The big news story in Glasgow today is that TRNSMT Festival will be back in July next year over a mammoth two weekends.

The move has left music fans both celebrating and scratching their heads as to the reason behind the surprise announcement.

After a successful debut year at Glasgow Green last year, TRNSMT had originally said it would return again for one weekend - July 6 to 8, 2018.

However, what organisers of the music event - set up to replace the much-loved T in the Park - may not have taken into consideration at the early stages was that Protestant groups would be preparing to march through the same park on July 7, 2018 as part of the yearly Orange Walks.

READ MORE: Orange Order boss insists 2018 parade ‘will definitely go ahead’ - despite date clash with TRNSMT Festival

Now taking place over three days - June 29 to July 1 - with two shows taking place the following weekend on July 6 and 8, have music festival organisers been forced to bend to the will of Orange Lodge bosses?

Glasgow City Council has said the infrastructure for TRNSMT will still occupy the site on July 7, adding how the Orange Order has chosen to end its public procession on that day at a different location, away from Glasgow Green.

A spokesman said: “Clearly, there are pressures to consider when any two large events take place around the same time, including their impact on the city as a whole.

“However, we are happy to say that both organisers have approached this constructively.”

READ MORE: Glasgow's TRNSMT Festival to run over TWO weekends next year

A spokesperson for TRNSMT also said: “We can confirm all dates on each weekend of TRNSMT were available to us and at no time were we told we couldn’t operate on July 7.

“However, we have chosen the dates for TRNSMT around artist availability”. 

As previously reported, executive officer for the Grand Orange Lodge in Scotland, Robert McLean, remained unyielding and - last month - described how the march “will definitely go ahead.”

He said: “Why should we change now because a pop festival has just appeared? Glasgow Green is a public space.”

“The council agreed years ago that they would always accommodate a march on the first Saturday of July. I’m sure a solution will be found,” he added, reported The Scottish Sun.

READ MORE: Four men wanted by police after Orange Walk in Glasgow

One source connected to both events, however, insisted both parties are “willing to compromise,” while a Police Scotland spokesperson said both events would be “policed appropriately.”

Remaining upbeat and positive tonight, though, CEO of DF Concerts, Geoff Ellis, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to extend the transmissions at TRNSMT into two weekends to better the experience for the amazing fans next year.

“We’re bringing even more of the best artists from around the world to Glasgow Green and making sure Glasgow is the place to be this summer.”

READ MORE: ‘Famine Song’ sung by spectators sees cops launch investigation

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, added: “That is not only good news for the thousands of people who will enjoy the event, but for hundreds of city businesses in the tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors that support thousands of jobs.

The main County Grand Orange Order parade from George Square to Glasgow Green this year saw 4,500 people in 63 bands take part, with another 4,000 spectators lining the streets.

It was in celebration of Prince William of Orange's victory over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Eight arrests were made on the day for alleged minor disorder and alcohol-related offences.