South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

Rutherglen 900 Events at Rutherglen Town Hall

As part of the celebrations marking 900 years of Rutherglen, Rutherglen Town Hall will host a fantastic programme of events throughout 2026 – from tea dances and folk music to comedy workshops and live performances. There’s something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the Royal Burgh’s rich heritage.

Tea Dances

Our hugely popular Tea Dances return in 2026, offering a relaxed and sociable afternoon of music and dancing.

Dates (Thursdays):
15 January • 19 February • 19 March • 16 April • 21 May • 25 June 2026
Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Tickets: £2.50

Live music will be provided by John Findlay, with a mix of sequence and ballroom dances to suit all tastes. Tea and biscuits are included.

Rutherglen 900 Comedy Workshop

Ever fancied taking to the stage? This five-week comedy storytelling workshop invites local people to share funny stories, memories and myths inspired by 900 years of Rutherglen.

Dates:
18 February • 25 February • 4 March • 11 March • 18 March 2026
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Price: £50 for the full 5-week course

Led by Scott Agnew – former Scottish Comedian of the Year, two-time Sir Billy Connolly Award nominee and journalist at The Rutherglen Reformer – participants will learn the basics of comedy writing, storytelling and performance in a supportive environment.

The course culminates in a live showcase performance at Rutherglen Town Hall.

Have You Seen My Red Yo-Yo

The Songs of Matt McGinn.

Date: Wednesday 11 March 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £15 / £12 concession (plus £1.50 transaction fee)

This special concert celebrates the life and songs of Matt McGinn, who lived in Rutherglen and became one of Scotland’s most loved folk songwriters.

Presented by a group of well-established Scottish folk singers, the show features many of McGinn’s best-known songs, with plenty of opportunities for the audience to sing along.

Rutherglen 900 Comedy Showcase Evening

Date: Friday 20 March 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10 (plus £1.50 transaction fee)
Ages: 16+

Join us for a night of laughter as participants from the Rutherglen 900 Comedy Workshop take to the stage.

Hosted by Scott Agnew, this showcase brings together funny stories, memories and local myths celebrating life in the Royal Burgh – told with warmth, wit and plenty of laughs.

Scott Agnew Presents: Tales from The Reformer

Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £20 / £18 concession (plus £1.50 transaction fee)
Ages: 16+

Award-winning comedian Scott Agnew returns with a special one-off show celebrating 900 years of Rutherglen.

Drawing on his time working at The Rutherglen Reformer, Scott shares behind-the-scenes stories, newsroom antics and shaggy-dog tales from the Royal Burgh’s much-loved local newspaper.

Songs from the Rutherglen Academy Ballads Club

Date: Sunday 19 April 2026
Time: 2.30pm
Tickets: £10 (plus £1.50 transaction fee)

This concert celebrates the legacy of the legendary Rutherglen Academy Ballads Club, founded in the 1950s by teacher and folk enthusiast Norman Buchan.

Featuring performances by former club members and guests, the afternoon will include classic folk songs and original material inspired by the club’s remarkable history. Expect a lively, sing-along celebration of Rutherglen’s contribution to the folk music movement.

Tickets

Tickets for all events, except Tea Dances, are available online at https://www.quaytickets.com/sllcboxoffice/search/Rutherglen%20Town%20Hall. Alternatively all tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office on 0141 613 5700.