YOUR VIEWS: MacMoray Festival not returning to Elgin after 2025
AFTER the news broke earlier this week that MacMoray will be holding its last festival next year, we asked for your thoughts on the Elgin-based event ending.
Many locals expressed their sadness at the news. Paul Gerrie said: “Gutted. Fantastic for the area, such an array of entertainment and bands, and the ability to put local talent to the forefront.”
This sentiment seems to have been echoed by the majority of responses.
Nickay Grant said: “Such a shame, I've never been, was hoping to go next year, didn't think it would be the last. We don't get much things like that here anymore, the ones who set it up have done an amazing job at keeping it going.
“Will really be a shame to see it go... maybe one day, someone else will continue Andy’s legacy, and bring MacMoray back.”
MORE: DJ Sammy to play at MacMoray Festival’s summer edition
Beverley Owen added: “I’m so sad it won’t be returning however I fully understand why. MacMoray is a fantastic, fun and family-friendly event and I am going to thoroughly enjoy the remaining two.”
Support for festival organiser Andy Macdonald was overwhelmingly positive. Macdonald made the decision to end the festival to focus on family, as he and his partner Angela are expecting their daughter Macie in September.
Commenters wished Andy and his family the best of luck, with Margaret Adams saying: “Sad it won’t be returning as it’s been fantastic to everyone. Andy done a fab job but understand him wanting to spend time with his family.”
William Smith said: “It's a major organising and mega cost would be very hard to get people with Andy’s spirit in doing this. Best of luck to Andy and his team”
Elaine Wood also wished him luck. She added: “Been to them all so far. Well done to Andy and his team for making it so successful. His family have to be his priority now and wish him all the best. Gutted next year will be the last but who knows.”
Allyson Bell was one who hoped the festival would return. She said: “Someone else can apply for the license and try to continue this. Hopefully in the spirit Andy did but I highly doubt it would be.
“He is entitled to spend time with his new family and we wish him all the best. Thanks for the memories, past and future.”
Luke Sharkey was one who wasn’t too sad to see the event go. He said: “Shame for Elgin to lose such a popular event. but in the years it's been on I don't think they've had a single act I was interested in seeing so it doesn't put me up or down.”
The first festival took place in Cooper Park in 2022, with the last MacMoray to be held on April 19 and 20 in 2025.
There are still tickets available for the Summer festival, to be held on August 10 and 11 next month.
Visit macmoray.com for more information.
