Attendees were treated to a performance from viral TikTok singer Nathan Evans as a charity celebrated its most successful year yet.

The annual Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) Gala Ball and Awards Night was held at the Hilton in Glasgow’s William Street on Saturday, September 28.

(Image: Sam Christie) The night was extra special as it marked 15 years of the Barrhead organisation empowering children, young people and adults through inclusive activities and programmes.

The evening, hosted by Clyde 1’s Garry Spence, brought people together for a night of glitz and glamour in recognition of outstanding community achievements.

(Image: Sam Christie) Paul McIlvenny, chairperson and co-founder of IM2C, told the Barrhead News: “This year’s gala ball was our biggest yet and truly captured the spirit of Include Me 2 Club.”

Founded in 2009, IM2C has grown from a small, volunteer-led group to a full-fledged charity supporting inclusion across Scotland.

The gala ball hosted 380 attendees, including key figures from the local community, charity sponsors, and special guests.

The event raised £4220 to support the club’s various programmes.

(Image: Sam Christie) As well as a performance from Nathan, who rose to fame thanks to his sea shanty renditions during the pandemic, a variety of others also graced the stage.

Included in this number were DJ George Bowie, band Cloud House, musician Maria McAveety, singer Dionne Hickey, DJ Gary McF and more.

(Image: Sam Christie) Special guest, Paralympian gold and silver medallist Fin Graham also hosted a question and answer session about his achievements.

At the heart of the night, however, was the IM2C awards, recognising the incredible efforts of individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond to support the club and its mission.

Ten accolades were up for grabs including the coveted IM2C Star Award which went to Laura Jane McCool for “going above and beyond to support the IM2C community and creating a more inclusive future”.

IM2C’s DJ:Skool won project of the year, while Emma Whitehead and Hannah Coyle were named staff members of the year, and Laura Horswell and William McCready were named volunteers of the year.

The young volunteer of the year award went to Alexander Young, while the unsung hero gong went to Jacqueline Dornan.

(Image: Sam Christie) Craigie Trailblazers, IM2C’s Bike Hub’s junior cycling club which launched this year, was named partnership champion.

Sophie Carrick won the Social Blend champion award, while Lauren Collie was named member champion.

Finally community activist Anwar Rafiq, who has raised vital funds for the charity through his Kiltwalk endeavors, said he was “over the moon” to win the fundraising champion award.

Anwar Rafiq with his award (Image: Supplied) “Seeing the joy on the faces of our award winners and the overwhelming support from the community was truly inspiring,” added Paul.

(Image: Newsquest) Following the success of the gala ball, the club is excited about future events and initiatives, including their celebrating success event at the Scottish Parliament in December.