Organiser’s enthusiasm for MacMoray not fading ahead of festival’s third year
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ORGANISER Andy Macdonald’s enthusiasm for MacMoray is doing anything but wane as the festival enters its third year.
In fact, he reckons this year’s event “has been injected with steroids” and is going to be even better than its predecessors in 2022 and 2023.
The building of the arena began at Elgin’s Cooper Park on Tuesday, with Andy adding that crowd of 10,000 on both days will be “spoiled for choice” with the amount of entertainment and the food kiosks on offer.
“Our set up this year is just so exciting,” he said. “We are absolutely spoiled for choice for food, fun fairs, rides, inflatables and more - it’s going to be crazy. Just like the music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“I keep myself excited with MacMoray because I keep having to make the following year better, and I listen to customers and do things they want to see.
“It’s like the event has been injected with steroids - it’s going to be fantastic and I’m excited to see everyone’s reactions.”
The weather forecast is promising, with temperatures set to sit around the 16-18 degree mark for the majority of the weekend, which will help keep crowds and bands alike happy.
Blue and Scouting For Girls are set to close their respective days, at the top of the bill, and are excited to be doing so.
On the acts, Andy added: “The bands are absolutely buzzing and can't wait to be here.
“I have been fixated on the forecast, watching it every day, and it’s 18 degrees and sun - that’s the best feeling in the world.
“MacMoray kind of kicks everything off for the summer season so we can't wait.”
Another new addition to this year’s MacMoray is a collaboration with Moray UHI, with several students set to volunteer at the festival.
“The team are really excited about the volunteers joining us,” Andy added. “We will teach them a lot about running events and they will work closely with the artists and the management.
“It’s very exciting and we are very grateful for the relationship with UHI. It has been great working with them.”
Ahead of the weekend, MacMoray Festival listed a few dos and donts. Umbrellas and alcohol are not allowed, with picnic rugs and camp chairs welcome.
Andy also recommends that attendees bring cash with them to speed up queues at the bars.
A handful of tickets remain on sale for MacMoray, with the event set to sell out before Saturday begins. Tickets can only be purchased online on the MacMoray website.
The full Macmoray line-up is below
Saturday (main stage)
Cartoons - 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Hue & Cry - 1.55pm - 2.40pm
Torridon - 3.20pm - 4.05pm
The Hoosiers - 4.45pm - 5.30pm
DJ Sammy - 6.10pm - 6.55pm
Peter Andre - 7.35pm - 8.20pm
Blue - 9pm - close
Sunday (main stage)
Black Lace - 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Gareth Gates - 1.55pm - 2.40pm
Bad Manners - 3.20pm - 4.05pm
Drifters - 4.45pm - 5.30pm
Whigfield - 6.10pm - 6.55pm
Boyzlife - 7.35pm - 8.20pm
Scouting For Girls - 9pm - close
