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At first glance the bare exterior suggests that it is a deserted shop, but looks are deceiving. On a night when there is an event the venue is transformed into one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets. Welcome to the African Caribbean Centre (ACC), a relatively new addition to the Glasgow music scene that has been gaining recognition in the last year for its big Reggae parties and cultural experiences.

Situated in Glasgow’s Merchant City next to The 13th Note on Osborne Street, sits the discreet African-Caribbean Centre (ACC). Founded in 2005 to establish the African and Caribbean Centre for Cultural Heritage, Integration and Social Enterprise, the centre has been promoting the talents of a diverse range of musicians, fashion designers, artists and dancers.

The name makes you assume that it is only African-Caribbean cultures that are being showcased, but this is not the case. Sharing and experiencing new and different cultures is the main aim of the ACC. Anyone is welcome to share their talents and the centre attracts a wide range of cultures.

Regular events offer a unique cultural experience (and reasonable bar prices!). The venue itself consists of a main hall with a stage and bar and allows for a 300 capacity. There is also a basement with bar and sofas and usually food is available, with a menu fitting the music being played upstairs.

The ACC has played host to some big artists such as Dub Pistols (pictured) and Macka B. Musical genres range from hip hop to dancehall, dub to dubstep and Reggae to Gambian music – to name just a few. But no matter what the music is, each night sends out positive vibes thanks to welcoming staff and the Mighty Bass Warrior Sound System. The authenticity of the original Jamaican style sound system and the venue’s urban atmosphere all come together to create a rare experience hard to find elsewhere in Glasgow.

Glasgow, now a UNESCO City of Music, was once named European City of Culture and the ACC keeps this status going by integrating a wide range of music with the cultures it has evolved from. The next gig is Afrocentric Reloaded on Friday 6 April.