Lanarkshire band will provide soundtrack to virtual vintage vehicle event

The Michael Brawley Big Band will feature in the Virtual Running Day at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust this Sunday (August 2).

The special event, which has gone online because of Covid-19, will showcase more than 100 classic buses, trucks and fire engines in photo and video form, plus performances by the award-winning swing band.

GVVT member Ed Bonner said: “Sunday was to be GVVT’s annual Family Day, but, like all our events this year, the pandemic has forced us to cancel.

“Instead we will host a Virtual Running Day, inviting members and supporters to post pictures and videos of vehicles on display or in service, and snaps from past events.

“Our first virtual event in May attracted a flood of images of preserved buses, lorries and fire engines, so we’re excited to host another.

“And to make it extra special, it is GVVT’s first event since we completed purchase of Bridgeton Garage from the city.”

The big band had previously appeared live at the garage a year ago (August 4, 2019) to support the Trust in its bid to buy the facility which it then rented.

The group was booked to return when the pandemic struck.

Trumpet player Gary Mitchell said: Covid-19 has been devastating for live music.

“The band plays solely to raise money for well-meaning and worthy causes but we have no idea when we will perform again as a group. It’s soul destroying.

“We were thrilled when GVVT came up with the brilliant idea of a virtual running day. It’s a great way to join in the fun and still donate online to the Trust if you can.”

GVVT’s Virtual Running Day is from 11am- 4pm and is accessed via the Trust’s Facebook page – Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Bridgeton Bus Garage. Posts will also appear on Twitter (@GVVTGlasgow) and Instagram (#gvvtbridgeton).Members are inviting anyone who can donate to text GVVT10 to 70450 to donate £10. Larger amounts can be donated by changing 10 to a higher number.