Festival fever hits Glasgow Caledonian University
Second year students from the Glasgow School for Business and Society (GSBS) are getting the opportunity to gain an insight into their future career this month, while also raising money for charity.
The Festival for the Common Good will see more than 120 students studying within a Department of Fashion, Marketing, Tourism and Events module ‘Event Delivery and Management’ to deliver a total of 21 Glasgow-based events between the 10th and 20th of April.
As well as getting the real-life industry experience of delivering an event, the students involved will also work alongside lecturers, charities, organisations, institutions and local businesses to help highlight the importance of the Common Good.
Module Leader, Dr. Michael O’Regan said: “The process of organising a student-led festival teaches our students valuable skills such as event planning, budgeting, and marketing that are transferable to future careers.
“The Festival for the Common Good encourages creativity and innovation as GCU students are given the freedom to brainstorm their own event concept, and design and implement their vision for the event.”
With some events already selling over 150 tickets, let’s find out more about what’s on offer:
The Cali Crash
Date: Tuesday April 11th, 19.30-22.30
Location: Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
“Our event is a live music night, with a range of Glasgow based artists playing and we will also be hosting a raffle to raise money for our chosen charity.”
For more information: Instagram @thecalicrash
Charity Partner: See Me Scotland
Tickets: £5.00 per person online or cash at the door
Paint your feelings
Date: Wednesday April 12th, 18.00-20.00
Location: The Space, Glasgow
“Have the opportunity to relax whilst creating a piece of art of your own, using free painting materials provided by us you will be able to paint whatever's on your mind after gaining some inspiration from our local artists. There will also be a raffle so don't forget your loose change to be in with the chance of winning some prizes!”
For more information: Instagram @creative_minds_events23
Tickets: £6.00 per person
Charity Partner: Chris's House
Gatsby’s Games
Date: Wednesday April 12th, 19.00- 23.00
Location: Grosvenor Riverboat Casino, Glasgow
“Taking place at Grosvenor Riverboat Casino, Gatsby's Gamble is a night full of games, music, exciting raffles with amazing prizes, and a fun Roaring 20s dress code all in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.”
For more information: Instagram @gcugatsbysgames
Tickets: £12.00 per person & Group Discount
Charity Partner: Beatson Cancer Charity
Team Leader, Isla Forrester: “The festival is a brilliant way to give students essential real-life Events Management and group work experience whilst giving back to brilliant causes within and out with our community.
“Gatsby’s Games Casino Night, is a night of Roaring 20s Glitz, Glamour and Games in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity with plenty of fun ways to support the cause.”
Supporting the Girls
Date: Wednesday April 12, 19.00-1.00
Location: Moskito Glasgow
“The BRAvery Trust provides essential bra and menstrual products to women living in period poverty. We ask attendees to bring along an old/unused bra or new sanitary products to donate to the charity at the door, which will go to those in need and ultimately help Support the Girls. The night will include Drinks/Dancing/A speaker from our amazing charity and a raffle with exciting prizes. The dress code for the night is Pink but please wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.”
For more information: Instagram @supportingthegirls
Tickets: £12 per person (discount for group sales)
Charity Partner: The BRAvery Trust
Cupid’s Challenge
Date: Wednesday April 12, 20.00-21.30
Location: GCU Union Bar
“Cupid's Challenge is a fun, engaging and unique way for you to find love at University. Through a variety of game show styled challenges, you and your randomised partner will work together to spark a connection, and win the challenge.”
For more information: Instagram @Amoreevents_GCU
Tickets: £5.00 per person
Charity Partner: British Heart Foundation
Team Leader, Peter Adair: “The festival is a great opportunity for students to actively gain an understanding of the common good principles through their event. This module has been a fun and informative way for ourselves to gain experience within a professional practice and individually develop our knowledge of event’s management through personal research
“Cupid’s Challenge is a fun-filled event which aims to bring together students within Glasgow Caledonian in the hope of finding love, while supporting the British Heart Foundation. In a series of unique, game-show style challenges, this event will test the compatibility of our contestants, with a variety of knock-out rounds leaving one couple as our winners.”
