Case Studies

Event Spotlight: Le Freak & Friends Proves Community is Not Lost in Events

by
The Eventcube Team
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It’s rare for event planners and promoters to maintain the spirit of community amidst logistical hurdles and financial stress. Le Freak and Friends, however, sold out their flagship event for five straight years while continuously amassing support from Dundee locals and creating a vibrant movement in their home city through music and charity work.In this Event Spotlight, we interviewed Tim, one of the event masterminds at Le Freak & Friends to find out how they did it.

Who are Le Freak & Friends?

Le Freak & Friends are a seven-piece DJ collective from Dundee, Scotland. Conceived as a campaign arm for Le Freak Records, one of its member’s record shop, Le Freak & Friends first charmed the local scene with monthly club nights playing techno and house music. Soon, their gatherings evolved into small parties over chitchat and barbecue along River Tay and eventually into today’s most anticipated Pier Party at Newport-on-Tay.

Le Freak & Friends regard themselves simply as a bunch of friends though Tim says they were never meant to be a single entity but rather a community.

They’ve outlived the slugging club scene because of the people who came around and showed support. So what initially was a friend of seven now has expanded organically to include anyone who shares their idea of a good time.

Courtesy of Waterside

From a barbecue with friends to a fundraiser music event

Le Freak & Friends have a natural talent for bringing people together. Whether through their music or their openness, they’ve managed to turn humble gatherings into buzzing crowds. So when the decision came to do events properly, it kept the brand of authenticity known only to patrons and regulars.

True to their ethos, the group wanted community involvement in their events, which paved the way for the collaboration with Art Angel. Art Angel is a local charity that supports those dealing with mental issues through art therapy. The two came together to host the Pier Party, with Le Freak & Friends raising money through ticket and bar sales and Art Angels leading decorations and face painting activities. 

During their most recent pier party, creative masterpieces hung by the stage, framing performers against the aquatic backdrop. It was the perfect showcase of the collaboration between music and the arts. 

More photos on Le Freak & Friends’ Instagram page.

Hurdles in event planning and lessons learned

The squad has hosted enough parties and failed enough times to come up with a reliable system for planning events. Learning from their earlier stints, they’ve now prioritized facilities for the 200 attendees they expect yearly and a more systematic way to collect donations and sell tickets online. 

They have also started working with the local council to ensure guests’ safety and security. And while this brought new challenges to the organizing team, it was easily compensated for by the smoother event that earned the most positive feedback they’ve had in years.

Now seasoned experts in event planning, Le Freak & Friends are paying it forward by teaching others what they’ve learned throughout their years of trial and error.

Courtesy of Waterside

The ultimate fruit of event labor

Organizing an event is a labor-intensive process that requires significant upfront costs. For non-profit events, organizers often don't receive direct financial compensation. However, Le Freak & Friends find that seeing people feel included and have an epic time is reward enough.  

Tim emphasizes, “We push the narrative that if you come to one of our events, even if you come on your own, you should talk to one of us, talk to somebody, and you will hopefully have a friend leaving.”

Needless to say, being a catalyst in this warm and evocative experience is what the collective considers the ultimate fruit of their labor. 

Join Le Freak & Friends' online community!