THE Common Weal, the left of centre “think and do tank” set up during the referendum campaign, has organised its first festival.

CommonFest, organised by the Common Weal North Glasgow group, will see musicians, writers, comedians and poets all take part in the one-day event to be held in Glasgow’s Queen Margaret University on April 17.

In a statement, organisers said they wanted to do “inspired by the spectacular levels of political engagement witnessed during the referendum campaign”.

The first names for the festival have been announced with Edinburgh band Kid Canaveral, writer Alan Bissett, comedian Vladimir McTavish and indyref internet sensation Lady Alba already signed up.

Actress Elaine C Smith will also be involved.

Smith was a key voice during the referendum campaign last year and took part in TV debates as well as speaking at grass-roots events all over the country. Kid Canaveral have been playing together for years and built a sizeable fanbase. Signed to the Lost Map record label, the band’s gigs have a reputation for fun.

In a five-star review The Herald claimed that in the last few years the band have “congenially evolved from DIY party-starters to serious contenders for the Scottish pop throne”.

Comedian McTavish has been one of a very few stand-ups to do satire on comedy stages in Scotland.

During the Fringe, with his comedy partner Keir McAllister, McTavish performed the sell-out Aye Right How No topical show at the Assembly Rooms. McTavish will be playing at the CommonFest straight after a run at the Adelaide Fringe.

More acts are still to be announced.

The organisers have themed the event around their Red Lines campaign, encouraging voters to elect politicians who will stick to key “red line” issues that can transform lives for the better.

Common Weal director Robin McAlpine said: “Scotland is still awash with energy after the inspiring independence referendum and it is brilliant to see activists organising exciting events like CommonFest. I’m really looking forward to it.

“It gives people a real and meaningful chance to stay active and to keep that sense of political excitement going.

“I really hope this kind of buzz stays a part of Scottish life for a long time.”

Tickets are on sale for CommonFest now, priced at £5 (£2 concessions) and are available from Eventbrite.