Peter Andre and Callum Beattie (pictured above) blew away the rainclouds in Glasgow yesterday (28 August) as the grocery industry came together for a night of music and merriment at Checkout Scotland.
The annual GroceryAid Scotland bash brought together retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and other industry colleagues for a night of live performances, DJs, food and the chance to let their hair down at Barrowlands Art & Design.
Nineties popster Peter Andre drove the crowd ‘Insania’ with his unique blend of pop, reggae and R&B. His infectious energy prompted one overenthusiastic fan – who may or may not have worked for KP Snacks – to join him on stage for an impromptu duet. The star closed his set of greatest hits and cover versions – unsurprisingly – with Mysterious Girl, which was belted back at him by the audience.
Co-headliner Callum Beattie also had the venue rocking with a mix of his own material, including his biggest hit, Salamander Street, and singalong crowd-pleasing covers like Sit Down. And yes, everyone did indeed sit down. He concluded with a cover of Caledonia featuring teenage singing sensation Hannah Atcheson that brought both the house down and a tear to one or two eyes.
DJ Naeem wrapped up the night with a fantastic set featuring Bhangra drummers that had everyone “dancing like nutters”, as one sweaty reveller described it.
The evening was hosted by wrestler-turned-actor Grado, fresh from his knockout stint presenting the SLR Awards, and also included cracking DJ sets from Clyde 1’s breakfast show hosts George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, as well as Babyccino, Sub Club, DJ Harps and 101 Club.
Organised by the Scottish Committee of GroceryAid and now in its fourth year, Checkout raises much-needed funds for the industry charity, as well as awareness of all the great work it does in providing financial, emotional and practical support to colleagues who need a helping hand – all free of charge and in complete confidence.