The Spring Fling
Date: Thursday April 13th, 18.30-23.00
Location: The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
“The Spring Fling is a traditional Scottish ceilidh with live music from a very talented student band. The evening will bring people together through dance and music and be a fun memorable evening for everyone! There will be a raffle with an amazing selection of prizes to be won donated by various businesses.”
For more information: Instagram @thespringfling_glasgow
Tickets: £12.00 per person
Charity Partner: My Name'5 Doddie Foundation | MND Charity
Team Leader, Rosie Broadhurst: “The festival teaches and encourages students to become involved in events management and helps them to learn and develop skills in the real world, where they are faced with challenges and risks to overcome.
“Our event ‘The Spring Fling’ aims to teach people the fun of traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing, where they can be immersed in music and dance, surrounded by friends and likeminded people. The event will be a bright positive space and perfect to dance your way into spring. The profits will be in aid of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.”
Mr & Mrs Quiz Night
Date: Thursday April 13th, 19.30-22.00
Location: Saint Jude’s, Glasgow
“A Mr & Mrs Charity Quiz Night, not limited to couples, bring your friends along! We will read out personal questions that you and your partner will have to answer about each other, competing to be the best couple and be a prize winner! There will also be a raffle and karaoke taking place after the quiz.”
For more information: Instagram @aspireevents_gcu
Tickets: £8.00 per person (includes 1 raffle strip)
Charity Partner: Glasgow Care Foundation
Team Leader, Sophie Dickie-Moir: ““The festival for the common good enables students to progress in their management skills and for students to widen their CV which then can contribute to widen employment.
“Our Mr & Mrs Quiz Night aims to host a safe, enjoyable and sustainable event which will bring friends and loved ones together for a fantastic night in Glasgow, and will raise awareness for the Glasgow Care Foundation, who support poverty in Glasgow.”
Karaoke Night
Date: Thursday April 13th, 21.00 - 1.30
Location: Popworld, Glasgow
“A fun filled night for you to showcase your talented or untalented voice! Join us at Popworld on 13th April from 9pm-1.30 am, to sing your heart out and be in with the chance to win some amazing prizes from Mauka, October and more.”
For more information: Instagram @finetunedevents_
Tickets: £5.20 with booking fee
Charity Partner: Maggie’s Cancer Care
Team Leader, Aoife Mcgallagly: “The Festival for the Common Good, gives students experience with planning an event. It also allows us to develop a range of skills which will benefit us all through university and our future careers.”
“Our karaoke night has been planned to give people a fun and affordable night out. It’s to encourage both karaoke veterans and new-comers to have some fun, and to support Maggie’s Cancer Care.
The Prom
Date: Friday April 14th, 19:30-24:00
Location: The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
“THE PROM is an event created by students from Glasgow Caledonian University. The Prom is catered towards 2020/21 leavers who never got the opportunity to have a prom, however everyone is welcome! 70% of the proceeds from The Prom will be donated to Women’s Aid, an amazing charity who protects women and children from domestic abuse. Tickets include entertainment, buffet, and an amazing photographer.”
For more information: Instagram @theprom.gcu
Tickets: £15.00 per person (£16.96 with booking fee)
Charity Partner: Glasgow Women’s Aid
Team Leader, Hannah Lang: “The Festival for the Common Good allows students to create an original event whilst gaining valuable industry experience. Through this process, the group will additionally learn skills such as teamwork and organisation skills to utilise through life as well as in further education and careers after university.
“Our event named ‘The Prom’ aims to allow 2020/2021 leavers to have the chance of a prom due to missing out as a result of Covid-19. There will be entertainment such as a DJ, Tombola and a Raffle and the overall event is in aid of Glasgow Women’s Aid who support women and children that are victims of domestic abuse.”
