Citizens asked to step forward to volunteer for Glasgow 850

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are being sought to support the celebrations around Glasgow 850’s yearlong programme of activities, next year.

Article Source: Glasgow 850
Last Updated: 29 October 2024 10:25

Image: Volunteers from Govanhill Baths Community Trust helping to launch the Glasgow 850 Volunteer and Employability Programme. Left to Right: Paula Larkin, Archive & Heritage Manager, Govanhill Baths Community Trust, Steven, volunteer and historian, Bailie Annette Christie, Pheona, volunteer.

The Glasgow 850 Volunteer and Employability programme will offer Glaswegians, a unique opportunity to play a key part in the city's birthday year, with roles to support the smooth running of its main events, and within local community projects.

In a break from the conventional volunteer programmes that recruits and trains people for specific roles, as part of a one-time event, the Glasgow 850 scheme will ask people to register to hear about a rolling programme of volunteer and learning opportunities, throughout the anniversary year.

Developed in conjunction with Volunteer Glasgow, this approach to volunteering creates an inclusive and rewarding experience for participants. It allows them to engage in a range of activities at their own pace, offering greater flexibility and choice than traditional volunteer schemes.

A key aim of the programme is also to create a legacy by helping young people, in particular, build skills that will boost their employability.

Through a series of learning academies, with event delivery partners, participants will have the chance to learn about different career pathways and roles within a particular industry including events and music. This can also help grow a person's confidence and help them gain practical experience that could open doors to future career opportunities.

In registering their interest, volunteers will have the chance to be at the heart of Glasgow's 850th celebrations by supporting the signature activities including a three- day music event; Clyde Chorus, People's Palace pop-up exhibition and Taste the Place food trail.

In addition to these flagship events, there will be a chance for volunteers to get involved in events run by Glasgow 850 Festival Fund recipients and locally based roles with community organisations, ensuring that participants can contribute in ways that best suit their interests and availability.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Throughout 2025, the city will host an array of events and activities to mark Glasgow 850. To contribute to the success of this we are looking for volunteers with a love for Glasgow and desire to be part of the milestone year.

“We are looking to build an inclusive community of people who will, over the year, volunteer to support our core programme of activity and be at the heart of our city celebrations.

“Working with Volunteer Glasgow, the programme has been specifically developed to be as flexible as possible and provide a range of opportunities that suit people's different interests.”

David Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, Volunteer Glasgow, said: “People ask us all the time, 'why on earth would I want to do something for nothing?' The answer is simple: you get as much out of volunteering as you put in.

“The fun, the sense of satisfaction, the people you meet, the chance to do something completely different.

“You really will be surprised by the huge choice of incredible things you can do that make a difference in communities across the city.”

One grass-roots organisation that relies on the help and support of people volunteering throughout the year is the Govanhill Baths Community Trust. They have recently received an award from the Glasgow 850 Festival Fund to support their Irish Roots project that celebrates the contribution made to Glasgow by Irish immigrants. Irish Roots will be part of Govanhill International Festival & Carnival 2025.

The charity, based in the southside of the city, delivers health, wellbeing, arts, environmental and heritage projects is always looking for volunteers to support their work and activities in the local community.

Paula Larkin, Archive and Heritage Manager for Govanhill Baths Community Trust, said: “Volunteers bring a great energy and enthusiasm to our projects, helping us to create activities for our community. Our Irish Roots project for Glasgow 850 is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our communities and encourage more local people to get involved and show their support.”

To register interest in the Glasgow 850 Volunteer and Employability Programme, visit glasgow850.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!

Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative

Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.

Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year

Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.

Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry

STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse

Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.

Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness

Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season

Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.

Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi

Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

Best burger in Scotland is now available in Glasgow for Christmas

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!

Award winning Rickshaw & Co launches its festive menu in Glasgow

Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.

From plate to print: Kirsty Wark celebrates artistic legacy of great aunt

Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.