Irn Bru Carnival returns to Glasgow SEC - here's everything you can expect for 2024

The Irn-Bru Carnival is coming back to Glasgow's SEC next month promising plenty of fun for all the family.

The hugely popular festive event is bringing over 65 rides and attractions from December 20, with the annual extravaganza featuring Europe’s largest indoor fun fair.

The carnival has been a Glasgow institution for over 100 years and sees thousands of visitors enjoy its offering over the Christmas period every year.

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Running until January 12 2025, tickets include 10 vouchers per person which can be used on all of the rides and attractions, games and access for little ones to enjoy the inflatable play.

With that in mind we’ve asked the organisers to share some of the top things you can look forward to at this year’s event.

Live Music at the Irn Bru Carnival – Dates throughout

This year there will be plenty of musical performances taking place throughout the festive period.

Maria McAveety and Lori will be performing, delivering unforgettable live shows, filled with energy, emotion and festive flair. These performances will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday, December 22 – Jack the Piper (4pm)

• Sunday, December 29 – Maria McAveety (12-4pm)

• Monday, December 30 – Lori (12pm-4pm)

• Thursday, January 2 – Maria McAveety (12-4pm)

• Friday, January 3 – Maria McAveety (12-4pm)

• Saturday, January 4 – Lori (12pm-4pm)

• Saturday, January 11 – Lori (12pm-4pm)

Christmas Jumper Day – Tuesday, December 24

On Christmas Eve, the team say all attendees and staff alike are invited to wear their best festive fashion. The IRN-BRU Carnival will be getting in the Christmas spirit, offering all participants decked in their best Christmas jumpers an additional ride voucher.

Princess and Superhero Day – Friday, December 27 and Sunday, January 5

On Friday, December 27 and Sunday, January 5, Palace parties will be hosting Princess and Superhero days. Visitors can dress up as their favourite princess, superhero or fantasy characters, with activities set to include fun photo-ops and interactive moments as kids meet their favourite heroes. Anyone who dresses up will receive an extra ride voucher.

Autism Friendly sessions – Tuesday, December 31 (11-2 pm only) and Monday, January 6 (4-9pm)

With reduced sound and light where possible, the carnival are bringing back these popular sessions to allow those living with autism and sensory processing difficulties, a chance to enjoy the rides with smaller crowds.

Quiet areas and sensory packs will be available during these sessions for anyone who needs them.

This year the Carnival has partnered with Scottish Autism who are supporting to improve and evolve the sessions, helping autistic people and their families, and those with sensory processing differences enjoy the event.

Unicorn Experience – Tuesday, December 31 (11-2pm) and Monday, January 6

The unicorn experience is back this year and aims to deliver an "enchanting adventure", with families able to step into a fairy tale, say hello to the magical unicorns and their sparkling manes and tails.

The organisers describe it as a "magical encounter for children and a brilliant photo opportunity".

Caricaturist – Friday, January 3 11am-4pm

New for this year, a caricaturist will be on hand 11 am-4 pm on Friday, January 3 to delight carnivalgoers with custom caricatures as a memento of their time at the carnival.

Ginger Day – Sunday January 12

The organisers said: "Everyone knows a ginger and to show appreciation to any fiery headed pals, The Irn-Bru Carnival is celebrating them on January 12 by offering a free ride voucher available to use on the 65+ stalls and rides, simply by turning up and being ginger. Be it dyed, a wig, or au naturale, mighty gingers are being invited to come along and celebrate."

Treasure Hunts

Every day the Carnival is open, kids 12 and under are invited to participate in the treasure hunt, turning the event into a thrilling quest for hidden treasure. Throughout the hunt they will encounter challenges and rewards, following the clues to win an exciting prize.

Tickets are available online now at https://www.irn-bru-carnival.com/

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