Michelle McManus: My my my... Sir Tom is set for bandstand

He’ll take to the stage on Tuesday August 9 and, with other acts confirmed for Summer Nights At The Bandstand  including Van Morrison, Primal Scream, Lloyd Cole, Idlewild, The Waterboys and Super Furry Animals, Glasgow is set to be absolutely rocking over the next few months. 

The Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre, in the West End, is steeped in history. It was built back in 1924 and in use until 1999. 

The bandstand and amphitheatre was a much-loved place of live music, entertainment, gatherings, festivals and political rallies over the years for the people of Glasgow where stars, such as Simple Minds and Wet Wet Wet, performed to name but a few so therefore as you can imagine it has had strong community support for its regeneration. 

I remember being in my early-20s and stumbling across the bandstand in its derelict state and thinking how sad it was that such a beautiful venue had ended up in such a mess. I wished even back then that it could be returned to its former glory – little did I know that only a few years later in 2014 The Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre would undergo a £2.7 million restoration to transform itself into a 2,500 seater world class and unique open air performance space. 

I was so honoured and privileged to be one of the very first performers to take to that brand new stage in June of 2014 where I performed with a wonderful band, Honest Sam and The Dealers, during the West End festival, and the atmosphere was fantastic. 

The audience was a real mix of people including families with small children who were up right at the front of the stage dancing and singing away, having the time of their lives.

It’s absolutely been one of my favourite places to perform so I’m sure Sir Tom and his contemporaries will have a rare old time at the bandstand this summer. Although for goodness sake, as it’s an open air venue and this is Scotland please can we keep emergency wellies and waterproofs at the side of the stage along with the sunscreen, hat scarf and gloves, just on the off chance we end up with more than one season in a single day.

MY dear friend Robert Miller and a whole host of talented artists from Katie Leung, Gerard Brown and Peter Howson have teamed up to donate some of their breathtaking work to raise money for a wonderful cause. 

The Bethany Christian Trust supports more than 7,000 people across Scotland by focusing on preventing homelessness as well as alleviating the suffering of people who are homeless. 

They are passionate about transforming lives and provide tailored visiting support and community development. They also support individuals and families to help them address long-standing issues including: social isolation, unemployment, and drug addiction. 

Cliff Scobie and his wife from Scotland Artist in Bothwell have organised the ‘Unto Others’ exhibition where the paintings will go on sale from today. They will be available to buy until June 5. 

If you are an art lover and would like to check out this unique exhibition then head down to 7 Main Street, Bothwell. For more information on Robert Miller’s work you can log onto http://www.roberthmiller.co.uk and for more info on the charity, visit  http://www.bethanychristiantrust.com.

I WOULD just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who took the time to send me beautiful messages and well wishes on my Facebook and Twitter pages this week after I announced my engagement on Sunday evening.

I was truly overwhelmed by your kind words and can only tell you that I’m the happiest girl alive right now. 

I’ve been lucky enough to meet my soulmate and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. Thank you again but I must dash for now as I’ve been writing the column all morning and I’m having withdrawal symptoms from staring at my beautiful sparkly ring while attempting to sing Minnie Riperton’s Loving You, high notes and all.