Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham returning to Fochabers for Mayfest
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TWO of Scotland's favourite music performers are heading to Moray for Mayfest.
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham will bring their distinctive humour and traditional music to the Fochabers Public Institute on Saturday, May 13 as a prelude to the Speyfest traditional and Celtic music festival in the summer.
The duo have become a national institution with their mastery of fiddle and accordion, bringing excellence in traditional music to venues across the country.
Phil performed at last summer's Speyfest but his partner was missing as he recovered from surgery.
Milne’s High School Fiddlers will open the concert on May 13, which starts at 7pm, giving north-east audiences a taste of Speyfest two months in advance of the festival returning to Fochabers in July.
Mayfest will be hosted by Speyfest compere Chris Wiles and the audience will also be able to purchase tickets for the summer festival.
Speyfest chairwoman Ashleigh McGregor said: “Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are always a firm favourite at Speyfest and in Fochabers.
"After Aly wasn’t able to make it to the festival last year, it’s brilliant to welcome the pair back to the village for this special concert.
"It’s set to be a brilliant night to get us all in the mood for Speyfest and we look forward to seeing lots of locals join us for what we’ve nicknamed Mayfest!”
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham said: “We’re very much looking forward to getting back in front of Fochabers audiences for a special wee night of tunes and chat. We always have a blast at Speyfest and no doubt Mayfest will be no different.”
From its origins in 1995, started by the late James Alexander as a small local event with one small tent holding 300 people, Speyfest is now a1500-capacity festival over a full This year it will take place from July 21-23.
James' vision was to give young musicians a chance to perform on a local stage, alongside seasoned performers.
Aside from the headliners and other performers, the packed programme will feature music workshops, a bustling craft fair, whisky and gin tastings, prosecco afternoon tea and the well-attended Celtic Kirk service.
Tickets for Aly and Phil’s Mayfest concert are available for £20 from Christie’s Chemist in Fochabers or from www.speyfest.com.
