Festivals! Scotland's Music
the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland
The Jellyman's Daughter (pictured) play Stonehaven Folk Festival on Friday 8 July - see page 6 www.thejellymansdaughter.com www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk
INSIDE: Famous Grouse @ Edinburgh Fringe :: HebCelt :: Stonehaven Folk :: Tenement Trail :: Blas :: The Spree :: T In The Park :: True North :: Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival ..... PLUS our 4 page Scottish music festival listings
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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk web @ www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk tweet @ https://twitter.com/stonehavenfest facebook @ www.facebook.com/Stonehaven-Folk-Festival-241183992686719
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The Famous Grouse House Returns With The Launch Of ‘Famous Fridays’ Headliner Competition Back by popular demand, The Famous Grouse House is returning to Scotland’s Capital for Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August (Wednesday 3 August – Saturday 27 August) for its second consecutive year. To celebrate, Scotland’s favourite whisky will be launching ‘Famous Fridays’ headliner competition giving 4 lucky artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot like no other and earn the right to say they have played at the Edinburgh Festival at the famous venue! #famousfridays The destination pop up bar which is set to return to George Street in the centre of the capital’s festival entertainment, will invite artists and bands over the age of 25 to submit their video entries to The Famous Grouse from 20 June for an opportunity to win a prime time Friday slot and perform live on stage! Artists and bands are invited to enter via email to: competitions@thefamousgrouse.com with a video link to one of their songs, alongside details of the band. Full terms and conditions are available on The Famous Grouse UK website below. The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at Venue 7, The New Town Theatre. Located just outside this popular festival venue, on a pedestrian friendly section of George Street, The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from 11:00am to midnight and include performances from popular festival band Posable Action Figures, Glasgow based indie rock band Kelvin and the hugely admired solo artist Luke Carey taking to the stage. With critically acclaimed new music, a festival vibe and a fresh sense of fun, The Famous Grouse House is going to be the perfect place to soak up the best of the festival! Johna Penman, Marketing Controller, The Famous Grouse commented: “Last year we created the perfect place to enjoy The
Famous Grouse, debuting The Famous Grouse House at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves, we joined in the world’s largest arts festival for three exhilarating weeks and attracted the most talented performers to our stage for everyone to enjoy. We are returning even bigger and better for a second year, this time with the exciting launch of ‘The Famous Friday’ Headliner competition, which will give the public the chance to vote for who they want to see on stage. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our famous venue - there’s no better place to be this August!” The Famous Grouse House is open daily from the 3 to 27 August, from 11am until midnight, with live music every day, situated outside New Town Theatre, Venue 7, 96 George Street. The competition will close Friday 8 July at 12pm. A shortlist of acts will be selected by panel of x4 judges on Friday 8 July and this shortlist then put to a public vote on The Famous Grouse UK Facebook page, fans to decide who wins the headliner slot. (Public vote closes 14 July) Winners will be notified on 15 July.
www.famousgrouse.com
https://twitter.com/thefamousgrouse www.facebook.com/TheFamousGrouseUK
www.scottishmusiccentre.com/services/audio-services/
info@scottishmusiccentre.com
web @ www.scottishmusiccentre.com fb @ www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre plus other links @ www.musicplus.org.uk + www.hittheroad.org.uk
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www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival tweet @ https://twitter.com/TireeMusicFest
www.hebceltfest.com
imfpublicity@aol.com
www.innerleithenmusicfestival.co.uk buy tickets now @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/ fb @ www.facebook.com/HebCelt
fb @ www.facebook.com/innerleithenmusicfestival tweet @ https://twitter.com/InnerleithenMF
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HebCelt Hits Record Ticket Sales In 21st Year Stornoway, Lewis : 13-16 July : www.hebceltfest.com Buy HebCelt tickets @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/
The award-winning Hebridean Celtic Festival is heading for a sell-out with tickets going faster than at any time during the event’s 21-year history. Two weeks before it opens, it is already the highest grossing HebCelt in terms of sales. All weekend tickets have been sold, as have those for the opening and closing nights, while only a limited number remain for Friday. Half the HebCelt audience will come from outside the event’s base in the island of Lewis, confirming its reputation for attracting huge numbers of visitors and generating an economic boom for the Outer Hebrides. The 21st HebCelt will be held from 13-16 July in Stornoway. Runrig will close the ‘coming of age’ celebrations on Saturday, 16 July during a nationwide tour in support of their 14th - and last - studio album, The Story, which was released in January. News that the band were making their fourth appearance at the festival led to an unprecedented demand for Early Bird tickets from fans across the UK and Europe and as far afield as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Several hundred were snapped up within hours of going on sale and hundreds more were also sold as demand rocketed. Runrig will be among nearly 50 acts performing over the four days. The diverse line-up also includes the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Hayseed Dixie, Astrid, Julie Fowlis, King Creosote, Eddi Reader and Breabach. Festival director Caroline Maclennan said: “We are extremely pleased with the ticket sales this year. This is easily our best performance ever,
with big spikes firstly when we announced Runrig and put weekend tickets on sale back in November, and then when we released day tickets. “Since then sales have remained very healthy and we are heading for a sell-out across most events. Runrig are obviously a huge draw, especially in our unique setting in the Gaelic heartland, but we have a large and varied programme with a host of great acts which will appeal to our multi-national audience.” HebCelt has grown from a small event attracting less than 1,000 fans, to an international showpiece for roots, Celtic and traditional music, drawing an audience of around 15,000. It is estimated it has generated more than £20 million for the local economy over two decades. The huge audience doubles the population of host town Stornoway during festival week and rooms at hotels and guest houses – as well as spaces at a local campsite - are at a premium, with the local VisitScotland office making an appeal for locals to accommodate festival-goers. Alastair Lockett, VisitScotland’s Assistant Area Manager, Information and Quality, Outer Hebrides, said: “Due to the huge appeal of HebCelt this year, there are few beds still available in the Stornoway area during the festival dates. “We would be grateful if any regular accommodation providers that still have vacancies contact our team at the VisitScotland Information Centre in Stornoway (01851 703088). Any extra help with good quality accommodation and hospitality in the Stornoway area for the festival week would also be greatly appreciated.” This year HebCelt has helped ease accommodation pressure by joining forces for the first time with Pitch Village to bring a new style of camping to the festival. Pitch Village will provide tents – pre-pitched and fully-equipped - on a site at Willowglen, allowing festival goers the chance to pre-book accommodation for two to eight people. The site will also offer showers, toilets, storage facilities,
The HebCelt shop is open for business! phone charging and dedicated security. Susan Millichip, Project Manager of Pitch Village, said: “This is our first year at HebCelt and we’re thrilled to have sold most of our tents for the festival weekend already. “It’s fantastic to see HebCelt tickets fly out the window and, with only a few weeks to go, we’re sure we’ll see another boost in people looking for last-minute, hassle free camping with Pitch Village.” Last year the festival marked its 20th anniversary by hosting its biggest number of live performances ever with more than 70 hours of music and arts events staged in the main arena in the grounds of Lews Castle, as well as An Lanntair arts centre in the town centre and other venues in rural areas.
