The TRNSMT music festival is staged in Glasgow each year in July, usually in the city’s East End in Glasgow Green which is best known for the People’s Palace museum. The festival presents the cream of British musical talent over 3 days and facilities include food and drink stalls, souvenir stands, and a chill-out area.
Overview
Following on from the incredibly popular but now-defunct T in The Park, the TRNSMT music festival is fast becoming the biggest event in the Scottish music calendar. After receiving extremely positive reviews when the festival was first hosted in 2017, this music extravaganza continues to be held in Glasgow’s centrally-located Glasgow Green where it hosts many of Britain’s biggest headlining acts performing sets on enormous purpose-built sound stages.
TRNSMT is also becoming famous for featuring an eclectic mix of bands, and that’s something that makes it a wee bit different from many other large music festivals. Each year you’ll find big, brash rock groups playing back-to-back with electro-synth, followed by the latest girl/boy band and debut sets from some of Scotland’s up-and-coming home-grown talent.
The sound stage is world-class too and easily competes with bigger, more over-priced arenas in the south (I’m looking at you O2), and it’s great to see some of the world’s biggest acts starting to come over to Glasgow to play to TNSMT’s energetic crowds. Fingers crossed this event continues its journey to becoming one of the biggest music festivals in Britain.
The Highlights
1: The line-up is always excellent and the atmosphere is amazing. It’s also quite relaxed compared to events like Glastonbury.
2: The facilities are excellent for an event this size. If you don’t mind splashing out, the VIP ticket offers a chill-out zone away from the mayhem, a better selection of food and much nicer toilets.
3: Glasgow is renowned for its historical architecture and vibrant arts scene so after visiting TRNSMT don’t miss out on the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre, and the iconic Glasgow Cathedral.
Visiting Tips
1: Book your tickets early as they sell out fast. Take a look at the official website for the latest prices.
2: Like the TRNSMT tickets, you’ll need to book your accommodation early. Hotels fill up fast during the festival but there are tips to find cheap rooms further down this page.
3: Glasgow has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and a subway (known locally as ‘the Clockwork Orange’ due to its circular route and bright orange colour). The subway is a quick and convenient way to travel around the city but Glasgow city centre is very walkable so don’t hesitate to explore on foot if you prefer.
Tourist Information
Attendance figures usually number over 100,000 people as music-loving Scots flock to the city to catch major acts like The Stereophonics, Liam Gallagher, The Arctic Monkeys, Texas, Franz Ferdinand and The Killers. The roster of acts at TRNSMT changes each year and inevitably some will pull out before the final sets are revealed, so check the TRNSMT website frequently for the latest information on who will be playing.
Due to its central location, there are ample opportunities to book accommodation within the city, and the excellent Glasgow transport system ensures that event-goers get to the show with a minimum of fuss.
Visitors to the city will know Glasgow Green for several reasons, mainly due to the fact it’s a landscaped oasis right in the heart of the city where you can relax on the banks of the River Clyde. In addition, Glasgow Green is the location of two of the most widely photographed buildings in the city – The People’s Palace and the Templeton Building.
Those attractions won’t be of any interest to most festival attendees but it’s nice to know there are places to visit outside TRNSMT. If you’re planning on spending a little time in Glasgow when the festival is over you’ll find information about hotels and travel options further down this page
2023 Line-up
Friday 7 July 2023
- Pulp
- George Ezra
- Niall Horan
- Paul Heaton
- The View
- Joesef
- Flo
- Declan Welsh & The Decadent West
- Cat Burns
- Dean Lewis
- Warmduscher
- The Big Moon
- Hot Milk
- Hamish Hawk
Saturday 8 July 2023
- Sam Fender
- Kasabian
- Aitch
- Mimi Webb
- Inhaler
- Maisie Peters
- Brooke Combe
- LF System
- The Wombats
- Teddy Swims
- The Coronas
- Lucy Spraggan
- The Mary Wallopers
- Mae Stephens
- Cassia
Sunday 9 July 2023
- The 1975
- Royal Blood
- Becky Hill
- The Kooks
- Ashnikko
- Jamie Webster
- Pale Waves
- Crawlers
- Nothing But Thieves
- The Enemy
- The Amazons
- Lovejoy
- Dream Wife
- Lucia & The Best Boys
Glasgow Transport
Buses in Glasgow
The main bus operator in Glasgow is First Bus, which provides regular bus services throughout the city with over 100 routes to choose from. Most locals prefer to use the bus network as it’s one of the easiest and cheapest options for getting around the city centre and the outlying districts.
