Now in its third year and bigger than ever thanks to Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Creative Mackintosh Festival has been given an extra layer of poignancy due to the extensive damage to one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s most iconic buildings by fire in May, the Glasgow School of Art. ‘The sadness about what happened there is deeply felt,’ says Ian Elder, chair of Glasgow Mackintosh, which delivers the festival. ‘The fact that attendances at Mackintosh venues over the Commonwealth Games increased by 60% demonstrates how much visitors value this heritage.’ Although many of the events in this year’s programme are free, he says, all will be holding collections for the School’s relief fund.

Running throughout August in numerous Glasgow venues, the purpose of the festival is to celebrate Mackintosh’s work and encourage people to engage with his legacy, with a wide-ranging programme featuring exhibitions, talks, tours, music events, kids’ activities and walks. Key events include the creative commission Unlooking by Alex Rigg and Oceanallover, a promenade performance around six Mackintosh buildings; a major exhibition of Mackintosh architecture drawings, film and models at the Hunterian; and Lighthouse Late in conjunction with The List, an evening of food, drink, music and entertainment devoted to design.

‘The heritage and legacy of any place, but especially Glasgow, is built on its pioneers,’ says Elder. ‘It’s important to bear in mind that although we’re looking "back", Mackintosh was a pioneer whose influence is still felt throughout design and architecture. By celebrating his work we create an opportunity not only for people to learn about design, but to appreciate the buildings and development of Glasgow itself.’

Various venues, Glasgow, Wed 1–Fri 31 Oct.