Itison, the Glasgow-based events company, is investing £4 million to bring GlasGLOW and Elfingrove, its flagship winter events, back to the city, lighting up the west end through the darker months.

The investment will create 300 jobs over the winter period and contribute an estimated £14 million to the local economy

An idea first conceived in 2010, it took until 2018 to fund and bring GlasGLOW to life – it is now the biggest sound and light show in Scotland, and the largest Halloween event in the UK creating 150 positions across creative and production.

Meanwhile Elfingrove, founded originally in 2019, returned in 2021 to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with Scotland’s biggest bespoke ice rink.

Inspired by Rockefeller’s iconic ice rink, the custom made Elfingrove rink was commissioned by iSkate – the company behind SKATE at Somerset House and Dancing on Ice – with a fully covered clear roof and open sides, attracting more than 100,000 people to skate under the stars.

Oli Norman, founder of GlasGLOW and CEO of Itison, said: “Over the past two years, the event sector has been decimated by COVID – now we’re facing soaring supply chain costs, the cost-of-living crisis and the steepest energy hikes we’ve seen in our lifetime.

“We firmly believe though that people need things to look forward to – the darker nights, cold weather and uncertain economic and political climate have a heavy impact on our emotional and mental well-being. These events light up our city and bring people together creating joyful experiences – making them all the more important.

“The theme for this year’s GlasGLOW is still under wraps – the idea came to me when I was on the Isle of Skye with family which might give a clue away – but I’m excited to bring both events back more spectacular than ever before.”