Speyfest announces packed programme for now iconic Fochabers festival
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A PACKED programme of workshops, events and the lineup for Speyfest’s second stage have been announced ahead of the highly anticipated annual festival this summer.
The event brings together the best of Celtic and traditional Scottish music to Fochabers every summer when the now iconic festival takes over the local playing fields.
It will return for 2024 from July 19 to July 21.
The festival’s second stage, known as the Duncans of Fochabers Stage, will showcase a variety of emerging and local talent.
That will include contemporary traditional band Tìr-Mòr, Aberdeenshire four-piece Ruach, upbeat trio Johnny Sheep & The Coupit Ewes and local Americana fusion group The Forty Elephants joining the jam-packed lineup.
The stage is known for its party atmosphere and runs concurrently with the Christie main stage lineup.
Also stepping up to perform on the second stage will be Celtic-pop group Dougal’s Jumper, lively ceilidh band BROMA, and innovative trad outfit MAK 2.
Completing the lineup are Elgin rock artist Danny Mortimer, the Amber Thornley Trio and Fèis Spè’s Monadh Ruadh band.
This year’s festival will continue in its mission to share world-class music with the next generation with a suite of music workshops.
That will see top talent offer aspiring musicians and singers of all levels and ages the opportunity to learn and collaborate and even perform at the festival.
Multi-instrumental workshops will be run by Dàithi Kearney and Adèle Commins, a husband and wife duo from Ireland.
Advanced fiddle workshops, targeted towards players who are keen to develop their experience, will be held by internationally renowned musician Kevin Henderson.
Known for his work with leading bands such as Fiddlers’ Bid and Session A9, Kevin will use his vast experience to coach participants on repertoire and technique.
Lizzie’s Big Sing will also return to Speyfest for 2024, with local vocal coach Lizzie Sharp welcoming anyone who enjoys singing to take part in lively workshops.
Anyone interested in the workshops are being encouraged to sign up by contacting erika.stewart@speyfest.com by Monday July 15.
Elsewhere, the festival’s craft fair will welcome makers from across Scotland from 9.30am - 2.30pm on Saturday.
Its non-denominational Celtic Kirk Service will return at 10am on Sunday, with performances from Celtic Worship, Arc Fiddlers and A Louth Lilt.
The usual array of quality local food and drinks will be available across the weekend, with the bar open throughout the day from 11am.
Ashleigh Macgregor, Speyfest chairperson, said: “As Speyfest 2024 grows closer, we’re so excited to share the full programme of events and workshops on offer this year, as well as the stellar lineup for our second stage.
“We truly have something for everyone at Speyfest and with just over two months to go now until the tented village returns to Fochabers, I would encourage everyone who would like to be part of it to secure their tickets and book their places on workshops as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Fresh for 2024 is a new cocktails and canapés event. This exclusive Saturday event will give festival-goers the chance to enjoy an intimate acoustic performance while enjoying artisan cocktails mixed using local spirits.
This year’s festival will also have more on offer for families than ever before, with kids events including a silent disco, arts and crafts and face painting with Highland Artisans, and Fox’s Tales interactive story telling sessions from Fox and Friends Highland.
The new additions to the programme join the Christie Stage lineup, which will see outstanding live music from some of the biggest names in Scottish and Irish folk music.
That will include Scottish icons Tide Lines, six-piece Highland powerhouse Trail West, returning favourites Skerryvore, Irish music legends the Sharon Shannon Trio and the celebrated Hannah Rarity Band.
Speyfest’s Family Sunday will be hosted by Black Isle multi-instrumentalist and BBC Radio Scotland travelling folk presenter Anna Massie.
Weekend passes, concert tickets, stomp tickets, combined tickets, all-day Sunday tickets and a student discount weekend pass are all available for the festival.