www.hebceltfest.com https://twitter.com/hebcelt www.facebook.com/HebCelt
web @ www.blas-festival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/blasfestival
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Stonehaven's stage is set for the 28th Folk Festival Stonehaven : 7-10 July : www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk Buy Stonehaven Folk Festival tickets @ www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets-2016/
It’s all systems go for the 28th Stonehaven Folk Festival from 7-10 July. The festival has a stunning line up of musicians and singers ranging from West coast super group Diamh (pronounced Dive) to traditional Bothy ballad singers and just about everything in between. The festival has over 50 planned activities over the weekend with major concerts in the Town Hall, a comprehensive workshop programme, hosted sessions, free afternoon concerts in the Market Square and late night concerts and sessions. There will also be the regular favourites The World Paper’n’Comb championships (Sat) and the Aqua Ceilidh (Sun). Guests appearing over the weekend include established bands such as Blazin’ Fiddles, Saltfishforty, Tony McManus and Dallahan along with some new bands such as the Scott Wood Band, Tannara and Top Floor Tavers. The Scott Wood band is described as “a collaboration of the most promising young Scottish Musicians”, the band features finalists from the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year and BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competitions. There is a family show on the Saturday afternoon with Artie’s Tartan Tales hosted by Artie Trezise (ex Singing Kettle) with a mix of stories songs and a lot of humour for all the
Diamh : www.daimh.net
family. There are free afternoon concerts in the square, late night concerts at the Royal British Legion with the Jellyman’s Daughter (Fri) and Artie Trezise and Friends (Sat), plus “secret singing sessions”, tunes and sessions.
was established in 1989 with 2016 being the 28th year. Over 90 volunteers donate nearly 1,000 hrs of their time during the weekend with activities from Erecting the Marquee to selling raffle tickets and making the Tea and Coffee. Major supporters for 2016 are Creative Scotland A range of workshops will be held on the and the Stonehaven Town partnership, with Saturday and Sunday for Fiddle, Guitar, Singing, workshops supported by grants from Scotmid Mandolin Whistle/Flute, these will be tutored by and the Meikle Carew Windfarm. many of the festival guests. For the more traditional taste on the Sunday afternoon, there For ticket information please call 07480 126320 is Tradition Bearers Concert featuring some of and for full festival information please visit the the best traditional singers. This year’s guests web site. are Grace Toland, Peta Webb, Ken Hall and Jim www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk Taylor. https://twitter.com/stonehavenfest The Festival is ran by a volunteer committee and www.facebook.com/Stonehaven-Folk-Festival-241183992686719
weekend tickets available now @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ullapool-Guitar-Festival/201560546591552
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www.stowedoutfestival.org.uk web @ http://stowedoutfestival.org.uk/ fb @ www.facebook.com/stowedoutfestival
www.thebrunton.co.uk
fb@ www.facebook.com/events/168239306909484/ tickets @ www.thebrunton.co.uk
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Make your music headline news with Deborah Welsh Commercial Media Specialist PR and publicity consultant based in Scotland
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Scotland’s Biggest Independent Inner-City Music Festival Set To Take Over Glasgow 8 venues | 12+ hours of music | 50+ bands Glasgow : 8 October : www.facebook.com/events/258276351206380/
the mns collection ….
Buy Tenement Trail tickets @ www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/238941 Scotland’s biggest independent inner-city music festival Tenement Trail has revealed the first wave of acts for the 2016 line-up including newly reformed indie rock icons Milburn who’ll headline proceedings alongside Crash Club, Be Charlotte, Tijuana Bibles, The Lapelles, The Van T’s, Domiciles, Barrie-James O’Neil, The Bar Dogs, GANGS and more.
homecoming shows making them a massive addition to this year’s Tenement Trail line-up. They will be joined by a really exciting mix of talent including Crash Club who The brainchild of the team behind Scotland's largest recently played a show at Isle of pioneering music platform Tenement TV, the fourth ever multi-venue music festival Tenement Trail is one Wight Festival after beating ticket to more than fifty bands across 8 venues and thousands of 12 hours. bands in an In what is the first TT announcement of 2016, unsigned Be Charlotte : organisers have also revealed The Paper Kites, photo by Murray McMillan Photography competition. Nieves, Johnny LLyod, The Ninth Wave, A New Tenement Trail International, Mark McGowan, Breakfast Muff, The Vegan Leather, HQFU, Lewis Capaldi, American Clay Festival Director Chae Houston commented: “This is our biggest event yet! We’re delighted to and Carousel will also play with more bands to be have Milburn headline this year’s event and with the announced in the coming weeks. (full line-up listed addition of the iconic ABC 1 venue to this year’s below) venues, we’re sure it’s going to be a TT to Taking place on Saturday 8 October accros more remember!” venues this year, the festival will takeover 02 ABC1, #TT16 sets out to fill the void. Anything but just 02 ABC2, The Art School, The Art School (Vic Bar), King Tut’s, Broadcast, Nice N Sleazy and Flat 0/1, the another festival, TT is dedicated to creating a unique event with a perfect mix of established, underground festival is set to once again celebrate touring, local and breakthrough talent. Last year’s afterparty in the and breakthrough talent. Flat 0/1 venue saw Crash Club blow the roof off the The festival’s creative curators have in the past place, closing down the venue after reaching capacity brought the world unique sessions from the likes of an hour before the band were even on stage. Other Bastille, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Jake Bugg, iconic Tenement Trail moments include a rowdy Kodaline, Cage The Elephant and Hozier from the Hector Bizerk set in Broadcast back in 2013 and heart of Glasgow. WHITE’S top performance in The Art School in 2015. Set to take place on the same month TTV celebrates The full Tenement Trail line-up so far: its milestone fifth birthday, the fourth ever Tenement Milburn / Crash Club / Be Charlotte / Tijuana Bibles / Trail will once again takeover Scotland bringing The Lapelles / The Van T’s / The Paper Kites / together the country’s most avid and diehard music Nieves / Johnny Lloyd / Domiciles / Barrie-James fans. O’neil / The Ninth Wave / The Bar Dogs / Gangs / A Tenement TV have had their finger to the pulse of New International / Mark Mcgowan / Breakfast Muff / the breakthrough, underground and international The Vegan Leather / Hqfu /Lewis Capaldi / American since 2011, continuing to give a passionate and Clay / Sweaty Palms / Indigo Velvet / Velvetbomb / premier platform to bands and fans in Scotland and Moonlight Zoo / Carousel beyond through unique live sessions and a packed music website. www.tenementtv.com Sheffield comeback Kings Milburn recently sold more than 10,000 tickets in six minutes for four
Millburn : www.facebook.com/MilburnBand
www.facebook.com/tenementtv https://twitter.com/tenementtv
Read the three MNS digital publications from links at .. www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
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The Best Of Highland Culture At Blas 2016 Across the Highlands : 2-10 September : www.blas-festival.com
Buy Blas tickets @ http://blas-festival.ticketline.co.uk/
The opportunity for communities to celebrate Highland culture has been a hallmark of the Blas Festival since it began and this year’s festival, taking place from 2 to 10 September, will be no exception. The festival lineup was launched at an event in Eden Court, Inverness, on 29 June where organisers Fèisean nan Gàidheal, who operate the festival in a partnership with The Highland Council, outlined a programme with a generous helping of cèilidhs, concerts, school visits, music in hospitals, performances in care homes, drama performances, family events, walks and talks. Blas will celebrate the 80th birthday of Uist cultural icon, Rona Lightfoot, and the contribution to Gaelic music of Skye’s Jonathan MacDonald. New work will feature in the shape of Beul na h-Oidhche gu Camhanaich (Mouth of the Night to First Light) from Highland-based Gaelic singer and harp player, Mary Ann Kennedy, which is the 11th new piece commissioned in the relatively short history of the Blas Festival. Young people from the Highlands will feature widely including a Highland performance of Graham Mackenzie’s Crossing Borders, Fèis Cèilidh Trail groups, Guth nan Gael – A Gaelic and Gaeilge exchange project, pupils from the Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School and the singers from an innovative Fèisean nan Gàidheal project, Fuaran. They will appear alongside some of the best international artistes including Sharon Shannon, making her first appearance at Blas, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Nuallan from Cape Breton as well as perennial favourites Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham who are celebrating 30 years playing together. There will be appearances from newer outfits, Tide Lines, Tannara and Kilda, as well as a staple of the finest Gaelic singers including Margaret Stewart, Darren Maclean, Kristine Kennedy, James Graham, Paul McCallum, Linda Macleod, Rachel Walker, Ruairidh Cormack, Anne Martin, Ellen MacDonald, Ceitlin Smith, Robert Robertson and Eilidh Cormack. Gaelic writers and poets will also feature in the continuation of a partnership with Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, the Gaelic Books Council. Donna Macrae, Director of Firefly
Tide Lines : www.facebook.com/wearetidelines
Productions, the company contracted by Fèisean nan Gàidheal to organise the festival said: “We have built a programme that we think is very strong and we are looking forward, once again, to taking great music to smaller communities, as well as bringing entertainment to school, hospitals and care homes.”
