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Why the Book Festival loves GCP
Why the Book Festival loves GCP
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a highlight of Edinburgh’s cultural calendar, and its partnership with Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) speaks volumes about shared values and community impact.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a regular client of our Grassmarket Event Hire Services.
Celebrated and best selling Scottish crime writer, Val McDermid, and Book Festival Director, Jenny Niven, are pictured here hosting a Supporters’ quiz night at Coffee Saints.
Neasa and Susanne from the festival’s Individual Giving team, told our volunteer story-catcher Caroline why they love working with GCP.
The Book Festival places significant importance on working with organisations that share its mission. Susanne was keen to highlight GCP’s status as a social enterprise as a key factor in their partnership.
‘As a charity, working with organisations with the same values is baked into our decision-making.’
How did you hear about the Grassmarket Community Project?
Susanne:
‘I knew there was a great space at the Grassmarket Centre as I’d come to a fundraising dinner and I know a couple of people who’ve had wedding receptions there.’
What attracted you to using the Grassmarket Event Hire service?
Neasa:
‘The social enterprise aspect attracted us, as well as the location. GCP’s work aligns with the community outreach work we do, so that is a big draw for us. Also, it is very competitively priced.’
Venue quality and flexibility
The Book Festival hires various spaces with us, such as Coffee Saints for its Supporters’ quiz nights and the Walter Scott Hall for its annual supporter programme launch.
Susanne:
‘Our annual Supporters’ quiz night at Coffee Saints has become a regular fixture in our calendar. It’s a great space, with food and bar options. The size of the venue is perfect, and the set up works well. We had a tasty menu of hot food with good choices.’
The Festival has also used main Walter Scott Hall at the Grassmarket Centre for its annual supporter programme launch. This involves a drinks reception, with use of the full AV equipment and theatre style seating.
Neasa:
‘The size of this hall for 100 is perfect and again its very cost effective. It is great to have the extra space in the foyer, so people can mill around. Also, a good central location is important for us.’
Responsive friendly service
What’s it like working with our Events Team?
Neasa:
‘Catherine is our main contact and we are looking forward to working with Alex too. The Coffee Saints team are always very efficient. They make it all very straight forward.’
Susanne:
‘Yes, the Coffee Saints team at our quizzes are informal and very good, not intrusive or disruptive. It makes it a fun evening.’
Susanne, the festival’s Individual Giving Manager, and Rhona, Development Assistant, are pictured here at Coffee Saints.
What has impressed you most about the Grassmarket Event Hire Service?
Neasa:
‘I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it has been better than expected!
Susanne:
‘The team are very flexible and put forward solutions to any of our requests. I like the way they are open to discussion, which allows us to organise things in advance. They are honest and realistic about what they can do.’
The next chapter
Will the Book Festival be using the Grassmarket Event Hire Service again?
Susanne:
‘Yes, absolutely. We are coming back this month to use the Hall space for a strategic planning workshop.
‘It has plenty of space for break out groups and large group activities and, of course, we are having lunch here as well. It’s such a good space.’
The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s relationship with GCP not only ensures a great event hire service, it aligns with the festival’s core values of community engagement and support.
We thank the Book Festival for this great partnership. It is a great example of how shared missions can have a positive impact, benefiting both organisations and the communities they serve.
Exceptional event hire service with an ethical twist
Choose the Grassmarket Centre for
- Flexible well-equipped event hire, in a central historic location
- Reliable professional service, from a friendly and experienced team
Whether you are looking for a space to hold a meeting, conference, memorable celebration, gig, book signing or film screening, our event spaces come with excellent service and facilities.
By choosing our award-winning event hire service today, you are also supporting GCP’s essential work. Thank you.
Interested in Corporate Partnership opportunities?
Grassmarket Community Project has a fantastic track record, working with like-minded organisations looking to build fulfilling, reciprocal relationships.
We tailor your Corporate Partnership to fit your organisation’s specific goals, whilst fulfilling our requirements as a small and passionate charity.
Whichever way you choose to join us, we will make sure your relationship with us is the best fit for you and your organisation. We’re the good place to be and you will be in very good company!
A BIG THANK YOU
The Grassmarket Community Project’s Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Nationwide Community Grants, The Robertson Trust and EVOC/Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.
