Frequently asked questions

The Event

GlasGLOW is the UK’s biggest and most exciting Halloween event.  

This October, the doors to 10 epic realms will open. It’s time to Trick or Treat!  

Created and produced by itison, and brought to life by the teams behind some of the UK’s biggest and best outdoor events, GlasGLOW is a spectacular illuminated trail like no other, taking you on a magical 60-minute journey through Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens including our gourmet street food village and unmissable Marshmallowland.  

GlasGLOW is on sale now!

Standard tickets are priced at:  

  • GlasGLOW adult ticket - £24 off peak/ £26 peak 
  • GlasGLOW child ticket – £9 off peak/ £15 peak 
  • Mallow & Fast Pass adult ticket - £32 off peak/ £34 peak  
  • Mallow & Fast Pass child ticket - £16 off peak/ £22 peak 
  • Under 3s - FREE 
  • Carers – FREE (please note carers still require a ticket and may be asked for ID on the night – see below for more info)  

To help cover the costs of services like 7 day customer support, and invest in new and innovative experiences, we charge a nominal service fee when an order is placed. 

Peak slots are Friday – Sunday and selected slots Wednesday & Thursday.

Off peak slots are Monday & Tuesday and selected slots Wednesday & Thursday.

GlasGLOW will run from 25th October – 10th November  

Start times: 

25th & 26th October: First time slot 6pm and every 15 minutes thereafter 

27th October - 5th November: First time slot 5pm and every 15 minute thereafter  
6th - 10th November: First time slot 4.30pm and every 15 minute thereafter

Relaxed sessions: Thursday 31st October at 4.45pm, Saturday 2nd November at 4.30pm and Monday 4th November at 4.45pm

GlasGLOW is for anyone who loves a great night out, a fantastic picture opportunity and who wants to discover Glasgow’s beautiful Botanic Gardens in a new light.  
 
The show is family friendly but definitely not just for the kids – it’s a brilliant night out for friends, family, colleagues, date nights – and anyone who wants to experience a world class show right here in the heart of Glasgow.    

Plus there’s even a whole world dedicated to marshmallows! 

Each year GlasGLOW unveils a brand new creative – this year is set to be our spookiest yet with our new Trick or Treat theme – knock knock… if you dare.  

GlasGLOW is an adult event but young kids are mesmerised by the show - it’s an amazing sensory experience with loads to see and do – they’ll be fascinated by all the lights, effects and sounds ❤️  

This year’s show has a couple of parts that some people might find a wee bit scary but we have opt-out paths for anyone wanting to skip these zones. 

Some young children might find parts a wee bit overwhelming but we mostly hear that kids love it and can’t wait to go back. We also have a quiet space available for anyone who needs it.  

The show is busy and has fire in some areas including Marshmallowland – we have lots of friendly and helpful stewards and marshals on the route but please make sure to keep a close eye on wee ones at all times.  

This year’s event has a couple of areas that some folk might find a wee bit scary but you’ll be able to skip them and take an alternative path if you don’t fancy it. 

Get your favourite warm coat on and wrap up cosy – it’s going to be cold! The route is fully outdoors so make sure you check the weather and bring a hat and raincoat!  

The route is on hardstanding ground and sensible footwear should be worn. 

Please stick to the paths at all times.  

Absolutely - dressing up is optional but we believe any excuse to dress up is a good one! 

Our Mallow & Fast Pass ticket is the best way to enjoy GlasGLOW with fast pass access to the event through a dedicated entrance; including a Marshmallow skewer and fast pass entry into Marshmallowland too. Each guest in your group must have fast pass tickets. 😊  

There are a very small allocation of Mallow & Fast Pass tickets available per time slot so get in quick!  

We’re very conscious about the impact our events have on the environment and are continuously looking at the cleanest and greenest ways we can deliver GlasGLOW.  

We are working with third party consultants in sustainability and biodiversity to guide us on best practise, reducing our emissions and improving our overall environmental plan.  

View our full sustainability and biodiversity plan | View biodiversity reports from GlasGLOW 2023: Report 1, Report 2, Report 3, Report 4, Report 5

Measures in place include:  

  • - Since 2021, GlasGLOW has been powered by HVO instead of Diesel. HVO is a FAME-free and fossil-free CO2-friendly alternative to regular Diesel. It’s renewable, sustainable and made from 100% renewable raw materials. 
  • - A ban on single- use plastics across catering (containers, straws, cutlery, bottled drinks) and reducing as much as possible across production.  
  • - All caterers have signed up to source produce from local suppliers, offer vegan alternatives and use compostable packaging such as Vegware.  
  • - All pumpkins used in the show are recycled and converted into reusable energy.  
  • - A commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle across the show including reusing scenic elements from previous years to help reduce items going to landfill at the end of the event.  
  • - Tickets available digitally to reduce the need to print.  
  • - Use of the latest LED lighting to dramatically reduce power consumption.  
  • - Encourage active and public travel to get to GlasGLOW with partnerships in place with SPT & First Bus.  
  • - Install equipment wherever possible that is part of the circular economy where it has been previously used on another event and will go on to be used in another event.  
Facilities

Our Gourmet Street Food Village is back and better than ever with artisan churros and ice cream from westend legends Loop and Scoop, hand-stretched woodfired pizzas from Mangiamo, hand-made craft smoked hot dogs from GlasGLOW fav Brigston & Co, delicious fresh fried chicken from Dirty Bird and the return of the Fries Guys with their filthy brilliant, loaded fries.   

We’ll also be serving up sweet treats & hot chocolates, a whole land dedicated to marshmallows plus The GLOW Bar where you can grab a drink, hot chocolate or a candy floss.  

We’re covering something for everyone with vegetarian, vegan, halal, nut-free and gluten-free options available too. Just let your vendor know and they’ll be happy to advise.  

Vegan options will be available in Marshmallowland too.  

Please note, if you’re planning to grab a bite to eat, last orders in our Street Food Village are 30 minutes after last entry. This is to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy your food and the rest of the show 😊  

It is card only at catering – no cash will be accepted.  

*Yes. Our outdoor bar has loads of space to enjoy an incredible view, a warming drink and a bite to eat.  

Please note, last orders are 30 minutes after last entry and mean those with tickets for later show entry times may have limited time to enjoy a drink. If this is important to you please make sure to purchase for an earlier time slot. Drinks cannot be taken out with the bar area due to licensing regulations. 

*Subject to confirmed licence. ID will be required to purchase alcohol.

We have loads of brilliant options available at our food and drink village so you’ll have plenty to keep you going, but we’re afraid food and drink from outside is not permitted into the event.

Parking in the west end is incredibly limited so we would strongly advise using public transport wherever possible.   

There are loads of great hassle-free ways to get to the event.  

  • - Nearest Subway stations: Hillhead, Kelvinbridge, Shields Road station has a large Park & Ride facility.  
  • - Nearest train station: Partick  
  • - Check bus timetables to find the best route for you  

If public transport is not an option and you have no choice but to drive, please be mindful of our neighbours in streets around the West End, Bear in mind parking restrictions and Enforcement Officers will be in operation in nearby streets. Please note, spaces are very limited.  

 The closest parking is available at Lilybank Gardens, just off Ashton Lane, and at Kelvinbridge Subway station 

  • - Lilybank Car Park, Lilybank Gardens, G12 8SA  

Yes - there will be toilets located along the route at multiple points, as well as baby changing facilities and accessible loos.   

We will also have a Pamiloo Changing Places toilet available on Thurs 31st October, Friday 1st November and Saturday 2nd November 2024 - https://www.changing-places.org/ 

Yes, it is card only payments at our food and drink village – cash is not accepted by any vendors. 

Need to Know

For the best GlasGLOW experience for both you and the wee ones, we recommend you bring them in a carrier but you’re welcome to bring a pram if that’s not an option.  

We’re really sorry but no pooches (except assistance dogs) are allowed. 

Yes, small bags are allowed, but please remember no alcohol will be permitted – we have a bar at the show where you can grab a drink. Bags may be searched by security.

We’re not afraid of a bit of rain, and the event will go ahead unless we’re experiencing extreme weather conditions.  

Make sure you check the weather report and dress appropriately before heading out. 

Like the GlasGLOW Facebook page for the latest updates.

We don’t have any strobe lights, but due to the number of lights along the route which may flash at times, it could be unsafe for anyone affected by photo-sensitive epilepsy. There are flashing lights in Clowntown - an alternative route will be available for those who need to skip this section.

