Thursday July 16th 2026
Calton community council members: Jo Shoba, Tricia Fort and Arthur McJimpsey
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Residents who endured a ‘noisy’ Christmas event for weeks in Glasgow Green want to see more investment in the park.
Calton Community Council say people living in Greendyke Street overlooking the green space had to suffer music blaring from the Winter Wonderland event, which is is due to return in November.
Community council chair Tricia Fort, and members Jo Shoba and Arthur McJimpsey are calling for more seating, picnic benches and for one of the play parks to be updated with better equipment.
They expressed concern over the impact of events in the much-loved park, with the Winter Wonderland event running from late November until early January.
Arthur said: “The noise from the Winter Wonderland was unbelievable. Trying to have a conversation with your family was difficult. They (the council) make money from the park – where does it disappear to?”
Jo said rides at the Winter Wonderland event had speakers blaring music and said “progressive damage” is being inflicted on the park.
She said: “The community council and local residents have an increasing concern about how often the park is being used as an event space but it is a public park.”
Although the park hosts TRNSMT and other events, the six week length of Winter Wonderland brought “things to a head”, according to Jo – raising concerns about the impact it had on the grass.
Jo added: “We are arguing that the park is for recreation use – free to all the people of Glasgow. People feel there is a level of neglect.”
The community council question how much from a £196,496 environmental levy generated from events held in Glasgow Green last year was ploughed back into the iconic east end public ground.
The council said the Winter Wonderland did not generate an environmental levy as it was a procurement contract and fees are paid by organisations who hire the park.
A spokesman said: “Glasgow Green was identified as an alternative venue for the city’s main Christmas attraction while work has been underway in George Square.
“The event at Glasgow Green was well attended during its run and under the terms of the contract with the provider, the event will be returning to Glasgow Green next Christmas.
“Over the course of the event last Christmas our noise team helped to resolve concerns about noise by engaging with the event operator.
“Our staff also monitored noise levels within a number of homes and on each occasion found the event was operating within the restrictions set out in its licence.
“We will be engaging with the community at an early stage in the run up to the forthcoming festive season.
“The Green is one of Glasgow’s main parks and attracts a high level of resources for its upkeep.”
He added: “The environmental levy applies to promoters who hire Glasgow’s parks for their events and revenue raised is used to support our environmental services.
“However, the Christmas event at Glasgow Green was subject to a council procurement exercise and bond for reinstatement of the park is included in the contract with the provider.”
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