Schedule unveiled for 25th Speyfest festival – with tributes to founder James Alexander planned

By Jonathan Clark

Published: 13:33, 27 May 2022

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THE schedule for the 25th running of Speyfest has been unveiled – with more acts added to the line-up for the three-day event.

The much-loved Fochabers folk festival, first held in 1995, is preparing for its post-pandemic return on Friday, July 22.

Tickets are now on sale for the event, with festival-goers having the chance to see acts such as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Skerryvore and Elephant Sessions.

After the sad news of the passing of the festival’s founder, James M Alexander, organisers are also planning a fitting tribute to him.

James Alexander at the end of the Sunday session from the Fochabers' Fiddlers...Speyfest 2019...Picture: Daniel Forsyth. Image No.044527.

The festival's closing day will see some of James’ closest musical colleagues, including Charlie McKerron, Douglas Lawrence, Paul Anderson and Gregor Borland, gather to share some of the tunes they played together over the years.

Speyfest Association vice chairperson Ashleigh Macgregor said: “We are so looking forward to welcoming faces old and new to our beloved festival as we mark an incredible 25-year milestone within the Moray community.

Ashleigh MacGregor plays the fiddle on the Sunday Fochabers Fiddlers session...Speyfest 2019. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

"This year’s festival is made all the more poignant by the passing of our dear friend and founder James Alexander and we have every intention of doing him proud.

“We will be showcasing the very best in traditional and Celtic music and giving keen young musicians a valuable opportunity to meet and learn from the best-known musicians on the scene, while injecting economic opportunities into the local community.

“Thank you to everyone who snapped up an early bird ticket and to everyone planning on joining us across the weekend this July, it’s going to be a really special weekend.

"We would also like to extend our gratitude to all of our sponsors and supporters who make the festival possible.”

Speyfest will once again welcome festival favourites Rura, who have been regulars on the line-up over the years, with local audiences always keen to catch Moray native Jack Smedley performing.

Celtic pop act Dougal's Jumper will also perform, alongside upbeat contemporary trad band Tìr-Mòr, ceilidh band Makarakit and Moray seven-piece The Forty Elephants.

Local talent includes Colin Campbell and Friends, Speyside trio Kilderkin, north-east musicians Don and Emma Holdernesse and Elgin rock artist Danny Mortimer.

The Young Entertainer of the Year competition will return, with youngsters involved in all forms of Celtic entertainment, from singing and instrumental music to poetry and comedy, invited to apply. Entries are open now and the winner will get a spot on the Speyfest 2022 line-up.

In addition to the music, there will be a bustling craft fair, traditional music workshops and a non-denominational Celtic Kirk Service.

Tickets for the festival can be bought at speyfest-ltd.ticketlight.co.uk.

2022 Line Up

Friday, July 22 – The Bothy Stage