It’s a busy show and there are some areas with fire so please keep a close eye on wee ones at all times!  

Filming & Photography

Yes! GlasGLOW has loads of incredible things to see - time to level up your TikTok game! 

There’s a lot going on and tripods can get in the way of other event-goers, so unfortunately tripods aren’t permitted. Professional photography and videography isn’t permitted without permission. To obtain permission, please contact toni.lally@itison.com 

Access

If you have any access requirements or concerns that we haven't answered please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at glasglow@itison.com  

Yes. We have wheelchair accessible toilets available on site for the duration of the event.  We are also welcoming the team from Pamis with their Pamiloo (a mobile changing places toilet) from on Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st November and Saturday 2nd November 2024.    

Parking is extremely limited in the west end however we have a small number of Blue Badge Parking spaces on Queen Margaret Drive in front of the Botanics. These will be available on a first come first serve basis on the night when you arrive at GlasGLOW. You must display your Blue Badge and have a valid GlasGLOW ticket.  

Yes - the route through the event is entirely on hardstanding paths. Please note that parts of the route are narrow and there are several fairly steep inclines. If you have any queries, please contact glasglow@itison.com.  

Yes, but please note that parts of the route are narrow and there are several fairly steep inclines. If you have any queries, please contact glasglow@itison.com

There are lots of benches throughout the Botanic Gardens if you need to stop for a rest. If you can't see one please don't hesitate to speak to one of our stewarding team who can assist you. There’s also an outdoor bar and street food area if you want to enjoy a warming drink as you take in the view. 

If your disability requires you to have a Personal assistant (PA), your PA is eligible for a complimentary PA Ticket. To organise a ticket, please email glasglowcarers@itison.com with your ticket number and a copy of your identification – recognised forms of ID are:

  • - Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book  
  • - Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award  
  • - Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded  
  • - Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)  
  • - A valid Blue Badge  
  • - In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)  
  • - A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted  
  • - A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card  
  • - Credibility’s Access Card  

Our aim is to make GlasGLOW as inclusive and sensory friendly as possible.  

An online copy of the sensory guide will be available online from mid-September.  

We will also have a quiet space available for anyone who might need it.  

Yes – we have a relaxed session on Thursday 31st October at 4.45pm. 

This will allow anyone with sensory issues to enjoy a quieter GlasGLOW experience with a reduced capacity and lower sound levels.  

Please be aware due to the nature of the show that people with certain sensory sensitivities may still find some areas overwhelming. Our sensory guide, which will be available mid-September, aims to help prepare people in advance of the event.  

There will also be a quiet space available at the event for anyone who needs it.  

Please do get in touch at glasglow@itison.com if you have specific questions and we will do our absolute best to assist.  

We are also welcoming the team from Pamis with their Pamiloo (a mobile changing places toilet) for our relaxed session on Thursday 31st October :) 

Yes! Our GLOW passes help our team know that the person wearing it may need a little more time, some space or might want to skip a zone or take an alternative route if need be. Please contact glasglow@itison.com in advance to request a GLOW Pass.  

The Botanic Gardens

Yes – The Kibble will be open during the event as part of our exciting event route. 

Please stick to the paths and do not walk through the plant beds – we want to protect our beautiful Kibble!  

Absolutely, the Gardens are open throughout the day although they will close a wee bit earlier than normal -  a timetable of last entry times can be found on the gates of the Gardens. 

You can also enjoy our annual Pumpkin Patch at the Botanics for free during the day. 

Refunds & Cancellations

We’ll only cancel the event in extreme circumstances. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, but if we do have to cancel the event we’ll email you to let you know.

If the event is cancelled for any reason, we will notify you asap and you will be issued a refund via your original payment method. 

Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless the event is cancelled.

Get in touch

For all media enquiries, please contact Toni Lally at itison on toni.lally@itison.com or call 0141 222 2266 

We’ll be advertising opportunities in the near future, keep an eye on our social media pages for info.  

Resident Info

You can find more information about the event in our resident letter here.

Drop us a line at GlasGLOW2024@itison.com and we'll be back in touch as soon as possible. This mailbox will be monitored until 11pm throughout the event run.