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.

Article Source: DF Concerts & Events
Last Updated: 11 December 2025 10:10

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025, reaffirming the company’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact and promoting greener practices within the live music industry.

The company believes great live music and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. From Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT at Glasgow Green to Summer Sessions at Bellahouston Park and Royal Highland Showgrounds, DF Concerts implemented a wide range of impactful initiatives designed to cut waste, reduce emissions and engage fans in positive climate action.

Scotland’s largest reusable cup trial in an outdoor live music setting, the use of an innovative travel assistant and a GeoPura hydrogen-powered bar - the first of its kind to be used at this scale in Scotland - were standout sustainability innovations at DF Concerts’ summer events.

DF Concert’s reusable cup trial was the largest of its kind in Scotland, reaching over 150,000 fans across both Glasgow and Edinburgh Summer Session shows. Fans engaged well with this, with the trial achieving a 90% return rate. Additionally, DF Concerts surpassed the 2025 Scottish Government target of recycling 70% of waste, with 90% of all waste from these events being recycled or composted, and the remaining 10% going to waste for energy. This also meant that for fourth year in a row, DF Concerts sent zero waste to landfill. At Glasgow Summer Sessions, waste per head was reduced by 23%, and at Edinburgh Summer Sessions this reduction was even higher at 44%.

Edinburgh Summer Sessions made history with Scotland’s first bar powered by a GeoPura Hydrogen Power Unit at an outdoor music concert of this size in Scotland. By investing in hydrogen power units rather than diesel for distribution and refrigeration, emissions were dramatically reduced. The system eliminated the need for more than 2,000 litres of fuel, delivering zero-emission electricity for the drinks service. The only by-product was water which was then reused elsewhere on site such as festival toilets. This marked a significant shift away from diesel reliance and demonstrated potential for hydrogen technology to be used at scale within the live music sector, in Scotland and beyond. DF Concerts intends to further invest in the use of renewable energy at future events.

DF Concerts also partnered with You.Smart.Thing., an innovative travel assistant, to promote sustainable travel choices. Fans were encouraged to use public transport to attend Glasgow and Edinburgh Summer Sessions, encouraging greener practices outside of the events. Thousands of fans used You.Smart.Thing, demonstrating how technology can aid climate-conscious choices for audiences. As a result, public transport use at Glasgow Summer Sessions increased from 23% to 46.5% compared to 2024 and increased from 41% to 59% at Edinburgh Summer Sessions. The number of people cycling to the events also saw a notable increase, with 150 attendees opting for two wheels.

2025 also seen continued effort from DF Concerts to ensure sustainable food options were available across events. Implemented in 2023 and continued in 2025, all food vendors at TRNSMT and Summer Sessions were required to have vegan and vegetarian options on their menus for festival-goers. Through DF Concerts Play Our Part campaign, fans are continuously encouraged to choose these options when eating at events, and red meat was removed from backstage menus for artists to reduce food emissions.

DF Concerts Sustainability Manager, Kevin Mackay said: “Every show is an opportunity to prove that live music can contribute to a sustainable future. From hydrogen-power to reusable cups and promoting low-carbon travel and sustainable food choices, we’re creating the blueprint for a new generation of green events in Scotland.”

DF Concerts also believes that live music should be accessible to everyone and has worked tirelessly throughout 2025, and in previous years, to remove barriers and create an inclusive environment across all events. By actively listening to what fans needed, several key improvements were made including the expansion of the Accessibility and Customer Service team in-house and on-site, the creation of in-depth accessible information guides for pre-event planning and an increase in accessible spaces across event sites.

These efforts led to a 33% rise in TRNSMT Accessible Applications compared to 2023, and an impressive 999.24% increase in accessible attendance at TRNSMT since 2017. In recognition of this work, the DF Concerts Accessibility Team received the National Inclusion Award at Visit Scotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards 2025.
As industry leaders, DF Concerts invited colleagues from the live events industry onsite to share how these initiatives were put into practice. By collaborating openly with others, best practices can be shared throughout the live music industry.

These achievements showcase DF Concerts’ dedication to leading the way in sustainable and inclusive live events, and setting new standards for the industry, as well as contributing to their own Play Our Part campaign. With innovation, collaboration and fan engagement at the heart of their approach, they are proving that eco-friendly and inclusive practices are an integral part of exciting, life-affirming live music experiences.

See the full lineup and ticket options for TRNSMT at trnsmtfest.com, and the announced Edinburgh and Glasgow Summer Session shows and tickets at smmrsession.com

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

Latest Stirling News

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.

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.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Go Forth Stirling announce Longlist for 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The Go Forth team has announced the longlist for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards as voting begins to choose the winners of the annual honours.

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.

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!

Young Stirlingshire golfers follow in footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes

Two young golfers from Stirlingshire are aiming to make history in Portugal in December when they tee off in the 2025 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.

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.

Bridge of Allan restaurant launches festive feast Take Home Christmas Box

The Meadowpark, one of Bridge of Allan’s most popular family restaurants, is bringing the magic of festive dining to homes around Stirling this Christmas.

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.

BID Launches Drop In Business Hour Session for Stirling Business Community

Go Forth Stirling has launched a new initiative for the city’s business community giving them the opportunity to consult with the BID team and other partners.

Residents and businesses invited to Forthside project drop in event

A drop-in session is being held on Friday (21 November) for local residents and businesses to learn more about the major redevelopment at Forthside.

Residents and businesses across Stirling urged to get ready for winter

Residents and businesses across Stirling are being urged to get ready for the impacts of wintry weather as the council steps up its preparations to keep people safe in adverse conditions.

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.

Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition

Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.

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.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings