Reading of the Names
Mark the arrival of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt to Glasgow with the traditional Reading of the Names ceremony, and a performance from Glaswegian women's drumming ensemble SheBoom.
The Reading of the Names Ceremony - 2pm
An oral tradition that ensures each person memorialised in the Quilt is remembered as an individual, not a statistic. The format has been used where possible at all displays, with AIDS Quilt UK supporters reading aloud the names of those commemorated on the panels.
The traditional Reading of the Names ceremony will be followed by a moment of noise and a blessing from the Haus of Nunsense (the Scottish chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence).
Sheboom - 3pm, in The Hidden Gardens
SheBoom close the Reading of the Names ceremony with a jubilant performance in The Hidden Gardens, behind Tramway. Reputedly Europe's largest women's drumming ensemble, SheBoom developed out of the 1993 Glasgay! festival and have since led marches and rallies for Pride, Reclaim the Night, the STUC, CND, Women's Aid and anti-racism campaigns. SheBoom’s performance marks the Quilt's arrival in the city with unmistakably Glaswegian style. Will go ahead rain or shine.
These events will be followed by an informal gathering at nearby local pub McNeills, featuring poetry and songs, from 4pm. All welcome to attend.
Read more about the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt exhibition at Tramway (12 Sep - 4 Oct 2026)
Access
Tramway and The Hidden Gardens are wheelchair accessible. See more information about venue access on our Access page
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