GLASGOW CHRISTMAS FAIRS @ GEORGE SQUARE AND ST ENOCH SQUARE
One of the biggest attractions in Glasgow’s event calendar, the Christmas Fair @ St Enoch Square was operational from 18th November until 3rd January 2023 and the Christmas Fair @ George Square was open to the public from 1st December until 8th January 2023.
Scotland’s Theme Park was appointed following an open tender process however, the time-frame for the event to be delivered was extremely tight from the appointment to the opening date. With the necessary resources in place, which included the creation of 160 full-time and 50 part-time jobs, and a team partnership approach, this was successfully achieved.
We designed and created a festive map for both event locations each offering a variety of different installations, including an ice-rink and an observation wheel, attractions for all age groups and food and drink outlets that were accessible and inclusive to all.
Glasgow Life were responsible for the marketing of the events however, we advised on ticket sales and set up the Eventbrite system in support of this as well as providing website, marketing and PR support.
A key requirement of the contract was that both events were as inclusive as possible and this was implemented in a number of ways. The choice of food and drinks vendors were carefully selected to ensure a variety of different diet options and price points that were as appealing to a wide mix of people as possible. The observation wheel in George Square was fitted with wheelchair accessibility and a Sensory Hub, kitted out with bean bags, bubble tube lighting, fidget toys and ear defenders, available for people to pause and take time away from the hustle and bustle of the attractions.
Accessibility features included the installation of ramps, special pricing packages, the creation of ‘know before you go’ information to enhance the visitor experience, and the installation of a picnic space.
A centre piece community stage was installed offering the public free entertainment and the opportunity for over 27 different community groups to perform in front of a live audience. This was very well received and a popular draw for people passing through the Christmas Fair as well those visiting the experience.
Key to the event’s success was the team’s ability to be constantly planning ahead, for example monitoring the weather to ensure pathways and access areas could be kept clear and safe during inclement winter days, ensuring that the event remained open for the duration. Contingency plans for different situations arising were constantly being drafted.
Mindful of the pressures on peoples’ spending at this time of year, an exclusive and free Elf Trail was created for people to enjoy which also educated visitors on the different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world.
Reusing and recycling materials was a crucial factor within the delivery of the attractions. Both sites were litter free and remained attractive every day. A specialist recycling company was appointed to undertake regular uplifts of refuse that was recycled. A total of 4.575kg of waste was recycled from St Enoch Square with no waste directed to landfill and 17kg was recycled at George Square, again with no waste going to landfill. All cooking oil was recycled to be transformed into biofuel.
All the lights on the attractions were replaced with LED’s and low emission generators and town power was accessed at both sites.
A key challenge that had to be overcome was the safe management of crowd control at the event launch. It was soon identified that George Square was quickly filling up with visitors however, the team were fast to react and opened up additional access points around the perimeter to ensure the safe flow of people.
• 160 full time and 50 part-time jobs were created between the two venues for the duration of events
• 109 suppliers took part in both events of which 6% of the businesses represented were international and 83% were local
• 66% of visitors were from outwith the city
• 27 community groups engaged by staging their own performances
• 82% of respondents said the venue and facilities at both George Square and St Enoch Square were good
• 46% of those surveyed said that the best thing about the Fairs was spending quality time with my family, with 43% saying it was something to do and 10% being active.
• 70% of respondents said the events had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing
• 89% of respondents said their experience affected their impression of Glasgow in a positive way
QUOTE
Steph Kane, Director, Star Power said,
“Star Power Performing Arts had the opportunity to perform at George Square, in December 2022, as part of the Glasgow Christmas Fair.
“Approximately 100 young people, many of whom had visited George Square as a Christmas tradition with their families from a young age, had the chance to perform at the entertainment hub. This would not have been possible without the creativity, insight, organisation and hard-work from Scotland’s Theme Park, who used the performance space as a community benefits stage thus facilitating an incredible experience for our young people. Our children (and their families) were so excited to showcase their talent on a large scale and the team from Scotland’s Theme Park were professional, kind, understanding and flexible throughout.
“The community benefits model allows small businesses, particularly those working with young people, invaluable PR exposure and “memories that last a lifetime” event opportunities for young people.
“We can’t thank Scotland’s Theme Park enough and would love to work with them again in the future!”