Events and Programming
Òran Mór is one of Glasgow’s most varied mid-sized arts venues. Its programme moves between live music, comedy, theatre, club nights, traditional music, tribute shows, seasonal celebrations and sporting-event screenings. The basement Venue is the main space for standing concerts, comedy and theatre, whilst other rooms host seated performances, dining events, late-night entertainment and private functions.
Music programming is deliberately broad. Recent and current listings have included singer-songwriters, acoustic guitar, rock, blues, soul, folk, roots, world music, electronic club nights and tribute acts. Examples from 2022–2026 include NoahFinnce, Theo Katzman, Walter Trout, We Are Scientists, Turin Brakes, Allison Russell, Jamie Woon, Mike Dawes, PP Arnold, Matt Maeson, Wishbone Ash and The Devout. The venue has also presented less conventional bookings, including Jonathan Coulton, the live podcast Welcome to Night Vale , Latin American club nights, disco and northern-soul parties, and Eurovision screening events.
Traditional and contemporary Scottish music is particularly visible during Celtic Connections. Òran Mór has hosted festival performances by artists working across folk, roots, Gaelic song and international music, including events in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 programmes. The 2026 festival listing included Kathryn Joseph and Lomond Campbell at the venue, whilst other festival editions brought artists such as Allison Russell, Tsuumi Sound System, Frigg and Aziza Brahim to the building.
The venue’s most distinctive recurring programme is A Play, A Pie and A Pint . Based at Òran Mór since 2004, the initiative presents a new short play at lunchtime, generally running from Monday to Saturday during its spring and autumn seasons. It has commissioned hundreds of plays and helped launch or develop writers, actors and directors including Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay, Douglas Maxwell, Rona Munro and David Ireland. Its 2024 twentieth-anniversary season included twelve plays, whilst 2025 and 2026 programming continued to prioritise new Scottish writing and emerging creatives.
Comedy is another regular strand, particularly during Glasgow’s annual comedy festival season. The building also stages pantomimes, scratch nights, theatre discussions and one-off performance projects. Seasonal programming includes Christmas shows, Hogmanay celebrations, ceilidhs, festive markets, whisky events, rugby screenings and private dining packages. The 2026 programme extends into new lunchtime plays, scratch nights, winter entertainment and events announced for Glasgow’s 2027 comedy season.
Ticket prices vary significantly by event. Recent published examples range from approximately £5 for a Eurovision screening, £7.50–£12.50 for smaller club or scratch events, £12.50–£28 for many concerts, and around £17–£22.50 for A Play, A Pie and A Pint , including a drink and pie. Larger dining, fundraiser and cultural events have recently been priced around £50–£65 or more. Treat these as useful bands rather than fixed prices: the artist, day of the week, food inclusion, booking fee and room configuration all affect the final cost.
Tickets and Booking
Most public events are sold in advance through the event’s official booking route, with a limited allocation sometimes available at the venue. Òran Mór has a foyer box office, although published opening hours differ between general venue information and the separate lunchtime-theatre operation. For practical purposes, check the individual event listing before travelling, particularly for daytime shows, sold-out performances and weekend events.
A Play, A Pie and A Pint recommends advance booking, especially on Saturdays. Its tickets include a meat pie or vegan alternative and a beer, wine or soft drink; discounted play-only tickets are available on selected Tuesday-to-Thursday performances for students, arts workers and people on low incomes. The seating is unreserved, so arriving early is the best way to improve your choice of seat.
For popular concerts, buy as soon as the event is announced, check whether the performance is standing or seated, and allow for booking fees. If a show appears sold out, it is worth checking whether the venue has retained a small door allocation, but this is not guaranteed. Keep your booking confirmation available at entry and check the age restriction, door time and room name rather than relying only on the artist’s advertised start time.
About Òran Mór
Òran Mór is a multi-room arts, hospitality and events venue at the top of Byres Road, on the corner of Great Western Road, opposite Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Its name is Scottish Gaelic for “big song” or “great melody”. The building combines a Victorian church, a basement concert room, bars, restaurants, private dining rooms and an upper auditorium used for performances and functions.
The original building began as Kelvinside Free Church. A meeting at the home of publisher John Blackie Snr in 1857 established the need for a new church in the expanding West End. The foundation stone was laid on 4 September 1862. Designed by J. J. Stevenson, the church used a geometric Gothic plan, a tall campanile tower with an Italian Gothic pyramid spire, cast-iron columns and pointed arches. It is now a listed historic building.
The church’s later history remains visible inside. Eleven carved heads by William Mossman decorate the arches, representing figures associated with the Reformation and Scottish church history. Eight bells were installed as a war memorial in 1917 and first rang on Christmas Day that year. The bells are still rung at 11am on 11 November, making Remembrance Day a continuing local tradition associated with the building.