Ian Smith, Head of Music, Creative Scotland, said:“The iconic Blas festival is one of Scotland’s finest examples in promoting our indigenous cultures across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, but with a global reach through its partnership with Celtic Colours in Cape Breton; Nova Scotia-a link that is again very evident in this year’s edition. New work Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, from Mary Ann Kennedy and great performances Tourism and External Affairs, said: “Blas celebrating great Gaelic singers alongside the has been a highlight in the festival calendar for Red Hot supergroup, the Chilli Pipers with the people across the Highlands since it was incredible duo that is known to all simply as Phil established in 2004. This year’s programme and Aly ensures that this is again a festival for offers a diverse selection of outstanding cèilidhs, every taste and one that Creative Scotland is concerts, and drama performances for people of delighted to support.” all ages. Blas is a unique festival which enriches Bòrd na Gàidhlig Ceannard (CEO), Shona our cultural life and promotes Gaelic use and MacLennan said: “The Blas Festival has become awareness.” a highlight on the Highland’s social calendar. Cllr Hamish Fraser of The Highland Council Bòrd na Gàidhlig are committed to supporting said: “The Chair of The Highland Council’s traditional and contemporary Gaelic arts & Gaelic Implementation Group, Councillor Hamish culture. The Bòrd recognises that many people Fraser said: “The Blas Festival is achieving a are attracted to learn and use the language by great deal especially in relation to showcasing accessing and partaking in various Gaelic art traditional music and Gaelic song to audiences in forms including music, song, dance, drama & a wide variety of venues within communities literature. across the Highlands and Argyll, from Farr to Joanna Peteranna, Senior Development Fort William and Kilmuir to Kinlochleven and Manager at HIE, based in Benbecula, said: Sleat to Strathy”. He continued, “The Council “HIE’s support for arts and culture complements has, and continues to support traditional music our work to develop the creative industries and Gaelic song by supporting a number growth sector. As well as supporting and initiatives and organisations who are based in promoting talent and creativity, the Blas festival the Highlands, such as Fèisean nan Gàidheal the attracts newcomers and returners to the umbrella body which manages and supports the Highlands and Islands. It allows young and local Fèisean across the Highlands, Fèis Rois aspiring musicians the opportunity to tour and which this year is celebrating its 30th perform at local venues across the region and anniversary, the Provincial Mòds and the Royal we are delighted to support it.” National Mòd. The Council has reduced and The full festival programme is now available at diminishing resources which currently makes www.blas-festival.com where full details of all service delivery very challenging. However, I want to take this opportunity to wish Blas 2016 events and how to buy tickets can be found. every success and encourage people to attend www.blas-festival.com the concerts and events to experience quality musicianship and enjoy the best of Gaelic and www.facebook.com/blasfestival Traditional music and culture which the country https://twitter.com/blasfestival has to offer.”
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Admiral Fallow and Justin Currie/RSNO among headliners for Paisley’s Spree Festival 2016 Paisley : 14-22 October : www.thespree.co.uk Buy your Spree tickets @ www.thespree.co.uk/events/
The line-up for Paisley’s annual Spree festival has been announced – with Scottish indiepop act Admiral Fallow and former Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie among the headline attractions.
Admiral Fallow : http://admiralfallow.com/
The nine-day extravaganza of music, comedy and much more is now in its fifth year and will take place in various venues between 14 and 22 Saturday 22 October. October this year as part of the push towards This year’s line-up also features two unique Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021. Spree Commissions performances with a focus on Paisley’s musical heritage, specially put Justin Currie will perform hits from across his together as part of the UK City of Culture bid. 30-year career during the festival’s signature show – a unique collaboration with the Royal The first will see Carol Laula and Friends Scottish National Orchestra in the stunning celebrate Paisley, on Friday 14 October, with the surroundings of Paisley Abbey on Monday 17 much-travelled local treasure curating a special October. night featuring David Scott (The Pearlfishers, Admiral Fallow – who previously combined with the orchestra during The Spree 2013 – will bring a set including songs from their SAY-Award longlisted third album Tiny Rewards to Paisley Town Hall on the festival’s opening night on Friday 14 October
BMX Bandits), Mark and Claire Rafferty (relatives of the late musical legend Gerry), author Chris Brookmyre and special appearances from PACE Theatre group and St Mirren FC.
The second, on Friday 21 October, will see one of Scotland’s top traditional bands, The Tannahill Weavers, celebrate the work of the man they The same venue will see the festival closed in style with a double bill of two of the hottest acts took their name from, Paisley’s weaver poet Robert Tannahill, joined by two ever-popular on the Scottish traditional circuit – The veterans of the Scottish scene, Eddi Reader and Treacherous Orchestra and Skerryvore on Dick Gaughan. Both shows are in the specially-erected Spiegeltent in County Square, also set to host a triple bill of We Banjo 3, Michael McGoldrick and Friends, and the Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson Trio (Saturday 15 October), and an acoustic gig with ex-Runrig frontman Donnie Munro (Sunday 16 October). The Spree also hosts some of the top names in Scottish comedy, with headliners Daniel Sloss (Paisley Arts Centre, Saturday 15 October) and Craig Hill (The Spiegeltent, Thursday 20 October), as well as two Best of Scottish Comedy nights in association with The Stand Comedy Club in The Spiegeltent (Friday 14 and 21 October) featuring top comics including Mark Nelson and Joe Heenan.
Del Amitri : www.delamitri.org
And there will be three specially-curated Spree Sessions shows designed to give the local community a chance to feature on the bill – renowned songwriter James Grant will lead a show featuring youth group Create Paisley, the RockUs Community Choir will perform in Paisley Town Hall, and local Gaelic music group Feis Phaislig will lead a ceilidh trail to The Spiegeltent. There is also a festival-within-a-festival with the return of ModStuff run by LNP Promotions – two days of gigs devoted to all things Mod at various venues in the town, including a scooter rideout. Still to be announced are the acts for a special Scottish Album of the Year showcase in The Spiegeltent on Wednesday 19 October, with the ceremony for the top prize in Scottish music taking place in Paisley Town Hall later this month. A full bill of kids’ shows for during the October week will be revealed at a later date, as will a Spree Fringe programme taking place at other venues around the town. Tickets for all shows will go on sale via thespree. co.uk on Friday 24 June at 9am. The festival is Paisley’s flagship arts event and is run by Renfrewshire Council. Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “The Spree is now firmly established on Scotland’s festival calendar and goes from strength to strength, with another outstanding line-up this year which we hope will bring audiences from far and wide to Paisley. “This year’s festival will be the last before the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 is lodged next year, so it is great to see an authentically Paisley strand running through the programming, as we prepare to showcase the town’s cultural riches to the world.”
Paisley Arts Centre will host a varied bill including the frontman of last year’s Spree headliners Idlewild during Roddy Woomble and Band (Thursday 20 October), plus the audiovisual spectacular Oscillon Response with composer Mark Lyken (Tuesday 18 October) and hard-hitting guerrilla-gig theatre with Julia https://twitter.com/SpreeFestival Taudevin’s Blow Off (Saturday 22 October). www.facebook.com/thespreefestival
www.thespree.co.uk
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Hotly Tipped Breakthrough Artists Join The BBC Introducing Line-Up At T In The Park Strathallan Castle : 7-10 July : www.tinthepark.com Buy T in the Park tickets @ www.tinthepark.com/tickets
With T in the Park 2016 just around the corner, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager have added a fresh wave of hotly tipped acts to this year’s festival bill. The Van T’s, Be Charlotte, HQFU, Making Monsters, Cherryshoes, Cabbage, Draper, The Night Café, The Mirror Trap, Isle, Lucia Fontaine, Womps, Man of Moon, Elle Watson, JNCTRE, Shiners, Matt Wills, Corey Bowen and Fenne Lily have today been announced for the BBC Introducing Stage, with just over two weeks to go until this year’s festival gets underway over 7-10 July at Strathallan Castle, Perthshire. Having started writing songs at just seventeen years old, twin sisters Hannah (guitar, vocals) and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals) decided to start a band shortly after. Initially playing shows in and around Scotland as a duo, the twins recruited Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums) in an attempt to add more layers to an already impressive sound. As a result The Van T’s were born, complete with a sunny 50s jukebox style sound and a twist of a cathartic 90s grunge thrown in for good measure, captivating both fans and music aficionados alike.
Dundee's The Mirror Trap : www.facebook.com/themirrortrap
Saturday 9th July.
Edinburgh. They’ve supported the likes of We Were Promised Jetpacks, Phantom Band and The Two years ago Dundee based band The Mirror Subways and have fans in Lauren Laverne, Vic Trap were Scotland’s best kept secret. The 5Galloway and Huw Stephens. They’re playing at piece rock band met at music college and started various festivals this summer including T in the writing and releasing music almost immediately, Park next month and have an upcoming UK tour leading to considerable attention north of the starting in August. border and much talked about appearances at T in the Park and beyond. JNCTRE is duo George and Dan, who are based in the Midlands. With an electronic soul sound, Isle are multi-medium musicians based in the they’ve been supported by BBC Introducing beautiful Scottish Borders. Comprising of Stoke and have released their debut EP None of producer Liam John Rutherford and drummer Us Are New. Ben Singer, Isle are avid self-producers who From Dundee, Be Charlotte, features singer partner audio and visuals to create an allCorey Bowen is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter songwriter Charlotte Brimmer who also raps, encompassing experience. Emotion-fuelled and multi-instrumentalist from Middlesbrough, beatboxes and has even helped to invent her precision meets epic methodical drums to create who says she’s less influenced by other artists own musical instruments. Be Charlotte has had raw alt-pop that punches and pulls. and more by what’s going on around her. She’s support from Huw Stephens and this summer had airplay from the likes of BBC Introducing in she makes her T in the Park debut. Womps are a post-punk duo comprised of Ewan the North East, BBC Introducing in Oxford and Grant and Owen Wicksteed. Womps reside in HQFU is Glasgow-based artist Sarah J Stanley. from Huw Stephens. Glasgow and since their inception in 2015, have Having toured the Scottish folk circuit for a T in the Park’s home Strathallan Castle is number of years, she has now turned her talents released their debut album Our Fertile Forever. The band has received support from Vic approximately one hour away from both to production and electronic music. She’s been Galloway on BBC Scotland and have played Edinburgh and Glasgow. supported by BBC Scotland with a session on Vic across Europe including performing at Radio 1’s Galloway’s show earlier this year. After gigging www.tinthepark.com Big Weekend. around the UK this year, the multiwww.facebook.com/tinthepark instrumentalist makes her T in the Park debut on Man of Moon are a two-piece rock band from https://twitter.com/Tinthepark
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MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
Laura Mvula to headline Aberdeen's True North
September : www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth
Buy True North tickets @ www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth
Iconic soulstress and Brit Awardnominee Laura Mvula will head the line-up for this year’s True North festival in Aberdeen. The singer-songwriter takes top billing for the festival, now in its second year and with an expanded programme over four days, organised by Aberdeen Performing Arts. True North – Aberdeen’s festival of music and song – will take place in venues around the city and in outdoor locations from September 22 – 25. The festival is inspired by the fantastic heritage of singer-songwriters in the North-east, and features a line-up of iconic musicians and emerging talent. Soul Superstar, MOBO winner and Brit Awardnominee Laura Mvula will open the festival at His Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) on Thursday, September 22. She has just released her second album, The Dreaming Room, is fresh off the back of a headline slot at Glastonbury Festival, and is still to play Somerset House, Latitude and Longitude Festivals and V Festival, as well as various dates across Europe - all before appearing at True North in Aberdeen. Ben Torrie, Director of Programming and Creative Projects for APA, said: “We’re very excited to reveal that brilliantly talented Laura Mvula will be headlining True North this year. She has shot into the limelight and the recent release of her second album is sure to shake up the charts. With her soulful sound and star quality she has all the makings of a global phenomenon and we’re absolutely thrilled we’ll be welcoming her to perform in Aberdeen for the first time.” Highly acclaimed musician and former Longpigs and Pulp member Richard Hawley will play at His Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) on the Friday evening, supported by local duo Best Girl Athlete. The Saturday headline act will be an intimate gig at the Tivoli Theatre with Mercury awardnominated King Creosote, and support from
Laura Mvula : www.facebook.com/lauramvulamusic
