iconic and inspirational figures – was really special.
“That set the scene in so many ways for us to celebrate the unique sound of Paisley throughout the weekend – with choirs in Abbey Close, to the amazing lights installation at the Town Hall and some colourful entertainers. There was something for all ages.
“The Punk to Paolo celebration as the closing gig was tremendous. It really highlighted the rich and far-reaching musical story that the town has.
“Our thanks go to everyone who took part and to Creative Scotland for their support. This inaugural festival has given us a great platform upon which we can build.”
Organisers say the strong turnout and positive feedback from audiences and artists alike has laid the foundations for the festival to return in future years.
Paisley Book Festival is the next major arts event taking place in the town, running from 15th May to 17th May.
Themed on Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons, it is also organised by OneRen, supported by Creative Scotland. The line-up includes renowned crime writers Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre and Doug Johnstone, along with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, broadcaster Sally Magnusson and Jenni Fagan.
More details are available at: www.paisleybookfestival.com