After the congregation declined, the former Kelvinside Parish Church became redundant in 1978 and stood derelict for several years. Refurbishment began in 2002 under the vision of Glasgow businessman Colin Beattie. The building reopened as Òran Mór in June 2004, with a programme intended to combine food, drink, music, theatre, art and community life rather than preserve the church only as a historic shell.
Seating and Layout
There is no single seating plan for Òran Mór. The basement Venue is normally used for standing gigs, comedy and theatre, but can be arranged for seated events. The venue’s public capacity information gives the room as up to 500 standing or theatre-style, whilst its technical specification lists 550 standing and 270 unreserved seated. The difference reflects event layout, production requirements, fire-safety limits and whether the listing refers to the room or the wider venue.
The Auditorium is a separate upper-level event space measuring 238 square metres. Published conference capacities include around 350 in theatre style, 276 banquet-style and 450 for a reception. It has a mezzanine Gallery, original stained glass, a private bar and a large painted ceiling. The Gallery is visually special but is reached by a spiral staircase, so it is not the best choice for anyone who needs step-free access.
For a standing concert, the front offers the closest view but usually the most crowd pressure. The rear gives an easier route to the bar and exit, whilst the sides can be more comfortable for people who prefer space. Seated performances are commonly unreserved. The venue describes its theatre-style seats as 40cm wide and 42cm deep, with only 2–5cm between seats, so visitors who need additional room should arrange a suitable solution before arrival.
Getting There and Parking
The address is Òran Mór, top of Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX. The entrance is directly opposite the Botanic Gardens, where Byres Road meets Great Western Road. From the city centre, the Glasgow Subway is generally the simplest option: leave at Hillhead station, walk north along Byres Road and continue towards the Botanic Gardens. The venue describes Hillhead as a few minutes away; the lunchtime-theatre access guidance puts the walk at roughly five minutes.
Nearby bus services include routes 6, 6A, 6B, 8, 82, 90, 189, 190 and N6, with stops around Byres Road and Great Western Road. N6 is particularly useful for some late-night journeys, although services and timetables change. Partick is the nearest useful rail interchange and is approximately a 25-minute walk away; it also connects with the Subway, making the final journey to Hillhead straightforward.
Òran Mór does not operate its own customer car park. Pay-and-display street parking is available on parts of Byres Road and Great Western Road, with nearby paid options including Kelvinbridge and Lilybank. Spaces are limited and demand is high during evening events, so public transport or a pre-booked taxi is usually less stressful. Taxis and rideshare vehicles can use the surrounding Byres Road and Great Western Road area for drop-off, subject to traffic restrictions and safe stopping space.
Inside the Venue
Expect a busy, layered building rather than a conventional single-room theatre. The main bar and whisky bar sit within the former church structure, whilst the live Venue occupies a crypt-like basement with a lower ceiling and a more intimate club atmosphere. The building also contains Fonn Mór, the Beattie and MacLennan Room, Dan Mór, the Auditorium and private dining spaces.
Bars operate throughout the building, and the venue’s food offer includes Scottish dishes, restaurant dining, brunch, Sunday roast and event menus. A Play, A Pie and A Pint is designed around the food-and-drink combination, while larger events may include meals, ceilidh dancing or private dining. A cloakroom is listed for the Venue, and the technical information confirms a dressing room, production office, merchandise area and Wi-Fi for event operations. Public Wi-Fi availability may vary by room and occasion.
Allow extra time for entry because the venue may be serving diners, running several events or operating multiple bars simultaneously. Security and door procedures vary by promoter and event. Merchandise is generally arranged at the rear of the live room when supplied by the promoter. Accessible toilets are available on the Venue level, beside the main bar and near the Auditorium.
Nearby Amenities
Òran Mór is surrounded by one of Glasgow’s densest pre-show areas. Ashton Lane is roughly a five-minute walk away and offers restaurants, pubs and late-night bars. The Ubiquitous Chip, Ashoka Ashton Lane, Hillhead Bookclub, The Bothy, Cail Bruich and other Byres Road venues provide options ranging from casual meals to more formal dining. Booking is sensible before weekend concerts, especially when a major festival or university event is taking place.
Accommodation is available immediately around the venue, including the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel opposite or beside the building, and smaller hotels and guest houses around Buckingham Terrace, Great Western Road and Byres Road. The Botanic Gardens are directly across the road and make an easy daytime stop before an evening performance. On late nights, check the last Subway connection and consider the N6 or a taxi rather than assuming the Subway will still be running.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Auditorium’s ceiling mural by Glasgow artist and writer Alasdair Gray is the defining feature. Painted from 2004 onwards, it covers the ceiling with zodiac constellations, planets, moons, stars, clouds and philosophical scenes influenced by Gauguin. The mural also includes painted mirrors showing staff, a marbled balustrade and Gray’s specially designed “Òran Mór Monumental” lettering. It is described by the venue and heritage sources as one of Scotland’s largest pieces of public art.