local alt-folk musician Rick Redbeard. On Sunday HMT will play host to a special Kate Bush celebration concert featuring a bill of top contemporary talent paying tribute to one of the most iconic songwriters and performers of our time. Ben added: “Several events throughout the weekend will recognise the important contribution of women to the music industry, and none more so than the very special celebration of the music of Kate Bush. She has been such an important artist in UK music history, as the first female artist to achieve a number one with a self-written song, the first British woman to top the UK album chart and the first woman ever to enter the album chart at number one. The concert – entitled Running Up That Hill – has been curated by Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist Emma Pollock, best known as part of indie band The Delgados, who has brought together a group of amazing musicians including Kathryn Joseph, Karine Polwart, Rachel Sermanni, Roddy Hart, Bdy_Prts, James Graham of Twilight Sad, Sarah Hayes of Admiral Fallow, Peter Brewis of Field Music, and Kathryn Williams – all backed by a house band and string quartet. “Richard Hawley is another fantastic addition to our line-up. He’s twice been nominated for a Mercury prize and once for a Brit award, and many will know him from his time in Britpop act Longpigs and Sheffield rock band Pulp with his friend Jarvis Cocker, who helped convince him to launch what became a very successful solo career. “King Creosote has released more than 40 albums to date and his collaborative album with Jon Hopkins, Diamond Mine, was nominated for a Mercury Prize and Scottish Album of the Year Award. The historic and beautifully restored Tivoli Theatre is the perfect location for what
promises to be a unique and memorable performance.” Other programme details revealed today include a series of late night gigs at The Lemon Tree which showcase the very best of contemporary UK song writing talent. The Lemon Tree late line-up features amazing singer-songwriter Lonelady, Mercury prize-nominee C Duncan, Scottish alternative band Kid Canaveral, electromusician HQFU, Bossy Love who performed on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury, and a closing concert from Scottish two-piece Honeyblood will signal the end of the second annual festival. Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Chief Executive Jane Spiers added: “Scotland and the Northeast in particular, has a rich and enduring singer songwriter tradition that goes right up to present day. True North affirms that tradition with a stellar line-up of talented acts preparing to take the city by storm. Laura Mvula leads the march of the women on Aberdeen for the festival, which this year explores the influential role of women in music. We expect demand for tickets to be high, and there will be more artists announced in the coming weeks.” Further events including the True North Fringe, family events, industry panel discussions and an education programme, which will be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket packages will be available across the weekend when tickets go on sale this Friday (July 1) online at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com by phone on 01224 641122 and in person at His Majesty’s Theatre and The Lemon Tree box offices. www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth
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Edinburgh set to explode with pulsating Carnival rhythms Edinburgh : 17 July : www.facebook.com/EdinburghFestivalCarnival Buy Edinburgh Jazz & Blues tickets @ www.edinburghjazzfestival.com/how-to-buy-tickets.html
The fifth Edinburgh Festival Carnival will be the biggest and brightest yet! The Parade will begin the festivities at 2.30pm on 17 July, leading 700 Carnival performers from the top of the Mound to the West End of Princes Street in an extravaganza of high-energy music and dazzling costumes! After an hour of excitement on Princes Street, the focus moves to Princes Street Gardens and The Ross Theatre, where a host of performances take place in informal and formal settings. There will also be a performance stage and a market in the Grassmarket; and a special area for young people and families at the West End of the Gardens. Performers are coming from Senegal, South Africa, China, USA, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Martinique, and Trinidad as well as a host of Scottish drummers, dancers, fire-eaters, jugglers, stilt walkers and circus acts. Last year over 20,000 people enjoyed the event, and the organisers are hopeful for the good weather that will ensure an even bigger turnout in 2016. And it’s not just for spectators! The people of Edinburgh are invited to the Carnival atmosphere and another fantastic celebration of music and take part in the parade alongside professional musicians, dancers and dance from around the globe to Edinburgh. It’s the event that makes costumed performers. Individuals, families or groups can sign up to come everyone feel good. Old and young, families… and cool kids too ”. along on the day and wear one of the fantastic Carnival costumes! Cllr Richard Lewis, Edinburgh's Festivals and Events Champion, The Festival Carnival has become a key event in the launch of the said: "Founded on the belief that the arts really are for everyone, this summer Festival season, and will once again set Princes Street, Princes all-inclusive, family event brings communities together for a truly Street Gardens and The Grassmarket humming with the rhythms of spectacular experience. I am delighted that the Carnival continues to be Brazilian drumming, New Orleans brass band, Balkan beats and maybe a a free event for everyone. This year we're sure the Jazz and Blues Scottish tune or two. As well as a treat for the ear, the Carnival offers a Festival organisers will inject the streets of Edinburgh with the biggest, feast for the eyes with sequined dancers, feathered costumes, Chinese brightest, feel-good Carnival yet!" dragons, circus performers and street theatre in one big dazzling Edinburgh Festival Carnival organisers are also looking for volunteers spectacle under the castle! (ages 16 and over) to support the Carnival and all of the supporting The Carnival takes place from 2.30pm until 5pm on Sunday 17 July – events. For all volunteer opportunities, contact anna@adjazz.co.uk or call with free admission for all, thanks to the support of The City of Edinburgh 0131 467 5200. Council. The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival runs the Carnival, and Producer, Roger Spence, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring
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JULY Glasgow Jazz Festival
performances ever. Award-winning artists who McLaughlin and Jan Garbarek. took part in this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival hailed it a huge success after bosses laid on new www.edinburghjazzfestival.com venues and returned to its roots for the showpiece event.
Glasgow 22 June - 3 July
www.hebceltfest.com
Glasgow Jazz Festival has announced a bumper line-up to celebrate its 30th festival. With some of the biggest names in Jazz, the very finest of Scotland’s homegrown talent, some of the most well-known festival faces and an array of one-off musical collaborations, the 30th festival promises to be the very best yet! The festival will take place in various venues across the city from Wednesday 22 June. The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City Halls, The Old Fruitmarket, St Luke’s and The Hug and Pint will all come alive with the sound of jazz during the festival’s landmark 30th edition. www.jazzfest.co.uk
The East Neuk Festival Fife 22 June -3 July
Pandora Fest
Tiree Music Festival
Pandorafest will be Scotland's first music festival that supports women musicians. In 2015 the major festivals displayed a massive gender imbalance, of the 87 acts that were announced, Tiree Music Festival (TMF) was formed in 2010 78 were all male, 3 were female and 6 were when Tiree musician Daniel Gillespie mixed groups - that was an 89.6% all male line (Skerryvore) teamed up with school friend up.* "As far as Scotland is concerned - this is not Stewart MacLennan with the radical idea of okay" says Pandora Fest! Pandorafest will be a holding an open-air festival on their local island one day music festival packed full of live music of Tiree. TMF is more than just attending a music from female singer/songwriters, women festival – it is an island adventure. From the musicians and female fronted bands all playing stunning sail or flight to the island of Tiree, from 12noon-11pm. Pandorafest will be running camping next to the white sands of Crossapol 3 stages of live music across many genres, all Bay or surfing at Balevullin beach, TMF is an expertly woven into a line-up to keep you experience very few festivals in the world could entertained from start to finish. compete with. Get your tickets quick, the early birds sell out in hours - http://tireemusicfestival. www.pandorafest.com co.uk/ticket-prices. Isle of Tiree 15-17 July
www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk
The award-winning and critically-acclaimed East Neuk Festival presents world-class arts events in the East Neuk of Fife. The heart of the Festival is classical chamber music, but we also present world, jazz, folk and electronica. In addition to our musical celebrations, we’ve commissioned films, exhibitions, art installations and literature events as well as guided walks.