Family Fun Day by Sevents
Date: Saturday April 15th, 14:30-16:30
Location: Garnethill Multicultural Centre, Glasgow
“Come to our Family Fun Day! A variety of activities including arts and crafts, face painting, henna, photo corner and fun games for families to enjoy together. We will also have raffle prizes and Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided. We look forward to welcoming you and hope to see you soon.”
For more information: Instagram @seventsgcu
Tickets: £5.00 Children (under 12) and £3.00 Adults
Charity Partner: Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
Team Leader, Jennifer McCabe: “The Festival for the Common Good is a wonderful opportunity to create events that help to promote the common good within the community. As part of this module, we will learn how to organise an event and gain valuable experience within a professional and real world scenario."
“Our Family Fun Day aims to bring families together to enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, face painting, fun games (such as guess the unicorns birthday and pin the carrot on the rabbi), as well as a raffle. Our event is supporting CHAS. We look forward to welcoming you and hope to see you soon."
Flourish Girls Day Out
Date: Saturday April 15th, 16.00-19.00
Location: HDS Hair, Glasgow
“Come join us for a Flourish Girls Day Out in aid of our amazing charity SAMH, the Scottish Association of Mental Health! Greeted with a glass of fizz upon arrival, a number of health and beauty stalls from amazing local businesses will be available for you, from hair products to flower arrangements available to purchase! Look out your change so you don't miss out on our raffle, including a lot of exciting prizes! With Darcey on decks, you can dance the night away! Now who doesn't love a BYOB night, so don't forget to fill those purses with all your favourite drinks!”
For more information: Instagram. @flo.urishevents
Tickets: £10.00 per person (booking fee included)
Charity Partner: SAMH
On The Rocks Student Gig Night
Date: Tuesday April l8th, 18 30-22.30
Location: The 13th Note, Glasgow
“On The Rocks Events are hosting a student gig this April. The gig will host three indie bands from the Glasgow area, promoting young talent. On The Rocks have arranged various raffle prizes to be won.”
For more information: Instagram @ontherocks.gcu
Tickets: £10.00 per person
Charity Partner: Ray Fernie foundation
Team Leader, Lucinda: “The GCU Festival for the Common Good enables students to take part in the creation of a real life event. This allows students to further develop their skills, not only those relating to career and education, but also life skills such as communication and team leadership."
“The ‘On The Rocks Student Gig’ event aims to promote small bands in the Glasgow area while raising money for the Raymond Fernie Foundation. This is a one off event which involves a range of local businesses and showcases Glasgow talent.”
DJ/ Raffle Night
Date: Tuesday 18th April, 19.00-00.00
Location: Saint Jude’s, Glasgow
“At elated events, we want to create a safe space for everyone to come along, let loose, have fun and enjoy themselves while listening to great music and having the chance to win great raffle prizes while raising awareness for a great charity who support victims of domestic abuse. For the girls, from the girls.”
For more information: Instagram @elated.eventsgcu
Tickets £10.00 per person
Charity Partner: Glasgow Women’s Aid
Caledonian Ceilidh
Date: Tuesday April 18, 19.30-1.00
Location: Saint Jude’s, Glasgow
“The ceilidh will be an opportunity for people to have fun and socialise but also, to raise money for a great cause. The itinerary of the night will include a guest speaker talk from our chosen charity, raffle prizes, competitions, music, and lots of ceilidh dancing.”
For more information: Instagram @Caliceilidh
Tickets: £12.00- £14.00 per persson with group discounts available
Charity Partner: Dress for Success Scotland
Pink Party Bingo
Date: 19th April 19:00-21:00
Location: Saint Judes, Glasgow
Tickets: £6.00 per person
“A memorable pink party bingo night filled with prizes, music and raffles all to raise money for the Pink Ribbon Foundation that supports breast cancer awareness. Come in pink and ready to party!”
