“I absolutely loved it” - organiser ‘buzzing’ with success of MacMoray Festival
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
‘SLEEP-DEPRIVED’ MacMoray organiser Andy Macdonald said he “absolutely loved” the festival’s third edition.
On both Saturday and Sunday (May 4 and 5), 10,000 people descended on Cooper Park for a day of music from a variety of genres and generations.
For Andy, it was a case of watching months of his hard work piece together in front of his eyes. The first thing on his wishlist, though, was a good, long sleep.
“I’m really, really tired and sleep-deprived,” he said on Sunday night. “I’ve not slept all week, but the adrenalin rush keeps you going. Now I just want to go to bed!
“But I’ve absolutely loved it. Again, I know what I’m going to do to make it better, I’m fully aware of little issues and things we have to deal with. Overall, I’m happy.
“You won’t see the same problems at the summer event as there were at this one - but all in all, it’s been class, it’s been really good.”
Below: Organiser Andy MacDonald and MC DJ Jammie speak to The Northern Scot during Saturday’s MacMoray Festival
There was a slight change in the running order on Saturday due to DJ Sammy having travel issues - but he came on late and provided a high-octane set which sent crowds home buzzing after Blue had played.
Whigfield, Boyzlife and Scouting For Girls played on Sunday evening and got the crowd whipped into a frenzy.
Andy alluded to some minor issues with the bar, and said these will be worked on ahead of August’s event.
“I feel like a customer as well when my bar runs out of drink,” he said. “I’m annoyed as they are.
“It’s just annoying that I didn’t get the stock I asked for - and only got 40 or 50 per cent of what I asked for.
“By the time we realised it was too late. But apart from that I’m happy, I’m buzzing.”
“Give me a couple of weeks to hide away, then I’ll get on with MacPiping Hot, then I’ll get on with the Forres Fest and then it’s Summer MacMoray.”
Plans for MacMoray’s Summer Special, which is due to take place on August 10 and 11, are long underway.
The Vamps, Cascada, Aqua, Status Quo, The Jacksons and Bonnie Tyler were announced for the festival in 2023, and have now been joined on the bill by Callum Beattie.
His appearance was confirmed by a video played on the big screen on Saturday night.
Andy added: “I planned with Callum Beattie to announce him at this event. He wanted to play at MacMoray Easter, but he can’t because he’s on tour right now.
“He’s one of the artists that has been asked for more than anyone. Everyone has asked for him. I’m just so glad I could get him.”
