Next month, the city of Glasgow will pay tribute to one of its most beloved sons, Sir Billy Connolly, with a vibrant weekend of celebrations, laughter, and music. The Big Yin Weekend, scheduled for September 6 and 7, 2025, is set to be a centerpiece of the city’s 850th anniversary festivities, shining a spotlight on Connolly’s extraordinary legacy as a comedian, musician, storyteller, and cultural icon.
According to BBC News, the celebration will unfold across Glasgow with a packed program that includes walking and cycling tours, film screenings, musical performances, and comedy showcases—all inspired by Connolly’s life and career. These events are designed not only to honor the man affectionately known as "the Big Yin," but also to invite locals and visitors alike to experience the city through his unique lens.
Sir Billy Connolly was born in Glasgow in 1942, beginning his working life as a welder in the city’s famed Clyde shipyards. His journey from the docks to the spotlight is the stuff of legend. After a stint as a folk musician with Gerry Rafferty in the duo The Humblebums, Connolly’s natural comedic flair took center stage. His pioneering stand-up routines, which drew deeply from Glasgow’s irrepressible spirit and humor, propelled him to international fame and made him a household name far beyond Scotland’s borders.
"Throughout our birthday year Sir Billy Connolly’s name has come up time and time again," said Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, as quoted by The Herald. "As arguably the city’s best loved and most famous modern-day Glaswegian, we couldn’t celebrate this landmark year for the city without honouring Billy." Aitken emphasized that Connolly’s comedy has always reflected Glasgow’s resilience and wit, while adding his "very own special brand of freewheeling genius to bring laughter and joy to millions."
The Big Yin Weekend offers a variety of ways for fans to connect with Connolly’s story. One of the highlights is a special comedy showcase presented by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Krista MacDonald, the festival’s director, described Connolly as "the heartbeat of Glasgow's comedy spirit, a trailblazer whose wit, warmth and honesty put Scottish comedy on the world stage." She added, "He embodies the humour, resilience and character of this city, and continues to inspire every performer who steps onto our stages."
For those who want to walk in Connolly’s footsteps—quite literally—Gallus Pedals Tours will be hosting walking and cycling excursions across the city. These tours will explore key locations and mural sites that played a role in shaping Connolly’s life and career. Martin Heaney, founder of Gallus Pedals, noted, "As perhaps the most loved Glaswegian there's a Billy Connolly reference on almost every one of our tours—not because every guest has heard of him, but because he brings humour to the most ordinary parts of life and has influenced how many of us describe this place. It's been a real joy discovering and exploring parts of the city that helped shape him both as a person and shaped his career and being able to share those locations on our tours."
Music is another central thread in the weekend’s tapestry. The Park Bar will host a free pop-up performance by Gary Innes & Friends, including the premiere of a new song entitled "Big Yin" by the Scottish group Mànran. Gary Innes, one of Mànran’s founding members, expressed his excitement to be part of the festivities, saying, "Billy Connolly is a true representation of Glasgow—the city’s wit, warmth, spirit and love of music. This year’s Hoolie in the Hydro on December 13 is called The Big Yin and we will round off Glasgow’s birthday year with a tribute to one of the city’s most famous sons. As a warm-up to our own toast to Billy, it is fantastic to be part of The Big Yin Weekend and join other institutions from across the city in celebrating the Glasgow legend."
Film buffs will not be left out. Glasgow Film Theatre will host a special screening of Big Banana Feet, the rarely seen 1975 documentary that follows Connolly on his tour of Ireland. Paul Gallagher, head of programme at Glasgow Film, told The National, "We're thrilled to be part of The Big Yin Weekend with a special screening of Murray Grigor's Big Banana Feet at GFT, complete with an introduction from Glasgow-based comedian Scott Agnew. Rarely screened since its initial release, the documentary captures Billy Connolly's comic genius, musical flair and unmistakable Glaswegian charm off-stage."
The weekend is part of the broader Glasgow 850 program, a year-long celebration led by the city council to mark Glasgow’s 850th birthday. The council has made a point of ensuring the festivities are accessible: attendance at the musical performance is free, and tickets for other events are being sold at reduced prices to encourage as many people as possible to join in the fun.
Connolly’s impact on Glasgow and the world is hard to overstate. Knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, he was also awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010. His pioneering comedy drew on the city’s "spirit, resilience and uniquely funny bones," as Aitken put it, and his influence continues to ripple through generations of performers and fans.
The affection and admiration for Connolly are palpable throughout the city. Murals depicting him—sometimes in his iconic "big banana boots"—dot the urban landscape, serving as daily reminders of his lasting presence. These tributes, both artistic and communal, reflect the deep connection between Connolly and the city that shaped him.
As Glasgow prepares to celebrate its milestone anniversary, it seems only fitting that the Big Yin takes center stage. The weekend promises not only to honor Connolly’s achievements but also to invite a new generation to discover (or rediscover) the wit, warmth, and irreverence that have made him a legend.
For those planning to attend, the message is clear: bring your big banana feet and join the city in raising a glass, sharing a laugh, and celebrating the enduring legacy of Sir Billy Connolly—Glasgow’s own comedic genius and cultural treasure.