For more information: Instagram @elevateevents.gcu
Charity Partner: Pink Ribbon Foundation
BLINGLOW
Date: Wednesday April 19th, 19.00-22.00
Location: Popworld Glasgow
“We are holding a fabulous and fun neon bingo in Popworld Glasgow. Bingo consists of prizes, music, dancing and fun. All money and fundraising goes to Macmillan cancer support to support a massive cause affecting so many people and families all over Scotland. Be prepared to have the best night drinking, singing and dancing with your friends while partaking in our wonderful bingo. Wear your best neon outfits and funky accessories and have the most fun night of your life.”
For more information: Instagram @blitzedevents.gcu
Tickets: £8.00 per person
Charity Partner: Macmillan Cancer Support
WEAR IT PINK
Date: Wednesday April 19th, 21:00-23.00
Location: Moskito, Glasgow
“WEAR IT PINK...The Best Night of the Year! A feminine night full of fun, dancing and cocktails in support of Women's Aid Renfrewshire. Our event will consist of an excellent professional DJ set and a high-value raffle to ensure that everyone is highly satisfied with their night!”
For more information: Instagram @Flamantcogcu
Tickets: £12.50 per person (without booking fee). £10.50 with promotional code
Charity Partner: Women's Aid Renfrewshire
The Moment Makers: Glitter and Gold Ball
Date: Wednesday April 19th, 19:00-23.00
Location: The Corinthian Club, Glasgow (The Flying Scotsman Room)
“The Glitter and Gold Ball is an affordable luxury charity ball mainly targeted at students. Your ticket will buy your entry to the event and a drinks token which you will be given upon arrival. This also provides free entry to an after party at Saint Judes. Throughout the night we will have a dance performance, a DJ, raffle and a guest speaker.”
For more information: Instagram @theglitterandgoldball
Tickets: £20.00 per person (discounts available)
Charity Partner: Doing It For Daniel
UniteGCU Culture Celebration
Date: Thursday 20th April 19.00-22.00
Location: Moskito, Glasgow
“The culture celebration will encourage all cultures to come together and appreciate one another through entertainment of traditional live performances and will also have international foods along with drinks.”
For more information: Instagram @Unite.gcu or email Unitegcu@outlook.com
Tickets: £11.50 per person
Charity Partner: Intercultural Youth Scotland
Team leader, Kiren: “The Festival for the Common Good enables the students to enhance and develop their skills and gives them an insight of what potentially they can do with their degree in the future.”
“UniteGCU student event group hopes to give memorable events. We hope to create safe and positive experiences as well as educate and have fun while doing so. We are raising money for Intercultural Youth Scotland by having culture performances and worldwide food as well as music, raffles and drinks”.
Lyrical Bingo
Date: Thursday April 20th, 19:30-23.00
Location: Saint Judes, Glasgow
“A bingo fundraiser night for SAMH with a twist- instead of calling out numbers, you’ll be crossing off songs on your bingo cards! The event will include multiple bingo rounds all with different music themes, prizes and a raffle you won’t want to miss! Admission to the event includes free entry to Saint Judes After Dark.”
For more information: Instagram @localist_events
Tickets: £7.00 per person
Charity Partner: SAMH
Team Leader, Summer Owens: “The festival for the common good “is a great opportunity for students to gain real life experience in organizing events and develop skills such as rapport building with local charities and businesses.”
“The event is called ‘Lyrical Bingo’ - a bingo party night with a musical twist. It aims to be a fun filled night of music and prizes for groups of friends to reduce stress during exam season, the event is in aid of SAMH charity.”
Here’s to the Girls
Date: Thursday April 20th, 19.30-24.00
Location: August House, Glasgow
“Here’s to the Girls will be a Bingo/Karaoke held in August House. A representative from your Charity Partner will be attending and saying a few words about their purpose. We will welcome guests with a drink of their choice before starting the night off with three games of Bingo, where you can win prizes, with Prosecco Pong also going on at the same time. We will end the night off with Karaoke and say a big thank to everyone for coming and donating.
For more information: Instagram @g9eventss
Tickets: £7.00 per person
Charity Partner: She Scotland
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter