Platform in Easterhouse Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Bridge Family Festival

That the Parliament congratulates Platform in Easterhouse on its 20th anniversary, which was marked by the highly successful Bridge Family Festival on 18 July 2026; understands that thousands of people attended the celebrations, which began with a vibrant community carnival parade travelling from FARE to The Bridge, featuring a piper, themed floats, samba bands, colourful costumes, and banners created by local community groups, culminating in a free family festival with art workshops, a roller disco, live music, and theatre; notes that the festival forms part of Made in Easterhouse 20:26, an ambitious year-long programme featuring 26 distinct creative projects and live events to mark the anniversary; recognises that this inclusive programme celebrates the diverse talents of the local community through initiatives such as the Easterhouse Makes exhibition, which showcases collaborative artwork by community class participants aged 11 to 88, the Easterhouse Almanac skills exchange curated by a local artist, and the commissioning of new early-years activities led by the resident Play Café artist; recognises the historical significance of Platform’s opening in 2006 as a dedicated arts facility set within The Bridge; notes that this flagship cultural campus was designed by the acclaimed, Glasgow-based practice, Gareth Hoskins Architects, winning a 2007 RIBA National Award and the BCI Regeneration Award for its visionary approach to urban renewal; believes that the architectural design successfully bridged the physical gap between the adjacent John Wheatley College, now Glasgow Kelvin College, and the Easterhouse swimming pool, while seamlessly integrating a modern public library and learning space, housed within a striking double-height volume, into the heart of the facility; acknowledges that over the past two decades, Platform has established itself as a vital, accessible hub for education, cutting-edge performance, and visual arts for the people of Easterhouse and the wider east end of Glasgow; commends the ongoing work of community projects like the Easterhouse Living Archive in preserving local working-class heritage; commends the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and community partners in organising such a memorable 20th birthday event, and wishes everyone at Platform and The Bridge continued success for the future.