Countdown ticking for Speyfest 2024
THE countdown is on for the iconic Speyfest music festival in Fochabers, with the gates due to open this Friday evening.
It will herald a weekend of some of the best in Celtic and traditional Scottish music as talents from across the globe descend on the playing fields in the village.
Scottish icons Tide Lines, six-piece Highland powerhouse Trail West, returning favourites Skerryvore and local stars Tour Bus Fortune are among those lining up on the main stage while on the second stage a variety of local and emerging talent will be showcased.
This is set to feature contemporary traditional band Tìr-Mòr, Aberdeenshire four-piece Ruach, upbeat trio Johnny Sheep & The Coupit Ewes and local Americana fusion group The Forty Elephants joining the jam-packed line-up.
The stage is known for its party atmosphere and runs concurrently with the Christie main stage line-up.
Away from the music, the festival’s craft fair will welcome makers from across Scotland from 9.30am - 2.30pm on Saturday.
The non-denominational Celtic Kirk Service will return at 10am on Sunday, with performances from Celtic Worship, Arc Fiddlers and A Louth Lilt.
The usual array of quality local food and drinks will be available across the weekend, with the bar open throughout the day from 11am.
This year’s festival will also have more on offer for families than ever before, with kids events including a silent disco, arts and crafts and face painting with Highland Artisans, and Fox’s Tales interactive story telling sessions from Fox and Friends Highland.
One of those looking forward t what promises to be packed weekend is Speyfest chairwoman Ashleigh Macgregor.
She said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming back some festival favourites from previous years including Sharon Shannon and Fiddlers’ Bid.
“Both have played for us before – they adore Speyfest and we adore them, so we’re really pleased to welcome them back. It’s also wonderful to be hosting some incredible new talent and see them perform in Fochabers for the very first time.
“Not only that but we’ve got activities and workshops for all ages taking place across the weekend, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone for Speyfest Family Sunday hosted by the wonderful Anna Massie. It’s going to be a cracking weekend, so I would encourage everyone to secure their tickets soon to ensure their place at the heart of it all!”
