
Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)
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Mitchell Library in Glasgow will host a session on 17 October 2026 discussing the significance of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival. The event will explore whether the festival was a pivotal moment in the city's history, a waste of resources, or simply an enjoyable occasion. Admission to the event is free.
Was Glasgow's Garden Festival a pivotal event in the city's decade of self re-invention, a colossal waste of resources, or a great day out?
Depending on how you view it, Glasgow's Garden Festival was the pivotal event of the city's miraculous decade of self re-invention, an object lesson in what Glasgow was (and perhaps still is) capable of, a colossal waste of resources which trivialised a once-proud industrial powerhouse or simply the best day out Glaswegians have ever had. Lex Lamb felt that all of these viewpoints pointed to a vital need to record the physical evidence of the event as well as the memories of the people who made it, before either were lost. In this talk he explains how that journey resulted in the first full account of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival.
Lex Lamb is a Glasgow-based designer and writer with a lifelong interest in local history as well as landscapes and spaces of all types.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Mitchell Library.
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Frequently asked questions
Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 13:00.
Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) is held at Mitchell Library in Glasgow (North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN).
Entry to Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) is free.
The forecast for Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) is Mainly clear · 12°C.
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Mitchell Library can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
Tickets for Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)
Editorial Summary
Mitchell Library in Glasgow will host a session on 17 October 2026 discussing the significance of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival. The event will explore whether the festival was a pivotal moment in the city's history, a waste of resources, or simply an enjoyable occasion. Admission to the event is free.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Organiser’s full description
Was Glasgow's Garden Festival a pivotal event in the city's decade of self re-invention, a colossal waste of resources, or a great day out?
Depending on how you view it, Glasgow's Garden Festival was the pivotal event of the city's miraculous decade of self re-invention, an object lesson in what Glasgow was (and perhaps still is) capable of, a colossal waste of resources which trivialised a once-proud industrial powerhouse or simply the best day out Glaswegians have ever had. Lex Lamb felt that all of these viewpoints pointed to a vital need to record the physical evidence of the event as well as the memories of the people who made it, before either were lost. In this talk he explains how that journey resulted in the first full account of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival.
Lex Lamb is a Glasgow-based designer and writer with a lifelong interest in local history as well as landscapes and spaces of all types.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)?
Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 13:00.
Where is Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) taking place?
Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) is held at Mitchell Library in Glasgow (North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN).
How much are tickets for Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)?
Entry to Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) is free.
What will the weather be like at Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)?
The forecast for Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) is Mainly clear · 12°C.
Is there anywhere to stay near Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)?
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Mitchell Library can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
How do I get tickets for Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it)?
Tickets for Why the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival matters (and writing a book about it) can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
🏨 Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Mitchell Library
Ad · Stay22 affiliate link
Price
Free Entry
Date
Until Saturday, 17 October 2026
Time
Weather
feels like 8°C · chance of rain 33% · wind 18 km/h
EventsList curates 181,000+ events across the UK. Tickets purchased via the venue or authorised sellers only.
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