Stellar Speyfest line-up announced for 25th anniversary
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SPEYFEST has announced a stellar line-up for its return next summer when the festival will mark 25 years showcasing the best in traditional and Celtic music here in Moray.
Thousands are expected to flock to Fochabers when Speyfest's tented village pops up again between July 22-24.
Headliners the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore will ensure stomping quarter-century celebrations after the festival was forced into abeyance the last two years due to the pandemic.
They will be joined by Highland folk favourites Elephant Sessions, RURA, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, Duncan Chisholm, and Anna Massie and Mairearad Green.
Speyfest chairman and founder James Alexander, also on the bill as a performer this year, said the festival's return would be emotional.
He said: "We're overjoyed to see the much-awaited return of Speyfest.
"We've been itching to get our 25th anniversary celebrations under way for some time and we're so excited to be back in full voice for 2022, with a fantastic line-up including some spectacular headliners on the menu.
"We can't wait to welcome our loyal Speyfesters who normally attend year on year back to Fochabers for a festival to remember. It will be an emotional moment for us all.
"Audiences and performers can rest assured their safety will be at the forefront of our planning for 2022. A big thank you also goes to the ongoing support of our sponsors for making the event possible."
The first Speyfest, in 1995, was held in one small tent holding around 300 people. It has grown since then to a 1500-capacity tented village welcoming visitors from near and far.
Red Hot Chilli Piper Kevin MacDonald said: "Speyfest is a Scottish festival that holds a dear place in our hearts, having played it many times over the years.
"It's brilliant to see it return and to be able to headline once again.
"Next year marks our 20th anniversary and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than at one of our favourite festivals who are marking their own special milestone.
"We are looking forward to giving the Fochabers crowd a festival to remember and make sure the 25th Speyfest celebrations go off in style."
Folk singer Claire Hastings, local favourites Tour Bus Fortune, singer-songwriter Colin Campbell and Bruce Macgregor, of Blazin' Fiddles, complete the ream of Scottish talent.
The programme also features up-and-coming musicians from Moray and beyond, including Milne's High School Fiddlers.
Alongside the lively mix of concerts, ceilidhs and stomps taking place across the Bothy Stage and Whisky Stage, traditional music and singing workshops will be held throughout the weekend.
The final day will include a non-denominational Celtic Kirk Service and Speyfest Family Sunday. The full programme, including more acts to take to the Whisky Stage, will be announced in spring.
Speyfest stalwart Chris Wiles will return as host and to close out the weekend, and BBC Radio Scotland Travelling Folk presenter Bruce MacGregor will take on the MC mantle for much of the final day.
Local producers and suppliers will also be showcased at craft and food and drink fairs.
A limited number of early-bird tickets for Speyfest 2022 are on sale now, priced at £80 each, here.
