What's On Scotland 20-27 Jun: SAFAR Festival & more

The largest film festival in the UK dedicated to cinema from the Arab world, SAFAR is headed to Glasgow with a programme of beautiful films informed by themes of hope and resilience in the face of brutal war and instability.

Running from 22-29 June at Glasgow Film Theatre, there’s four films in the Glasgow programme, including Bye Bye Tiberias, a documentary exploring Succession star Hiam Abbass’ chosen exile from her homeland in Palestine, followed by a director Q&A, and Goodbye Julia by Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani. You can browse the wee programme here, and tickets are available through the GFT website.

ADVERTISEMENT | Date Night at Dovecot
Dovecot, Edinburgh. 18 Jul, 6pm
For the first time, audiences in Scotland will have the opportunity to see the The Caged Bird’s Song tapestry designed by Turner Prize-winning artist, Chris Ofili, forming the centerpiece of a new exhibition at Dovecot Studios. Opening 28 June, the exhibition brings to life the process by which Dovecot’s master weavers transformed the colours, myths and magic of Ofili’s original watercolour design into a large format tapestry that took over three years to create.

Troye Sivan
The OVO Hydro, Glasgow. 23 Jun, 6:30pm
Following on from his very sexy Primavera spot, Troye Sivan takes on the equally prestigious OVO Hydro (don't argue!), touring his dreamy summer album from last year Something to Give Each Other. Unabashedly queer and horny, it's the perfect show for the solstice. Image: Stuart Winecoff.

Polka Dot Disco Club invites Cici
Sub Club, Glasgow. 21 Jun, 11pm
There's bright and shiny techno on offer at Sub Club this weekend, as Irish DJ and producer Cici makes their Sub Club debut at the Polka Dot Disco Club. There's also support from groovy techno pedlar Shannen Blessing, Glasgow-based BABYG and Frankie Elyse. Image: Courtesy of Sub Club.

Q'iwa Pride Party
The Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh. 22 Jun, 4pm
It's Pride baby, so grab your best glitter and dancing shoes and do a queer party crawl. Top of the list is queer PoC-led organisation Q'iwa's Pride party, with panels on ballroom and Palestine, cabaret performances, and DJs such as mojxmma (pictured) throughout the night. Image: Bonjour.

When Chai Met Toast
Broadcast, Glasgow. 20 Jun, 7pm
Indian folk-pop sensations When Chai Met Toast head out on another tour of the UK. Their multilingual songs, blending English and Hindi with Tamil and Malayam, are known for their sunshine energy: it's impossible to leave their music without feeling just a little boost of joy. Image: Courtesy of artist.

ADVERTISEMENT | Celebrate the works of the radical and rebellious women artists on display now
Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970. Modern Two, Edinburgh. Until 26 Jan 2025
Discover the new additions to Scotland’s art collection featured in the powerful and provocative exhibition, Women in Revolt! at Modern Two, Edinburgh until 26 January 2025. There are two newly acquired works by Penny Slinger, Wedding Cake-Open Secret (1973) and Bride and Groom-Ceremonial Cutting of the Cake (1973). Marvel at the monumental Warrior Woman V: The Artist (1986), by Glasgow-based Sam Ainsley, on show for the first time in four decades. Tickets on sale now.

↪ Malak Mattar: Screams
Summerhall, Edinburgh. Until 28 Jun
Following a stint at Embassy Gallery, Gazan artist Malak Mattar exhibits their moving collection of work Screams at Summerhall. These drawings and paintings respond directly to the genocide, exposing a raw and unyielding emotional reaction. Image: Malak Mattar.

→ Refugee Festival Scotland: Workshops
V&A Dundee, Dundee. 21 Jun, 2pm
There's two excellent workshops at the V&A Dundee this week in association with Refugee Festival Scotland: the first explores traditional methods of Afghan jewellery making, while the second delves into vyshyvanka, a traditional Ukrainian style of embroidery.

→ Julia Armfield: Private Rites launch
The Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh. 21 Jun, 7pm
Start your weekend off a little calmly, but very eerily, with the book launch for Julia Armfield's latest novel. Described as a queer King Lear in the climate crisis, Private Rites is alternately sexy and full of dread – a perfect summer read.