Music at Paxton Festival Paxton, Berwickshire 15-24 July
We are proud to present a star-studded line-up of musicians and ensembles. Some will be familiar to our audiences, others are appearing for the first time, but all are of the highest www.eastneukfestival.com quality, many travelling significant distances to be with us in the Scottish Borders. Stonehaven Folk Festival Why not make an occasion of it and enjoy supper, a stroll around the extensive grounds, or Stonehaven a drink in the courtyard before the concert? 7-10 July With its tranquil setting in extensive parkland 28th Stonehaven Folk Festival featuring a mix of overlooking the River Tweed, Paxton House some of the best in traditional and contemporary provides the perfect environment for our music and song from Scotland and further afield. chamber music festival – the peace of the countryside coupled with the facilities of any A weekend of Concerts, ceilidh, workshops, urban concert hall. sessions, singarounds and fun with the Annual If you are new to Music at Paxton, do come World Paper'n'Comb Championships and the along to our free ‘taster’ concerts in May and Aqua Ceilidh. 2016 guests include Scott Wood June. Band, Saltfishforty, Daimh, Blazin'Fiddles, Tony McManus and Artie Trezise. www.musicatpaxton.co.uk www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk
T in the Park Strathallan Castle, Perthshire 8-10 July What more can we say! Scotland’s most widely known and respected festival, which always attracts the biggest names. Check out tickets availability at www.tinthepark.com/tickets. www.tinthepark.com
Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 13-16 July 2016 Fantastic four-day festival set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Outer Hebrides, featuring top quality music from around the Celtic nations and beyond. Stornoway and throughout Lewis and Harris. The cream of international folk and Celtic music have heaped praise on HebCeltl as it celebrated its 20th year in 2015 by hosting its biggest number of live
Duncarron 16 July
Glamis Prom Glamis Castle 16 July
This year's Glamis Proms promises a spectacular evening of enchanting music featuring the renowned British Sinfonietta orchestra with an array of special guests. www.glamisprom.com
Crail Festival Fife 20-30 July 2016
"Crail Festival- 20th - 30th July 2016- now in its 4th decade , will ,once again ,offer a wonderful programme of music. It will include: the amazing Jimmi Shandrix Experience Ceilidh Band : Opera Bohemia ' I Pagliacci': the incomparable Richard Digance will be conducting a Songwriting Children's Workshop in addition to his keenly anticipated performance: Gaelic folk from the talented Mischa Macpherson Trio: Matthew McAllister , a 'local' classical guitarist, is rapidly gaining world wide recognition: the legendary Jimmie McGregor will be performing his acclaimed 'Gathering of Songs, Stories and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Famous Folk': the hugely popular, irrepressible Christine Bovill will capture her audience with Festival her interpretation of songs about 'Paris': and Edinburgh Buddy Holly and the Cricketers , our headline 15-24 July act, will bring the Festival to a rousing close. Truly something for everyone! Tickets will be on Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is one of the top sale from the Byre Theatre Box Office starting 30 ten jazz festivals in Europe, with over 36,000 May 2016. Follow the build up to the Festival on sales and 67,000 attendances, the 2016 edition www.crailfestival.com, www.facebook.com/ has one of our most diverse lineups ever with CrailFestival, and ‘Crail Festival’ on Pinterest." over 170 concerts in the ten days from 15-24 July across a range of Edinburgh venues. www.crailfestival.com There are five major concerts at The Festival Theatre, with some of the biggest names from Wickerman Festival the modern jazz, blues and soul worlds. Our annual concert with Jools Holland and his Dumfries & Galloway Orchestra features special guests, Pauline and 22-23 July Gaps from The Selecter; Curtis Stigers returns with his own band after wowing us in our Sinatra Wickerman is one of the UK’s best-loved special last year; and we also welcome back independent music festivals which will enter its Scotland’s top soul exiles, The Average White 15th consecutive year in 2016. With ten stages Band, in a bill that also features The James featuring an eclectic and exciting mix of leading Taylor Quartet. There will be rare Scottish artists, heritage acts and up-and-coming talent, concerts by two musicians who have been giants the two day summer party caters for all musical of world jazz for the last forty years, John tastes.
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Speyfest
‘Belladrum’ Festival Beauly 4-6 August
Moray 29-31 July
Get yourself a ticket to Scotland’s all ages wackiest festival of music and performing arts. Bella is back in its beautiful Highland setting At the end of July, the playing fields on East with all the crazy variety that makes it Street in the Moray town of Fochabers will be Scotland’s premier boutique festival. home to the 21st annual Speyfest, three days of ''Belladrum - quite simply, it’s what everyday life the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic should be like, if only everyday life didn't get in music. The tented village hosts a variety of the way.'' - Clare Damdoaran, eFestivals. seated and standing events including the Friday Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival takes place in and Saturday concerts and stomps, the music the beautiful Highland surroundings of marathon that is the Speyfest Family Sunday, a Belladrum Estate, near Beauly in Invernesscraft and food fair and an ecumenical Celtic Kirk shire. The independent festival has built a service. The event is fully licensed and offers a reputation for its eclectic line-ups, its offbeat wide range of hot foods and a variety of drinks non-musical entertainments and its all-ages from a number on onsite concessions. approach. www.speyfest.com
www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
MugStock Festival
Edinburgh International Festival
Mudock 29-31 July
Edinburgh A Festival of Music and Merriment is taking place 5-29 August just north of Glasgow in Mugdock Country Park Three exhilarating weeks of the very best in on the holiday weekend. classical music, theatre, opera and dance. Edinburgh is the world's Festival City. With 4 www.facebook.com/Mugstock million attendances, one third of the world's countries represented on its streets and stages, Southern Fried it’s where people come together from across the Perth globe to share their passion for arts, culture and 29-31 July ideas. It's also where countless talented stars and performers have begun or developed their Three UK music greats come together to careers. With 12 Festivals throughout the year, showcase their love of Americana in this year’s there’s an endless array of events, performances Southern Fried Festival. Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack and experiences to enjoy. & Andy Fairweather Low will make their Scottish debut in an ultra-rare trio show as a climax to www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk Perth’s festival of American roots music with other headliners confirmed as Imelda May, Mary Edinburgh Festival Fringe Chapin Carpenter and Gretchen Peters. Named Scottish Event Awards Best Small Festival 2014, Edinburgh the Southern Fried Festival takes place in Perth 5-29 August Concert Hall and other city centre venues from The world's largest arts festival transforms Friday 29 until Sunday 31 July. Festival passes Scotland's capital every August. When and general ticket sales are now open thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to Shetland Fiddle Frenzy build their careers. Shetland 31 July - 31 August www.edfringe.com Fiddle Frenzy is Shetland Arts’ annual celebration of the Shetland fiddle tradition. The week of events runs from Sunday to Sunday, during the first week in August each year, centered on workshops teaching the distinctive tunes and technique of the Shetland fiddle style. An opportunity to learn the secrets of Shetland Fiddle from a range of experienced tutors, explore the thriving musical traditions of our unique and beautiful islands, or simply be part of our Festival Week which is packed with a range of Frenzy Fringe options and Evening Concerts. www.shetlandfiddlefrenzy.com
AUGUST Tartan Heart
Piping Live! Glasgow 8-14 August Piping Live! Glasgow's International Piping Festival, the world’s biggest week of piping, will return to Glasgow from 8-14 August. Now in its 13th year, Piping Live! is the biggest festival of its kind. Attracting 40,000 people from around the globe each year to watch over 5000 international pipers perform at 150 events across the city. Some of the hottest names in traditional music will perform this year, including RURA, Anxo Lorenzo, Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton and the world famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Band performances will take place in George Square and on the steps of The Royal Concert Hall. www.pipinglive.co.uk
Party at The Palace Linlithgow 13-14 August 2016 McEwan’s Party at The Palace is back for its third year following the fantastic event last summer. The 2 day party will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August in Linlithgow. It’s only 20 mins from Edinburgh and 35mins from Glasgow, making it one of the most easily accessible music festivals in Scotland. We have some exciting additions to the 2016 event including a second stage for the first time, new street food outlets and a larger kids zone to keep the children entertained. A limited number of Tier One Early Bird tickets are on sale from 1 January. www.partyatthepalace.co.uk
Mull of Kintyre Music Festival Mull 17-21 August Campbeltown in beautiful Kintyre is the setting for this weekend-long display of new, emerging and established musical talent. Indoor and outdoor venues host a range of concerts, sessions, ceilidhs, choirs, pipe and brass bands and modern and Highland dancing. With openair and children's events. Whether you are looking for a fun weekend away, a workshop to improve your musical talent, to find out more about your heritage or just an entertaining night out you will find it at the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival. www.mokfest.com
RNLI Park Fest Stranraer 19-20 August A Charity music event. Held to raise funding for Stranraer inshore RNLI. The event is family orientated. Held over two nights and one day. Music from all genre's are catered for. With out door attractions and stalls. The local community get behind the event by volunteering their time and efforts, so the event can run. www.facebook.com/stranraernliparkfest
Innerleithen Music Festival Scottish Borders 19-21 August 2016 A hugely enjoyable weekend of traditional music in this small Borders town, beautifully situated amongst rolling hills by the River Tweed. Memorable concerts feature some of the biggest names in Celtic music alongside the best of the local talent and the weekend is rounded off with a concert presenting wonderful singers of traditional song. Complementing the concerts are an open stage, a singaround and the legendary informal music sessions in local hostelries and the Union Club. www.innerleithenmusicfestival.org
Doune The Rabbit Hole Cardross, nr Stirling 19-21 August 2016
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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com A small family-friendly festival with a twist! Doune The Rabbit Hole presents music, comedy, art, spoken word, drama, puppetry and much more! Events across Scotland throughout the year culminating in a 3 day multi arts festival... it's time to go Doune The Rabbit Hole!! We make people happy through music, art, cake and loads of other stuff! After we've done that we teach people who wouldn't ordinarily be able to how to do creative things, like play instruments, write poetry and paint.
Drumlanrig Castle, south west Scotland. We’ve been working really hard to top last year and we’re pretty excited about this summer, as well as having some brand new developments. One of the most exciting music festivals in Scotland returns in 2016, over two days in the stunning grounds of Drumlanrig Castle!
www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk
Edinburgh 27-28 August
www.facebook.com/electricfieldsfestival
Edinburgh Mela
Groove Loch Ness
Northumberland Coast , the Lindisfarne festival is conveniently located off the A1 and around 6 miles from Berwick upon Tweed. The festival has an eclectic range of music and arts with 2015 saw music from the likes of Public Service Broadcasting, Reverend and the Makers, Craig Charles, The Skints, DJ Yoda and Nadine Shah play in the breath-taking scenery. A brilliant weekend away 2016’s festival will be everything a small independent festival should be. www.lindisfarnefestival.com
Blas Festival
The Edinburgh Mela is Scotland's biggest and best celebration of world music and dance. The Mela seeks to embrace all its diverse communities and cultures, providing a showcase Groove Loch Ness is due to return to the iconic and development opportunities for artists from location on the banks of the Loch for it’s 2nd within those groups, working alongside artists of outing. After the overwhelming positive feedback national and international stature. of the inaugural event which saw a raft of international DJ’s including Groove Armada, www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk 2mandjs, Tensnake and B.Traits along with a wealth of talent from the Highlands and throughout Scotland, Groove Loch Ness will once Nairn Book and again transform the world famous location into Arts Festival Scotland’s biggest nightclub under the stars. Nairn 30 August - 4 September www.groovefestival.co.uk
Highlands 2-10 September
Welcome to the 13th Nairn Book and Arts Stowed Out Festival Festival. It’s the time of year to have your senses assaulted, your mind stimulated, and Stow your spirits raised and we have just the 26-27 August programme to do that. This year, our literary events span the centuries, topics from real life Stowed Out is ran by Sound Out are a not for profit organisation formed in 2009 by an eclectic adventure and travel to crime, real and fictional, group of musicians and music fans in the village and politics. The music programme includes a strong Scottish core and the warmth and of Stow in the Scottish Borders. sunshine of Spain, while the varied visual arts Over the years Sound Out has grown and now programme includes a return to staging an open hosts a range vibrant music and arts events exhibition in Nairn, always an exciting event. where there is always a strong emphasis on We also have a range of workshops led by highly encouraging and supporting young or first time regarded artists. performers to get up and have a go.
