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Written by Luke Bull - 02 July 2024


Our top 5 Glasgow venues for events


Despite not being the capital of Scotland, everything happens in Glasgow. Probably because more people live in Glasgow than in the capital. Not to mention the incomparable culture and nightlife scene which leaves a certain capital city crying into the Forth, we joke…


Everything you want in an events venue can be found in Glasgow – nearby transport links, well-established and well-loved venues, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, cool & contemporary interiors, and more than one venue with a historical background. From Trongate to the West End, we’ve selected our favourite Glasgow venues.


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Platform One Glasgow birthday party venue
Platform One Glasgow birthday party venue

1. A top Glasgow venue in an iconic location: Platform

Glasgow

Depending on your age you may remember this venue as the Arches, the place for club nights that weren’t at Subby. Taking up residence in the iconic location under Central station and the Hielanman’s Umbrella, Platform, as it is known today, is a top Glasgow events venue run by a leading events management company.


The six interconnected brick arches of the viaduct still welcome thousands of visitors for events, gigs, celebrations, product launches, conferences, and more. With 35,000 square feet previously tread on by ravers in the ‘90s and 2000s, the place has been reborn as a versatile venue welcoming the top of the top in Scottish events.


With an impressive capacity of 1,750, top lighting and sound systems, and options for personalisation, decor, and catering, all your event needs will be handled. So whether it’s a music event, awards ceremony, brand activation, conference, or private dining celebration, Platform hosts it all and does it with aplomb.



2. A Glasgow venue breathing new life into a historic area: Barras Art & Design

Glasgow

The Barras Market has been part of the Glaswegian landscape for a century. While there have been highs and lows, and all things must change, the Barrowland Ballroom remains an iconic music venue, and the area of the Barras has been evolving into a celebrated events venue through Barras Art & Design (BAaD).


Through brick and mortar and a yard comprised of upcycled shipping containers, BAaD is a collection of spaces to enjoy exhibitions, to meet and enjoy seasonal scran, craft beers, cocktails, and the wares of small businesses. It’s also become a popular space to catch live sport.


With an exclusive hire capacity of 500 and 350 in the outdoor BackYard, BAaD’s modern spaces – The Courtyard, The BackYard, and the Mezzanine – have hosted parties, weddings, gigs, exhibitions, fashion shows, conferences, and anything else you can think of. Cool and contemporary, yet surrounded by much-beloved history, BAaD is bringing in a new kind of foot traffic into the Barras with its offerings and events.



3. A Glasgow venue on the banks of the Clyde: Custom House Ballroom at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Glasgow

It feels like it took ages for the riverfront property around the old Custom House between St Enoch the Clyde to be developed, but occupying one address at this prime real estate is the Clayton Hotel Glasgow. With the hotel has come a new kid on the block in Glasgow events: the Custom House Ballroom.


The 4-star hotel not only boasts brand-new everything but its elegant and contemporary ballroom is becoming a popular pick for events. With a standing capacity of 200 guests and 200 in a theatre layout, 120 in a classroom layout, 140 in a cabaret style, and 120 at round tables, the ballroom is ideal for weddings, private dining, meetings & conferences, and more.


With a dedicated Events team to plan, organise, and tailor events, the Clayton Hotel’s Custom House Ballroom may have only been around a short while but it’s one of our top picks for a Glasgow venue.



cca glasgow venue

4. Iconic screening room, theatre & events venue in Glasgow: CCA Glasgow

Glasgow

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) has a long history on Sauchiehall Street, dating back to the mid-1970s and a former incarnation known as Third Eye Centre. Since the early 1990s, the CCA has been a renowned landmark on the map of Glasgow’s art & culture soul.


From exhibitions, film festivals, and screenings, to its bar & café haunted by Art School students and locals alike, the multi-storey CCA is one of our top picks for events when a screening room or theatre is required or you’re after something a bit more edgy and unique for a meeting, conference, reception, product launch or other corporate or creative industry events.



5. A historic Glasgow venue: Òran Mór

Glasgow

Occupying the Kelvinside Parish Church that dates back to 1862, everybody in Glasgow knows Òran Mór, you’ve either been there for a gig, the theatre, to attend A Play, a Pie & a Pint, and everybody has a cousin who had a wedding reception there. Known, loved, and a powerhouse events venue in the West End and Glasgow as a whole.


