#glastwestival, @sithcafe? Twitter?

If it sounds alien to you, you are not alone! Over the last year, interest in the social networking website, Twitter.com, has grown enormously, mainly thanks to celebrities such as Stephen Fry and Jonathon Ross.

Given the power of the online “short messaging service” to reach a lot of people and to pass on information quickly, the idea of creating events where twitter users could meet seemed like a great idea. And what better way to raise money for charity?

On Thursday 12 February, 185 cities across the world held a “Twestival”, where twitter users met, had fun and raised money for Charity:Water – a charity determined to bring clean fresh drinking water to the 1 in 6 people who don't enjoy the luxury we do.

Sith Cafe in Partick decided that it would host a Glasgow event. With only two weeks to set it up, it was hard work but thanks to the support of local businesses, Cotswold Outdoor, Misofunky, Roastit Bubbly Jocks, McKay Flooring, The Bead Company and more, the evening was a resounding success.

The alternative evening included knitting lessons, wonderful homebaking, a raffle, live music from co-owner of the cafe Jake Tatton, a chance to view what was happening at Twestivals in other countries thanks to a live link up, and the making of a multitude of origami “twestival” birds! The person who guessed the correct number of birds made by the end of the evening won two nights at the 3*Drumnadrochit Hotel.

Including ticket sales, the evening raised over £240 for Charity:Water thanks to a brilliant effort by everybody who took part in the evening. Particularly delighted was the assistant manager of Sith Cafe who won £100 of Borders book vouchers donated by McKay Flooring – a well deserved win!

There is still an opportunity to donate to the Charity:Water cause on the cafe website – www.sithcafe.com, and to find out more about the Twestival, head to www.twestival.com!