Dalkeith 3 September
Loch Ness 20 August
www.soundout.org.uk
https://nairnfestival.co.uk/
Summer Isles Festival
SEPTEMBER
Achiltibuie 26-27th August Summer Isles Festival is an award-winning twoday event programmed by local musician Mairearad Green that brings the best Scottish musical and creative talent to the spectacular setting of Achiltibuie. Festival returns for a fifth year, with a line-up including the Peatbog Faeries, Blazin’ Fiddles, Blue Rose Code and Tannara. Showcase concert kick-starts the weekend to celebrate home-grown talent from the local community - Entertainment for all the family, with fringe activities including workshops, food demonstrations and stalls featuring local produce - Established and run by successful local musician Mairearad Green - Takes place in picturesque location, under an hour from Ullapool - The Summer Isles Festival Youth Fund continues to support young people living in the Coigach community looking to develop their creative aspirations www.summerislesfestival.com
Electric Fields Drumlanrig Castle 26-27 August Nestling in the beautiful surroundings of
Bathgate Music Festival Bathgate 1-4 September The programme features a range of musical styles, profiles local music making, involve people of all ages, promotes a high quality professional programme and provides music education opportunities for young people. The programme has several main strands: Party in the Park’ Regal Community Theatre Concert Programme, Schools programme, Live n Local, Community programme and Live @ the Steelyard www.facebook.com/BathgateMusicFestival
Lindisfarne Festival
The Blas festival aims to play a role in celebrating the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands of Scotland. Blas will do this in part by creating the opportunities for young musicians to play and learn with leading artists in traditional music and Gaelic. Blas will also widen the opportunities for communities to experience and enjoy live music and Gaelic performances which support their culture. www.blas-festival.com
Midstock Festival Just when you think festival season is over, there’s still another cracker to be enjoyed before the nights draw in. The line up will offer a variety of musical tastes designed to cater for the wide demographic expected at the festival, which welcomes everyone aged 0-90.Tickets on sale soon @ www.midstockfestival.com www.midstockfestival.com
Dundee Celt Fest Dundee 3 September Dundee Celt Fest returns for a second year with an exciting line up of artists. Bringing Celtic rock and folk music to the heart of Dundee. www.facebook.com/dundeeceltfest
Live @ Troon Ayrshire 8-11 September 2016 is a massive year for Troon as it becomes the focus of the golfing world during the summer with the return of The Open Championship to Royal Troon and as a result it's likely to be a busier year than ever for the volunteers of Live@Troon. The line up is now taking full shape for the core events and tickets are on sale for most online already. www.liveattroon.com
Holy Island 2-4 September
Best of the West Festival
Lindisfarne 2016 promises to be as exciting and spectacular as the inaugural year. The first year saw the music, arts and camping festival achieve national acclaim and was shortlisted for 3 national awards including being a finalist as “Best New Festival in the UK”. With the spectacular backdrop of Holy Island and North
Best of the West Festival an 'end of season' showcase held annually in the grounds of Inveraray Castle in Argyll. This family weekend includes two days of music and song with performances in both English and Gaelic. The
Inveraray 10-11 September
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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com festival has a strong focus on local young talent as well as the best of the established performers. As well as a great line-up of music, food and drink it's also important to us to provide a wide range of activities for all ages. www.bowfest.co.uk
The sparkling Blue Rose Code will do the honours and open the 10th anniversary Glasgow Americana Festival in October. On Wednesday 5 October in St Andrew’s in the Square' Man behind the music, Ross Wilson has rightly won huge praise for live, sell-out performances including joyous sessions for the BBC.
Ceòl Cholasa
www.glasgowamericana.com
Colonsay Folk Festival 15-18 September
100 Bands On The Border
Ceòl Cholasa is held the third weekend of September each year and features internationally acclaimed artists from Scotland and beyond.. http://ceolcholasa.co.uk/
True North Aberdeen 22-25 September Iconic soulstress and Brit Award-nominee Laura Mvula will head the line-up for this year’s True North festival, Aberdeen Performing Arts is delighted to announce. The singer-songwriter takes top billing for the festival, now in its second year and with an expanded programme over four days. True North – Aberdeen’s festival of music and song – will take place in venues around the city and in outdoor locations from September 22 – 25. The festival is inspired by the fantastic heritage of singer-songwriters in the North-east, and features a line-up of iconic musicians and emerging talent.
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth
Isle of Jura Music Festival Jura 23-25 September The Isle of Jura Musical Festival is a wellestablished favourite for lovers of the traditional music scene, enjoy a weekend packed with fantastic performances, stimulating workshops, spontaneous sessions and great craic. To guarantee you don’t miss out, you can prepurchase your tickets online now. www.juramusicfestival.com
Galashiels welcomes back 100 Bands on the Border on the 7th, 8th and 9th October 2016! The Best Bands will be back again along with some special new additions We look forward to welcoming back our supporters from last year that had such a great time and gave us such wonderful reviews. And can't wait to introduce a whole load of new guests to the festival from the local community as well as from further afield. For those travelling to us from our Scottish cities, why not take the celebrated Borders Railway. A 50min world class scenic journey from Edinburgh through the winding valleys of the Southern Uplands. Come and join us for a wee taster day trip or for an entire weekend of fun. We promise top quality live music, a high energy festival atmosphere but with the cosiness and character of a wee Borders town. www.100bands.co.uk
Ullapool Guitar Festival Ullapool 7-9 October So why is the UGF so special? Perhaps it’s the mix of music old and new, of electric and acoustic, of steel and nylon, of seasoned performers and those, like the students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, just starting out on their careers. Perhaps it’s the location on Loch Broom and the drive up through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Perhaps it’s the informal air of the whole weekend: there’s no “us and them”, no VIP area. Everyone mingles, and you’re likely to find yourself sitting beside a guitar legend in the Festival Club – or even jamming with them on one of the trade stands. www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com
Loopallu Ullapool 30 September - 1 October Ten years young, Loopallu...On paper they said it wouldn’t work, a festival in late September in a remote village on the West Coast of Scotland 60 miles from the nearest town, but that was ten years ago. 2015 see’s our friendly, small (but we thank perfectly formed) festival enter it’s eleventh year. Another year of fun regardless of what the weather has to say about it. Another year making new friends, and catching up with old ones. www.loopallu.co.uk
OCTOBER Glasgow Americana Glasgow 5-9 October
Galashiels 7-9 October
Doricana Fest Stonehaven 8 October One day music festival based in the NE of Scotland showcasing the countries finest Americana / Roots / Country and Acoustic acts. Stonehaven is tuning up for a boot scooting new Americana music festival aimed at visitors and locals alike.The one day (family) festival will feature 6 Scottish bands with Americana roots including The Holy Ghosts (Edinburgh), Colin Clyne (Stonehaven), Daniel Meade (Glasgow), The New Madrids (Perth), Mikey Maclennan (The Carloways, Bridge of Earn) and The Malpaso Gang (Aberdeen).
The Spree is Paisley's national festival of music, comedy and much more, taking place as part of the town's bid for UK City of Culture 2021. Now in its fifth year, the 2016 edition will take place from 14 to 22 October at various venues in the town, including a specially-erected Spiegeltent in the town centre. Headliners include Admiral Fallow, a unique collaboration between Justin Currie and the RSNO, Roddy Woomble and Band, Donnie Munro, and a double bill of Treacherous Orchestra and Skerryvore, plus comedy from Daniel Sloss and Craig Hill. For tickets and more info, see www.thespree.co.uk
NOVEMBER Fiddle 2016 Edinburgh 18-20 November One of Scotland's biggest traditional music festivals, promoting & sustaining traditional fiddle music since 1996. A weekend packed full of great music! Over the weekend there are concerts, ceilidhs, recitals, workshops, talks, open stage, festival clubs, sessions, stalls, free events.... and lots, lots more! The Fiddle Festival committee are now working hard towards Fiddle 2016. The dates are out now but keep an eye on our Facebook page and join our mailing list to be the first to hear what artists are playing at this years festival. www.scotsfiddlefestival.com
DECEMBER Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Edinburgh 30 December - 1 January 2017 Three days of spectacular events, incredible bands and amazing crowds from every corner of the globe. See Shetland Vikings bearing firelit torches, hear beautiful choral singing in St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy birling to traditional Scottish music in the Old Town, and watch top stars and incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh's Hogmanay shows the world how to party! www.edinburghshogmanay.org
JANUARY 2017 Celtic Connections Glasgow 19 January - 5 February Celtic Connections 2017 comprises a wealth of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, workshops, free events and late night sessions taking place over 18 days across various venues in Glasgow. www.celticconnections.com
www.facebook.com/DoricanaFest
The Spree Paisley 14-22 October
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