Trains in Glasgow
The south of Scotland is linked to the city by Glasgow Central Station, while Glasgow Queen Street Station has links to Edinburgh & the north of Scotland. The ScotRail website has information about all the available routes and timetables.
The SPT Roundabout ticket gives one-day unlimited travel by rail and subway to over 110 stations in the Greater Glasgow area. You can purchase these tickets through ScotRail or SPT Travel Centres, but be aware they are only valid after 09:00 Monday to Friday, all day at weekends, and Scottish public holidays. You can buy them either through ScotRail or SPT Travel Centres.
Taxis in Glasgow
Taking a taxi is by far the quickest way to get around Glasgow and the official Glasgow Taxis operate throughout the district, and their distinctive black cabs easily distinguish them from the private mini-cabs that also run in the city centre. They offer 5 and 6-seater vehicles, and if their yellow light is on they can be flagged down on the street. Alternatively, telephone 0141 4297070 to book one.
Cheap Glasgow Accommodation
If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Glasgow while TRNSMT is on try the following hostels and guesthouses. They all offer reasonable prices in clean, modern rooms.
- Euro Hostel Glasgow is located just 2.6 km from the city centre and features mixed and female-only dorms, as well as en-suite rooms if you want a bit of privacy. Prices start at just £10 per night and include free Wi-Fi.
- The Tartan Lodge provides affordable accommodation 4 km from central Glasgow in a former church which has been converted into a collection of male and female dormitories and private rooms. A dormitory room bed can be had from just £18 per night and includes access to a social room and showers.
- The Glasgow Youth Hostel offers rooms in a Victorian townhouse overlooking Kelvingrove Park in the city centre. There are private rooms as well as shared apartments and prices include Wi-Fi, social room and secure storage. Prices start at £13.50 for a bed in a shared room.
- Hampton Court Guest House is a bit more up-market than a hostel but offers reasonable prices for rooms only a 20-minute walk from the SSE Hydro and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. A single en-suite can be found for only £30 (depending on the time of year).
- Crosshill House in Glasgow features 12 budget rooms with Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, breakfast buffet and a gym around a mile from the city centre. Standard rooms can be reserved for a very reasonable £30 per night (depending on the time of year).
Things to Do
Enjoy the Music: The TRNSMT Festival is renowned for its wide range of music acts that span a variety of genres. You can discover new artists on King Tut’s Stage or sing along with your favourite bands at the Main Stage. From indie rock to folk, and pop to electronic, there’s something to suit every musical taste.
Food: The festival isn’t just about music; it’s also a great destination for anyone who loves good food. A variety of food trucks and stalls are scattered throughout the venue, offering a wide range of cuisines from traditional Scottish fare to international dishes. Whether you’re a fan of haggis or prefer a vegan burger, there’s sure to be something to tantalize your taste buds.
Funfair Rides: TRNSMT goes beyond the typical music festival experience by offering a range of funfair rides that will keep even the most hardcore thrillseekers entertained. You can zoom around on The Rocket or enjoy a more leisurely experience on a big wheel – which is perhaps the best option for anyone who’s spent too much time at the bar…
Join a Workshop: TRNSMT goes beyond the typical music festival experience by offering a range of interactive activities and workshops. You can participate in arts and crafts sessions, try out yoga classes, or join a drumming workshop. These activities not only provide a break from the music but also give you the chance to learn something new and meet like-minded festival-goers.
Take Part in the Green Initiative: The TRNSMT Festival is committed to sustainability and offers various eco-friendly initiatives. Join the team’s efforts to keep the festival clean by participating in recycling programs like The Cup Movement where paper cups are collected, or take your clothes to a sewing workshop to get them repaired instead of throwing them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 17-year-old go to TRNSMT?
This event is strictly for individuals over 16 years of age. A Challenge 25 policy will be enforced at the event, meaning you should be prepared to present a photo ID.
What does TRNSMT stand for?
TRNSMT does not officially stand for anything. The festival replaces the earlier ‘T in the Park’ where the letter T stood for the event sponsor Tennent’s.
What date is TRNSMT?
TRNSMT is usually held on the 2nd weekend of July starting at 12 pm. Visit the official website for the current times.
What visitor facilities are there at TRNSMT?
The venue has food and drink stalls, water stations, public toilets and merchandise shops. Visit the official website for updated information on available facilities.
