PICTURES: Much loved Fochabers folk festival Speyfest makes triumphant return
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FOCHABERS playing fields were brought to life this weekend, with the return of the popular summer festival Speyfest.
The much-loved event, which brings the best of Celtic and traditional Scottish music to Moray each year, saw more than 30 performances from 160 musicians with attendees clapping, stomping and dancing along to the music throughout the three day festival.
Speyfest’s celebration of Scottish and Celtic traditions included stand-out performances on the festival’s Christie Stage and Macallan Stage from the likes of genre-defying power-house Talisk, folk-rock superstars Mànran, the inimitable Siobhan Miller, highly acclaimed flautist, piper and Speyfest native Calum Stewart, and festival favourites Skerryvore.
The Macallan Stage also welcomed brilliant local and emerging talent across the weekend including performances from contemporary trad band Ruach, The Forty Elephants, Bob Sharp and more.
Speyfest chairwoman Ashleigh MacGregor said: "I couldn't have asked for a better weekend really. Everyone has been loving Speyfest being back. It's been amazing actually and it feels like a real community spirit this year.
"It's been really busy and we've had great music. A personal highlight for me would have been Siobhan Miller's concert last night, which pretty much sold out. She had the place up on their feet clapping.
"We are full of gratitude for every single person who purchased tickets, lent their voices, showcased their talents, danced, sang and contributed to making Speyfest 2023 such a resounding success. I would also like to thank Neil Christie, who has been an absolute gem. He set this whole thing up, along with his team and he was one of our main sponsors this year."
The packed schedule of the event included whisky and gin tastings, a craft fair, musical workshops, a Celtic Kirk service and afternoon tea and saw Scotland’s First Minister pay the event a visit on Sunday afternoon, with Mr Humza Yousaf discovering all that Speyfest had to offer before introducing the Auld Fochabers Fiddlers onto The Christie Stage.
Mr Yousaf said: "This part of the world, the north east in particular, has a really special place in my heart.
"It's the first time I've ever been here [to Speyfest] and I decided to bring my family too because, you know, I think the traditional music that we are listening to is enjoyed by all generations.
"The wee one, my four-year-old Amal, once she hears the music I suspect getting her off the dance floor will be the difficult part."