The artwork is not limited to the ceiling. The entrance porch features Scottish lions playing bagpipes, whilst the marble floor welcomes visitors in 32 languages. Original stained glass, cast-iron columns, carved architectural heads, pointed arches and the former church layout remain part of the visitor experience. The result is a venue where the historic building and contemporary programming are constantly in conversation.
Culturally, Òran Mór matters because it gives several different art forms a regular home. The live room provides a platform for touring and emerging musicians; Celtic Connections brings international and traditional music; comedy producers use the venue during festival periods; and A Play, A Pie and A Pint offers one of Scotland’s most consistent routes into professional theatre. The building also supports hospitality, private events, weddings and local fundraising, helping keep a large historic structure in everyday use rather than treating it as a museum.
Visitor Tips and Information
Òran Mór states that the entire venue is wheelchair accessible through the ground-level Fonn Mór entrance on Great Western Road, which connects to a lift serving the main levels. The Venue, Fonn Mór, main bar, Beattie and MacLennan Room, Dan Mór and Auditorium are listed as accessible by this route. The Auditorium Gallery is the important exception: it is reached only by spiral staircase. Contact the venue in advance if you need a particular seat, transfer space or assistance with the route from the accessible entrance.
There is no universal dress code published for ordinary events. Age restrictions are event-specific: some club nights are 18-plus, some theatre productions carry recommendations such as 14-plus, and alcohol purchases are subject to Challenge 25 identification checks. Bring accepted identification if you plan to buy alcohol and check the individual event for age rules before booking.
For standing gigs, arrive early if you want a good view or one of the limited seats around the room. For lunchtime theatre, do not assume an advance ticket guarantees a particular chair because seating is unreserved. If you are dining beforehand, allow a proper gap between your meal and the door time: the West End is walkable, but popular restaurants can be busy and Byres Road traffic can slow taxis.
Recent visitor feedback is broadly positive about the converted church, the atmosphere, the mural, live sound and lighting, and the intimacy of the concert room. Criticism is more variable, with some visitors mentioning busy weekend conditions, inconsistent service, high drinks prices, crowding or noise during hospitality visits. The practical lesson is to distinguish between a live event and a restaurant visit: the building can feel thrillingly lively during a gig but less comfortable if you want a quiet meal.
Technical and Production Specifications
The live Venue has a 5m-wide by 5m-deep stage, approximately 3ft high, with 2.14m clearance above it and 13.2m from the stage to front of house. The venue does not provide risers and advises against using them because of the limited stage size and overhead clearance. Load-in doors are listed as 2.54m high by 1.36m wide, with a second set measuring 2.04m high by 1.36m wide.
The installed sound system includes Turbosound Aspect Series front-of-house speakers, Turbosound subwoofers, L-Acoustics monitor speakers, DiGiCo SD9 and S31 consoles, a DiGiCo D-Rack, Waves SoundGrid processing and a selection of Shure, Sennheiser, AKG and SE microphones. Lighting equipment includes a ChamSys MQ80 console, LED PARs, moving spots, Chauvet fixtures, profiles, blinders, a strobe and haze equipment. These specifications are aimed at promoters and touring productions, so the exact package used depends on the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Òran Mór in Glasgow?
Òran Mór is at the top of Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX, where Byres Road meets Great Western Road. It stands directly opposite Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the West End. The building is close to Hillhead Subway station, Ashton Lane, the University of Glasgow and numerous restaurants, bars and hotels.
What type of events are held at Òran Mór?
The programme includes live music, folk, roots, blues, rock, soul, world music, comedy, theatre, club nights, tribute shows, pantomimes, scratch performances, screenings, ceilidhs and seasonal parties. The venue also hosts weddings, private dining, corporate events, whisky functions and community fundraising evenings.
What is A Play, A Pie and A Pint?
A Play, A Pie and A Pint is a lunchtime theatre programme based at Òran Mór. It presents a short new play, usually during a Monday-to-Saturday run, with a pie and drink included in the ticket. It is known for supporting Scottish writers and emerging theatre-makers and for offering an informal alternative to a conventional evening theatre visit.
How much are tickets for Òran Mór?
Prices depend on the event. Recent examples range from about £5 for a screening or low-cost special event to £20–£30 for many concerts. Lunchtime theatre is generally around £17–£22.50 including food and drink, while dining, fundraiser and premium cultural events can cost £50 or more.
Can I buy Òran Mór tickets on the door?
