Organiser Andy Macdonald putting the 'Family' in MacMoray Family Festival
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THERE was a strong family feel to Elgin's MacMoray Festival – with thousands of people of all ages flocking to Cooper Park at the weekend for two days of live music.
Bands on stage commented on the number of youngsters in attendance, with Bay City Rollers just one of the bands performing to have brought family, from Macduff, along.
The operation behind the MacMoray Family Easter Festival – to give it its full name – is as family-orientated as the event itself. For organiser Andy Macdonald, this fact is absolutely vital to the festival.
Last August, Andy was left devastated by the untimely passing of his partner Sarah, who was just 31 and played a massive part in the festival starting, as well as it coming to Elgin.
Andy said that Sarah was the "inspiration" behind the festival's formation and promised that the 2023 edition would be a "fitting tribute" to her.
Around 16 of her family members, including her mother Jillian, who was artist liaison, father Andrew, nieces, nephews, aunties and uncles were there to see that tribute first hand.
"It's obviously emotional," Andy said. "I've just been trying to keep going all year. It is tough.
"I have my moments where I have to go away and do my thing, but I can talk about her because I never stop thinking about her.
"For me, the festival will always be about her and this bring us and Sarah's family closer together.
"Sarah's family worked at the merchandise store, back stage, looked after money. Everything. They were the backbone of the festival.
"They had the time of their lives and want it to be next year already."
It's a point of pride for Andy that he is able to keep the festival as 'family friendly' as possible – with a kids entertainment village and play park keeping the young ones busy across both Saturday and Sunday.
Andy added: "Everyone was happy everything there was free play for the young ones.
"Some said it would be nice if there was a stage there, so we have taken that on board. We always aim to improve."