The statuesque Victorian architecture makes for a handsome events venue, and the Auditorium’s famous ceiling mural by Alasdair Gray has presided over ceremonies and events for a long time. The mural, surrounded by stunning pagan stained glass and crisscrossed by wooden beams, has seen the likes of weddings and ceilidhs, workshops, and formal banquets with a capacity of over 200 guests.


The beautifully appointed Dan Mor Room with its views over the Botanic Gardens has hosted private dinners and meetings for up to 32 guests and canapé receptions for up to 45. From corporate to private events, from its cultural and historic past to its present, Òran Mór continues to be a Glasgow institution.



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How to hire a Glasgow venue

Glasgow, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere, offers a wide array of venues for any occasion. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or a private party, finding the right venue is crucial. This guide provides a concise and informative overview to help you navigate the process of hiring a venue in Glasgow, ensuring your event is both memorable and successful.

Define your event requirements

The first step in hiring a venue is to define the purpose and requirements of your event. Consider the type of event, the number of attendees, and any specific needs such as catering, audio-visual equipment, or accessibility. This will help you create a clear vision of what you're looking for and narrow down your options effectively.

Research potential venues

There are an endless amount of websites that will provide you with a rundown of the best venues in Glasgow. It can often feel overwhelming to search through these sites. That’s why at HeadBox we work with the best venues and will circulate your event details directly to them. You’ll hear back from trusted venues that have availability and cater to your event. If only it was always this easy.

Visit the venues

Once you have matched or come up with a shortlist of Glasgow venues, visit the venues in person. This step is crucial to get a feel for the atmosphere and to ensure the space meets your expectations. During your visit, take note of the layout, capacity, and available facilities. Speak with the venue managers to discuss your event in detail and ask any pertinent questions regarding services, restrictions, and costs.

Review terms and conditions

Once you've made a provisional selection, review the terms and conditions thoroughly before making any commitments. Pay close attention to the payment schedule, cancellation policy, and any additional charges that may apply. Ensure you understand all the terms to avoid any surprises later on.

Book the venue

When you're satisfied with the terms, proceed to book the venue. Confirm the date, time, and any specific arrangements with the venue manager. It's wise to get everything in writing, including a detailed contract outlining all agreed-upon terms and conditions. This will serve as a reference and provide legal protection for both parties.

Maintain communication

Finally, maintain communication with the venue leading up to your event. Keep the venue manager updated with any changes in your plans and confirm all details as the event approaches. This ensures everything runs smoothly on the day and allows for any last-minute adjustments if needed.

In conclusion, hiring a venue in Glasgow involves careful planning and consideration. By defining your requirements, researching potential venues, visiting them, and comparing their offerings, you can find the perfect location for your event. Reviewing terms, securing the booking, and maintaining open communication are essential steps to ensure a successful and memorable event. With its myriad of options, Glasgow is sure to have a venue that fits your needs perfectly.

Frequently asked questions

It's advisable to book your venue as early as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months in advance. Popular venues in Glasgow can get booked up quickly, especially during peak seasons like summer and around the festive period. Early booking ensures you have a wider selection of venues to choose from and can secure your preferred date.

When choosing a venue, consider the type of event you're hosting, the number of guests, and any specific requirements such as catering, audio-visual equipment, and accessibility. Additionally, think about the location and its convenience for your guests, the overall ambiance of the venue, and the cost. Visiting the venue in person and speaking with the venue manager can also help you assess if it meets your needs.

Yes, many venues in Glasgow offer all-inclusive packages that can simplify your planning process. These packages often include catering, decorations, audio-visual equipment, and event coordination services. All-inclusive packages can be cost-effective and reduce the stress of organizing multiple suppliers. It's important to review what each package includes and compare them to your specific needs.

When reviewing the terms and conditions, pay close attention to the payment schedule, cancellation policy, and any additional charges that may apply, such as overtime fees or costs for additional services. Ensure you understand the deposit requirements and the timeline for final payments. It's also important to check any restrictions the venue may have, such as noise limits or decor limitations, to avoid any issues on the day of your event.

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