1934 – Maggie decided to build a function hall that could be used by her traders for social events, it was to become the Barrowland Ballroom with Billy McGregor and the Gaybirds installed as the resident band.
1938 – Such was the success of the ballroom it was extended to almost double its size to cope with the demand, dancing was one of the most popular forms of entertainment around this time.
1940s – With Europe in the throes of war Barrowland was to feel the impact, its neon sign at roof level was dismantled as a precaution against enemy bombing, the ballroom was mentioned on radio broadcasts by Lord Haw-Haw and a few bombs exploded close to the market.
1958 – A few months after Maggie died the family was hit with another catastrophe, Barrowland burnt to the ground, the following morning Sam McIver vowed to rebuild the ballroom bigger and better than before.
1960 – The new ballroom opened in December, it didn’t disappoint, it was finished to a high standard and could accommodate around 1500 dancers. Billy McGregor and the Gaybirds continued as resident band at a time when music and tastes were beginning to change.
1983 – The ballroom was by this time in mothballs, the big band sound had passed, and the dance venue format had changed. Glasgow band Simple Minds were looking for a venue to film a video to promote a new single and Barrowland was suggested as it was lying empty doing nothing. The video was shot, complete with an invited audience of around 600 and Barrowland was proved ideal, and Barrowland began a new life as a gig venue, going on to become one of the best of its kind.
1985 – The Barrowland neon sign was born. Under the banner of the Margaret McIver Festival the new sign was illuminated on Sunday 11th August by television personality Russ Abbot. It was believed to be the largest in Britain, bigger than the Coca-Cola sign at Piccadilly in London.
2015 – Barrowland Hall of Fame was instigated to recognise entertainers and other individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the music industry.
2023 – On 22nd August a new bar was opened in the ballroom called Sam’s Bar which was a homage to Sam McIver the man responsible for Barrowland when it opened in 1960.
2024 – Barrowland Ballroom was awarded Time Out's best music venue in the UK, as chosen by the British artists that have played there.
