But every finalist – from the toddlers to the pensioners – made sure the fifth and final Community Champions Awards was one of the liveliest yet.
More than 200 people packed in to Pollok Community Centre last night to see the activists, who work tirelessly for their communities, honoured at the glitzy event.
Some of the loudest cheers came for the joint winners of the Senior Award Robert Melvin and Flora Pagan, both 82 years old.
But the loudest noise of the night was for the announcement of the finalists in the Sport Award category. Pollok United Soccer Academy, had brought dozens of their players, family and friends along - and they left the crowd's ears ringing when Evening Times editor Tony Carlin, host of the event, announced them as the winners.
Not to be outdone were finalists Bee Club Pre School Gymnastics and community activist William Smith, who still oversees the running of Hillwood Boys Club, which he set up in 1966.
The Bee Club, which was set up in Priesthill but is now based in Pollok, provides gymnastic lessons for children aged from 18 months to five.
Around 10 of the sporty youngsters were at the event with their parents.
They made sure there was never a quiet moment as the presenters, including Strathclyde Police Chief Superintendent and Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, handed out trophies to the deserving winners and certificates to the runners up.
Tracy Pringle, 34, from Priesthill was there with her daughter – and budding gymnast – two-year-old Cara Pringle.
Ms Pringle said: "She's absolutely loved being here and it's an achievement for her and the club just to get this far in the awards."
Gymnastics coach Agnes Robb said: "It was quite a surprise to be nominated but we're so happy just to be here because we're growing as a club all the time."
The 58-year-old, from Renfrew, added: "It's amazing to see how far the youngsters have advanced in just a short time so it's such a rewarding thing to do."
Licensing standards officer Julie Kane, who was a finalist in the Uniform Services Award thanks to her work with Constable Colin Whiteford in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in areas such as Govan Road and Cardonald, joined the chorus in praising her fellow community activists.
The 36-year-old from Lanarkshire said: "It's an amazing atmosphere being here and seeing all these inspirational people.
"You feel as if you're finally recognised for all your achievements."
GHA housing officer Carol Grant who was a finalist in the Individual Award for her work in helping to transform the riverside area of Govan, had brought along her whole brood as well as colleagues to get into the community spirit.
Her nephew, 24-year-old Mark Buchanan said his aunt had "a great sense of humour" and deserved to be recognised for her hard work.
Colleague Donna Seery, of Crookston, said: "I've never met anybody like her.
"She does anything anybody asks of her. She's done so much for the community."
Before the ceremony guests browsed the stalls set up by our partners while they mingled and enjoyed the buffet.
The centre was the perfect venue as it is at the heart of the whole community.
It is used by every age group for fitness and dance classes, coffee mornings and parties.
Dominic Snyder, 53, from Lochwinnoch, was there to support his wife Clare Robertson, 50, who was a finalist in the Public Services Award.
Mr Snyder said: "It is great to see Clare's hard work paid off because she's worked years in the community."
Mrs Robertson added: "It's a fantastic event and I'm so honoured to be here."
The uniforms were also out in force as pupils from Bellahouston Academy, who were nominated for launching the MyPlace project which encourages students to take an active role in their communities, and members of the Troop Royal Scots Guards Army Cadet Force, for young people aged between 12 and 18, made the night more formal.
Instructor Kimberley Gillespie, 23, from Govan, said: "We have been doing loads of fundraising so it's exciting to be recognised. "
South West Community Transport Volunteer Car Scheme, which offers elderly and disabled people a pick-up service to their hospital or doctor appointments, were runners up in the Health and Wellbeing Award. William Anderson, from Barrhead, said: "I think we do a lot of work with people who can't get out any other way.
"It is good to let people in a community know that there are different things there for them."
The event was brought to a close with a speech by the Lord Provost Councillor Sadie Docherty, who summed up the whole night.
She said the South West event at the venue was a "memorable" one.
She added: "I am proud of my city and my role in the city, you should be proud of the difference your individual and collective contributions make."
"Whether you were a winner, a nominee or a gran or a grandad, everyone was a winner tonight."
rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk
