By Rachel Brown and Olivia Finlayson

City of Glasgow College is kicking off the festive season in style with its annual Christmas Fayre on 1st December, a celebration that brings together creativity, community, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.

This year’s event promises an exciting mix of stalls run by a wide range of departments, each showcasing handcrafted goods, festive treats, and unique creations that reflect the talents across the college.

From crafts and baked delights to innovative student projects, the fayre highlights the spirit of collaboration that defines City of Glasgow College. Departments from the campus have come together to make this year’s celebration bigger and better than ever.

Christmas Ornament Created by Woodwork Students

We spoke to several students involved in the event to hear their thoughts, inspirations, and what they’re looking forward to seeing.

Olivia Duffy, an art student, said: “Students’ work for sale would be really good while being beneficial to students; it can help build confidence.”

Sam Irving, digital design student, said: “I’m expecting to see some stuff made by students in different departments as I’m interested to learn about the skills people use in different courses.”

We asked students’ opinions about the funding and where they would like to see the money raised go towards

Luna, a TV student, said: “The money should be put towards a charity supporting homelessness, especially at a time like this with decreasing temperatures and poverty levels increasing.”

Duffy followed up with: “The money being raised should go towards materials for students who need it, as there are lots of courses where students are expected to buy too many things for themselves.”

As important as it is to voice students’ opinions and ideas, we were looking for a real insight into the behind-the-scenes from someone fully involved in the fayre and knows the works.

Steven Rieley, a polishing lecturer in the Creative Industries department, said: “We’re now on our third year of the Christmas Fayre and yes it’s been highly successful.”

Steven Rieley, Polishing Lecture at City of Glasgow College

Rather than what we see, the real highlight should be the work that goes into creating the products, specifically in his department. We asked Rieley what the most time-consuming crafts were

Rieley said: “It’s things like metal Christmas trees that we make up, and we cover them in Christmas baubles and they’re quite time-intensive.

“The whole programme behind this is we do not do anything that’s too time-intensive.”

The money raised from the Christmas Fayres benefits the creative apartment as it gives them a chance to buy materials and go on educational trips to learn more.

Rieley said: “Every year our faculty in the Creative Industries, the furniture department, does a study trip to Berlin and the money that the students raise at the craft Fayres is to go to their entrance to the museums, the castles and the exhibitions.

It’s used to enhance the experience for the students.”

Overall, the Christmas Fayre is set in place to have another successful year and bring some Christmas joy to students and lecturers alike.

There truly is something for everyone at this Christmas Fayre. It should be a great way to bring students together at this wonderful time of the year.

Festive Magic at City of Glasgow College: Celebrate the Christmas Fayre