Some events retain a small door allocation, but this is not guaranteed and popular performances may sell out in advance. The safest approach is to book before travelling. Door availability, payment arrangements and box-office opening times vary by promoter, so read the individual event information carefully.
Is seating reserved at Òran Mór?
Seating depends on the event. Many concerts are standing, while theatre and lunchtime performances use unreserved seating. A Play, A Pie and A Pint specifically advises arriving early because advance booking does not reserve a particular seat. Private events and some Auditorium performances may use allocated tables or formal seating plans.
What is the capacity of Òran Mór?
Capacity varies by room and layout. The live Venue is publicly described as holding around 500 for standing or theatre-style events, while the technical specification lists 550 standing and 270 unreserved seated. The Auditorium has published capacities of approximately 350 theatre-style, 276 banquet-style and 450 reception guests.
Does Òran Mór have a balcony?
The Auditorium has a mezzanine Gallery rather than a conventional theatre balcony. It provides an elevated view of the Alasdair Gray mural and can be used for small ceremonies or private events. It is reached by spiral staircase only, so visitors requiring step-free access should not assume the Gallery is accessible by lift.
Is Òran Mór wheelchair accessible?
The venue states that its main areas are wheelchair accessible through the ground-level Fonn Mór entrance on Great Western Road, with lift access to the different floors. Accessible toilets are listed on the Venue level, beside the main bar and near the Auditorium. The Gallery is the stated staircase-only area.
Where are the accessible toilets?
Accessible toilets are located beside the Venue, beside the main bar or whisky-bar area, and near the Auditorium. Because events can alter routes and operating areas, visitors who need a particular facility should arrange access information before arrival, especially when attending a sold-out concert or a private function.
Is there parking at Òran Mór?
Òran Mór does not provide its own customer car park. Pay-and-display street parking is available along parts of Byres Road and Great Western Road. Nearby paid options include Kelvinbridge and Lilybank. Parking can be difficult during busy evenings, so the Subway, bus, taxi or rideshare is usually more convenient.
What is the nearest Subway station?
Hillhead is the nearest Subway station. From the station, walk north along Byres Road towards the Botanic Gardens; the venue is approximately five minutes away. Partick is a useful rail and Subway interchange but is around a 25-minute walk from Òran Mór if you choose to walk the entire route.
Which buses stop near Òran Mór?
Nearby routes include the 6, 6A, 6B, 8, 82, 90, 189, 190 and N6, with stops around Byres Road and Great Western Road. Bus routes and night services can change, so check the destination displayed on the vehicle and allow extra time after late concerts.
Is there food and drink inside Òran Mór?
Yes. Òran Mór contains bars, restaurant areas, a whisky bar and private dining rooms. Menus include Scottish dishes and event-specific food packages. The lunchtime theatre programme includes a pie and drink, whilst larger events may offer meals, canapés, ceilidh packages or private dining. Restaurant service may not be available in every room during a concert.
Can I eat before a show nearby?
Yes. Byres Road and Ashton Lane are packed with places to eat within a short walk. Popular nearby choices include the Ubiquitous Chip, Ashoka Ashton Lane, Hillhead Bookclub, The Bothy and other West End restaurants. Book ahead for weekend performances, as the area becomes particularly busy around festivals and university dates.
What age restrictions apply?
There is no single age rule for every Òran Mór event. Club nights may be 18-plus, theatre shows can carry recommendations such as 14-plus, and family or daytime events may use different conditions. Alcohol purchases operate under Challenge 25, so anyone who looks under 25 may be asked for identification.
Does Òran Mór have a cloakroom?
A cloakroom is listed among the facilities for the live Venue. Whether it is open, charged separately or available for a particular performance can depend on staffing and event arrangements. Avoid bringing bulky bags where possible, and check the event information before relying on cloakroom availability.
What is the Alasdair Gray mural?
It is a large painted ceiling and interior artwork in the Auditorium, commissioned for Òran Mór and developed from 2004 onwards. The mural includes zodiac imagery, stars, planets, moons, philosophical scenes, painted mirrors and Gray’s distinctive lettering. It is one of the building’s defining features and among Scotland’s largest public artworks.
Does Òran Mór host Celtic Connections events?
Yes. Òran Mór regularly appears as a Celtic Connections venue, particularly for folk, roots, traditional, Gaelic and world-music performances. The festival’s programme changes annually, but the building’s intimate live room makes it a recurring stop for both established artists and emerging acts during the January and February festival period.
How early should I arrive?
For a standing concert, arriving 30–60 minutes before the advertised start is sensible if you want a good position or access to limited seating. For unreserved lunchtime theatre, arriving early is especially useful. Add more time if you plan to eat nearby, collect tickets, use the cloakroom or require the accessible entrance and lift.
