Irvine Welsh to host event in memory of friend who 'encapsulated the true spirit of punk'

The Trainspotting writer will be joined on stage in his friend’s hometown by other key figures from Scotland’s cultural scene who were influenced by the fashion icon, who died in November.

Pam Hogg: Style, Defiance and the Art of Being Seen is the main event of the opening day of the inaugural festival.

Themed on The Paisley Sound, the festival will celebrate both the creativity which has nurtured world-famous musicians from the town, but also its radical energy.

Both were influences on Ms Hogg, who was renowned as one of Britain’s most fearless and original designers - a figure whose work blurred the lines between fashion, performance, music and protest.

Born in Paisley, she grew up in Renfrew and Glasgow before building a career that would see her create looks for the likes of singers Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, as well as a host of supermodels.

Refusing convention and self-taught, Ms Hogg built a body of work that was confrontational, witty, political and beloved by the likes of Blondie, Siouxsie Sioux and Shirley Manson.

As part of Paisley Arts Festival, Mr Irvine will lead a reflective conversation on her life, legacy and cultural impact at Paisley Town Hall by drawing on personal memories as well as those from guests from music, fashion and journalism, including Scottish model and actor, Eunice Olumide.

Posting on Instagram following his friend’s death, Mr Irvine described her as a “real artist” who encapsulated the true spirit of punk”.

He posted: “I got to tell Pam how inspirational she was to me and many others. How she led the fullest life imaginable and left nothing on the table. How that life was characterised by courage, independence, boundless creativity and absolute kindness.”

The festival is organised by cultural and leisure charity OneRen, with support from Creative Scotland.

It will feature live performances, music and visual arts performances.

Other highlights will include From Punk to Paolo, a live celebration of Paisley’s contemporary music story, from the energy of punk to the global success of Paolo Nutini.

Meanwhile, Club 69 @ Paisley Arts Festival will celebrate the longstanding impact of Paisley’s legendary Club 69 nightclub, renowned for championing electronic music, hosting internationally-respected artists and supporting emerging talent from Scotland and beyond.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen, said: “We could not be happier with the line-up for the first-ever Paisley Arts Festival.

“This is a festival which will really get under the skin of Paisley as a music town, from which passion, creativity and energy has been felt across the world. It is a remarkable story to tell.

“It feels particularly appropriate that we can celebrate the achievements and legacy of Pam Hogg. We know how proud she was of Paisley - and Paisley will always be proud of her.”

Tickets for the festival, which takes place from 27 to 29 March, are available here.