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.

Article Source: DF Concerts & Events
Last Updated: 15 December 2025 11:31

DF Concerts, Scotland’s leading event organiser, has launched The DF Academy, a new initiative designed to connect the live music and events industry with further and higher education, helping to inspire and support the next generation of industry professionals.

Recognising its position at the heart of Scotland’s live events sector, DF Concerts created The DF Academy to shape industry-relevant syllabus, facilitate real-life work experiences, mentor future professionals, and open clear career pathways for students looking to build a future in the industry, to help students transition seamlessly from education into employment.

The programme began in October with interactive sessions at Glasgow Caledonian University, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Robert Gordon University, and City of Glasgow College. During these sessions, experts from DF Concerts explored how live shows are brought together, discussing the creative, technical, and operational elements that underpin the industry, and highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available to graduates.

Following the launch, The DF Academy has already expanded its work. New College Lanarkshire and Perth UHI joined the programme, and 150 students from 6 colleges and universities recently took part in behind-the-scenes tours of King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, SWG3, and the OVO Hydro. These visits provided students with exclusive insight into three of Glasgow’s busiest and most influential venues. At the OVO Hydro, students had the opportunity to see an arena-level show being built in real time, observing the scale of production and operations required to deliver major events. At SWG3, they explored the venue’s diverse event spaces and learned about its sustainability initiatives and community-focused projects. Meanwhile, the visit to King Tut’s offered a close look at one of Scotland’s most iconic grassroots music venues, where students learned about the venue’s heritage and saw the sound and lighting desks in action.

During the tours, students were also given the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from a range of industry professionals. Speakers included the Head of Concert Operations at DF Concerts, tour and production managers, the Operations Director at SWG3, the General Manager of King Tut’s, and gig representatives responsible for ensuring live events run smoothly on the day. This direct access to those working at the forefront of the industry provided invaluable insight into the realities of live event delivery.

December 2025 seen the first large-scale, real-world training day for students at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow (SEC). A tabletop session brought together almost 200 students from universities and colleges across Scotland, as well as lecturers and industry experts from DF Concerts, for a unique learning experience that focussed on live event safety, communications and decision-making.

Students from Perth UHI, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), City of Glasgow College, New College Lanarkshire, Robert Gordon University and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) took part in the all-day tabletop session designed to test their understanding of event management through a series of realistic scenarios drawn from both indoor and outdoor live events. Working in groups, the students navigated the complex situations involving crowd safety, severe weather, protest activity, artist management issues and emergency response decision-making. The exercises encouraged students to collaborate effectively, think critically and communicate clearly with each other – key skills needed in the live events industry.

Facilitators from DF Concerts and Police Scotland supported the students, helping to guide discussions and offering insight into how these situations are dealt with at real events across the country.

By giving students the chance to hear from live event professionals and understand operational processes, the Academy is helping to build the confidence of the students and provide them with exposure to the industry they are passionate about.

A student from Perth UHI said: “It’s been great to get an insight into what the events industry has to offer and what’s involved in different careers through The DF Academy sessions. Both the venue tours and tabletop session have really given me confidence and inspired me to look for work experience in the different fields in the events sector.”

Another student from City of Glasgow college said: “The tabletop was really insightful, and I enjoyed collaborating with others who want to go into the same industry as me.”

These early activities represent just the beginning of The DF Academy’s ambitions. Edinburgh Napier University has since joined the initiative, and The Academy will continue to grow with further site visits, guest lectures and student-led tabletop scenarios.

Dr Séan R. McLaughlin, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Popular Music at Perth UHI said: “The DF Academy offers our students an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from professionals at Scotland’s leading live music promoter. This partnership represents an exciting step in providing our students with real-world industry experience, meaningful professional connections, and insights into the biggest live events happening across Scotland. I’m delighted to be working with DF Concerts on this initiative and look forward to supporting our students as they develop the skills, confidence, and vision needed to become the next generation of leaders in the music industries.”

Andy Dunlop, Head of Concert Operations at DF Concerts said: “Scotland’s live events industry is full of passionate, dedicated people, and it’s important that we create clear routes for the next generation to join us. The DF Academy is our commitment to opening doors, sharing our expertise, and giving students genuine insight into how this industry works.”

The DF Academy reflects DF Concerts’ ongoing investment in Scotland’s cultural and creative sectors and its commitment to supporting a strong, sustainable future for the country’s live music and events industry.

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

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service

This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.

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.

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!

Newton Mearns resident crowned as Citizen of the Year 2025

A volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award to celebrate her community leadership.

Greenbank Garden nears completion of major daffodil restoration project

Trust staff and volunteers have planted over 70,000 daffodil bulbs at the historic Greenbank Garden as part of the Donate a Daffodil appeal.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme

Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

East Renfrewshire to introduce 20mph speed limits to improve road safety

East Renfrewshire Council is set to reduce the speed limit on more than 1,100 residential streets and school zones to 20mph in an effort to make roads in the local authority safer for everyone.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Authors celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 at East Renfrewshire Libraries

Libraries across East Renfrewshire celebrated Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025) with a series of author events and workshops.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Salmon return to Levern Water in Barrhead after 170 years

Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Ren Council and SEPA.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Footballers shine at SPAR Future Stars Cup

Girls' football stars from across East Renfrewshire showed their skills at the SPAR Future Stars Cup.

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings