Claire is helping to put fizz into festival

AT university, Claire Buchan studied crime but she’s found herself at home in a very different world — a carnival.

Carnival 56, to be precise, is a new music festival based in Dundee which will be having its debut performance over two days in August.

Claire’s role is as a marketing and events executive and, while helping launch a festival may seem like the epitome of a glam job, it’s not a stroll in the park for those making the thing actually happen.

“I’m part of a core team of about 15,” said Claire, 24, who hails from Cruden Bay.

“I got an honours degree in Criminological Studies at Abertay but I’ve always been interested in marketing and particularly how social media has become such a fundamental part of marketing for businesses.

“When I saw the job advert for Carnival 56, I instantly knew it was my dream job. A detailed presentation, a tense day of waiting, and a phone call later, here I am.

“No two days working on C56 are the same.

“Nothing could have prepared me for the level of hard work that goes into organising a music festival. It really is a team effort and things are so unbelievably busy there simply isn’t time to be precious or have an ego.

“I manage the festival’s social media channels, so anything you see on C56 social will most likely have come from me.

“I have to ensure accurate messaging, only using approved artists and sponsors imagery, generate exciting posts that fans will want to share and respond quickly to questions and comments.

“Creating the social media content plan is my favourite aspect of the job as I can be really creative. I also help guide the creative for much of the festival’s imagery which is rewarding too, especially if you see it on a billboard or television.

“I manage the content and design of the website too. Working with the web designer has been great. He has taught me so much.

“I also co-ordinate C56’s events, such as the launch party and our recent festival pop-up in Overgate which was really busy.

“These events involve a lot of planning, and communication with the other parties involved, and it’s key to get it right.

“It’s been an amazing experience to watch the festival launch and be so well received”.

Best wishes to Claire and Carnival 56!

Claire Bucha@