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WHAT’S ON
GLASGOW WELCOMES EUROPE’S BIGGEST VEGFEST In October, a VegFest event in London welcomed around 12,000 visitors through its doors over the span of the weekend – a huge feat for a somewhat niche market. On the weekend of the 5th December, Glasgow will host the same VegFest in its prestigous and high-profile venue, the SECC. Over the course of the weekend, the festival will include a Health Summit on the Saturday, and on the Sunday; an Activists Summit. Other events taking place throughout the festival include talks on nutrition, health and lifestyle and the benefits of being vegan on all of these aspects. There will also be an in-house, all-vegan restaurant ‘Levy’s’ which serves vegan dishes from responsibly sourced, plant-based suppliers. 120 stalls, including 12 all-vegan caterers will be part of the event, giving people the opportunity to find out about alternative foods available for a vegan lifestyle whilst sampling the very best of vegan cooking. Glasgow is the hub for vegan food in Scotland, and has recently been short-listed as one of “the most vegan-friendly cities in the UK” by PETA, whilst the University of Glasgow was the 1st University in the UK to be accredited by the vegan Society – but why?
The UK – especially Scotland – has some of the highest obesity, heart disease and diabetes rates in the world but according to Scottish PETA campaigner, Yvonne Taylor, people are becoming “more aware of their health” (quote from The Guardian). Sam Calvert, a spokesperson for the vegan Society said in an interview with The Guardian that Glasgow’s “vibrant youth culture” may have a lot to do with why veganism is becoming increasingly popular in the city. It may have started off as a trend, with many young followers, but as Lewis Macleod, my activist vegan friend said; “I think there is a certain element to which it is a trend, but ultimately I think people that get involved in the vegan movement, even if it is just through trend intentions, will end up developing a more rounded understanding as a result.” It’s all well and good having these kinds of events and publicity for Glasgow but when you strip it down to it’s bare bones you have to wonder; what has made so many people change their lifestyles so drastically to become consumers of purely plant-based products and cut out foods our ancestors have been eating for many years before us? I asked some of my vegan friends what made them switch and got two slightly opposing answers...
Vegfest has been held previously in Bristol, Brighton and London
Lewis Macleod, a student at Aberdeen University, decided around a year and a half ago to become vegan, and says; “I chose to follow the vegan lifestyle because I recognised the catastrophic environmental impact of the meat and dairy industry and decided that, as I had the means to adopt the lifestyle, I would try and follow it through.” On the other hand, Annie, a student from Czech Republic told me; “First it was a moral decision. Now, after knowing more, maybe the health purpose is stronger.” VegFest’s website has a section entitled ‘Further Information for Going vegan’, and in the two booklets in this section,
they tell you things such as the benefits to your health – lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer – your general wellbeing – better weight management, increased sex drive – and lastly, the fact that plant-based food products create lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced water and air pollution. As well as the obvious moral benefits and decrease in production of the meat and dairy industries, it’s no wonder many more young people are adopting the vegan lifestyle and pushing it into the forefront of every day life! by Shona Watt s.watt@tsaglasgow.com
STUDENTS HAVE MORE FUN AT THE EXPERIENCE The fun doesn’t stop at the Go-karting Arena. We also have our adrenaline filled Laser Experience and super-sized 8 lane Slot car track. The Academy restaurant also offers a selection of alcoholic drinks but please remember you can’t drink and kart! Any alcohol consumed must be after the karting experience has finished, otherwise you will be unable to ride.
EXCITEMENT, EXHILARATION AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE EXPERIENCE Go-karting And Gourmet Burgers Only £15 Every Wednesday!
Enjoy a 10% student discount off karting, food and leisure 7 days a week. Just show your student card at Reception.* For more information or to book, call 0141 883 4005 or email hello@theexperience.org.uk *Student discount not to be used in conjunction with Whizz Wednesdays or any other offer. Whizz Wednesdays offer runs until 30th November 2015.
Make Wednesday the best day of the week with ‘Whizz Wednesdays’. Between 12 noon and 8pm, you and your friends can compete on our custom built track in Hillington Park, Renfrewshire. Then, once the high speed drama is over, get a bite to eat with one of our delicious burger options at our in-house restaurant, The Academy, all for just £15. Our 5-star venue is really easy to get to, just take the train to Hillington West or if you are travelling by car, we are just off the M8 at Junction 26. Have you ever driven an electric Go-kart? These karts are the first of their kind in Scotland and their AGNI 200-119 8KW Motor can accelerate quicker to their top speed of 35mph than standard petrol karts. All group sizes and abilities are welcome, so even if you are an experienced Go-karter or first timer, come along for some fun on Whizz Wednesdays. Booking is not essential but is advisable for groups and societies. Just call 0141 883 4005 for more info. And because we love students, you get a free balaclava on your first visit. These must be worn by all drivers for hygiene purposes and normally cost £2 each. The balaclava is yours to keep and bring back on return visits saving you even more money.
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See you at the starting line!
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