Meet the team - Catherine - events manager
The next in our Meet The Team series is our Event Manager, Catherine! Responsible for making sure we’ve got all our t’s crossed and our i’s dotted, Catherine keeps everything ticking behind the scenes.
Fom the stage to safety to site management, get to know about Catherine and her role right here!
What’s your name, and where are you from?
Hi everyone. I’m Catherine Horsburgh. I was brought up in Renfrew, but was snatched away to live in Gourock when I married 18 years ago.
What does a typical day with GCF look like for you?
So I am responsible for the Festival site during the build stage, the Festival itself, and the load-out at the conclusion, all while working closely with the venue staff. Normally, plans need to change as we approach delivery, so being flexible, but also realistic and honest about what’s possible, are key elements of my role.
A typical day for me is responding to the needs of exhibitors, GCF staff and the venue so that when everyone shows up, things run smoothly. That’s everything: ensuring the Festival space and build are planned well, that power and other services are available, and that everyone gets what they need. If the attendees enjoy the event, and the exhibitors benefit, then my job has gone well.
What's your favourite cafe/roastery in Glasgow/Scotland?
Being from Inverclyde, and specifically Gourock, we are blessed with so many artisan independent traders. Whilst the coffee is fresh and delicious, all the produce available from Wildfire Deli on Kempock Street in Gourock is fantastic. It’s easily my favourite place for coffee, delicious filled focaccia, and genuine Italian fresh and general produce. Trust me!
What's your favourite thing about Glasgow Coffee Festival?
This will be the second CGF I’ve worked on, and even though I’m working, I do have the opportunity to listen and learn from the experts who exhibit. I do love coffee, but I consider myself a novice when it comes to knowledge.
Are there any vendors/speakers you're particularly excited about?
I am keen to listen to the talk by Revive Eco. I work across many events with various organisations. I am passionate about sustainability and keen to learn from others.
Aside from coffee, what are your passions?
I run my own events business, Cherry Blossom Events, so much of my time and energy goes there. Aside from that, I enjoy family time and travel. Fortunate to have travelled fairly extensively in a previous role as British Airways cabin crew, as well as on holidays with family. Still lots on the bucket list to visit, especially South America.
If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would you choose, and where would you meet?
Oh my, so many options, so I’ll cheat and give two answers;
My mum, who passed away far too young and very suddenly. What I’d give for an hour in her living room over a coffee, a cake and a gab to catch up.
Secondly, the cast of Stranger Things on the film set. My son and I binge-watched them and couldn’t take our eyes off of it!
What tunes are you adding to the festival playlist?
Something dancy - love GBX and two songs from our wedding memories.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (The Roberta Flack version) was our first dance at the reception. Then, Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. It was overlaid into our wedding video, and we love it.
Thank you to our team and to our fantastic industry partners: La Marzocco UK, Dear Green, Mossgiel Organic Farm, Story Shop, Jaguar, Eureka, BWT UK, 2GoCup and The Social Hub. You can pick up tickets for Glasgow Coffee Festival 2026 right here. To stay up to date on stallholders, speakers and other event info, sign up to our mailing list.
