In a galaxy not so far away, over the hill in Beauly Inverness-shire lies a once in a year experience of magical music and mayhem. It’s Scotland’s very own, ever growing Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. Homegrown in the Highlands, and in its 15th year, tooted to be Scotland’s friendliest festival Belladrum will take place over the 1st to the 3rd August. Tickets are unfortunately all sold out but if you’re lucky enough to have grabbed yourself a spot you’re in for a right treat.
The festival will kick off on the Thursday with plenty of Scottish acts on the roster. Take your time to find a new wee gem and explore the offerings because there are not so many festivals that showcase Scottish acts in the way Belladrum does. You’ve still got your big-name headliners with Elbow and Tom Odell playing you into the night. But there are plenty of lesser known bands worth a mention. Folk rock Highanders Torridon are not new to the Belladrum scene. They bring a folk-rock sound to warm your tartan cockles. The guys are a multi-award winning Highland band who have gained a solid following across Europe.
Also on the Thursday are Rhythmnreel. Not too dissimilar form Torridon but more of the Celtic rock variety. They are known for bringing entertainment to the masses through their private event gigging and full of talented musicians. Their expertise includes pipes, whistle, fiddle, sax and accordion in addition to the usual drums, vocals and guitar. Leave it to Belladrum to bring you an eclecticism next to none.
Other local acts include the Perthshire based Americana outfit The Carloways. Formed back in their school days, they have played countless gigs and festivals over the last three years. From Cornwall to Thurso, they have had 19 sold out shows and supported well known favourites The Magic numbers. It was their track ‘Crawlin Back’ that was selected as the 2018 Belladrum soundtrack.
Friday will be headed up by the much acclaimed Chvrches and Johnny Marr. From the Scottish selection, there you will also have the pleasure of the ear pleasing Elephant Sessions. Formed in 2012, all the way from the Highlands, these guys offer a progressive sound. Their repertoire is fuelled by an array of unconventional instruments including fiddle and mandolin. A sound that is characterised by traditional, funk and electronica, your mind will be pulled across genre boundaries and set on fire with their exciting sound. They have won several awards over the years including Live Act of the Year in 2018 at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards. Talent is simply booming through their veins.
Vistas will also make an appearance on the Friday. Originating from Edinburgh, Vistas are a three-piece indie-rock band who formed in 2016. They’re a catchy bunch who bring you hooks that will sink your interests deep into their live performance. If you’re looking for something to bring that summer dancey vibe, get on over for a listen. Glasvegas are a name that does not go unnoticed. They have been on the go since 2005 with their one main influence consisting of Elvis Presley himself. The Glasgow originals, as you may have guessed, have earned unbounding critical acclaim over the years. They were nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2009, and featured in Q magazine’s list of top 50 albums of 2008. Their reputation precedes them and their live music reaffirms their worth.
Saturday will be host to a multitude of talent. The bold Jess Glyne is heading up this final even of wickedness as well as his royal, most popular self, Lewis Capaldi. In addition, Skerryvore will take a prestigious Saturday spot. Another award-winning outfit, all the way from the far off Tiree. They are self-described as creating a fusion of folk, trad, rock and Americana. With no less than 8 members, they have gained recognition for their unique musical contributions through their single Live Forever, which featured as the soundtrack for the Scottish tourism promotional campaign ‘Wild About Argyll’. It was the same single that also hit number one in the iTunes World Music Chart. Last year saw the release of their sixth studio album with no signs of stopping. The final evening of the festival will further be host to none other than The Coral, Ninth Wave, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 and The Sugarhill Gang.
There is really not much more you could ask from a festival other than the promise of some shiny sunshine. So, if you’re lucky enough to have grabbed a ticket or two, pack yer wellies and don your sun spectacles, as the treats await you in the heart of Inverness.
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