Speyfest 25 ready to party in Fochabers
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The Scottish traditional folk festival is underway in Fochabers.
Organisers have waited three years to stage the event due to the Covid pandemic.
And they will look to make up for lost time when the entertainment kicks into action on the playing fields.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers are the headliners for the Friday night stomp from 10pm, supported by festival regulars Tour Bus Fortune.
The legendary duo of Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are back for the Friday evening concert which gets the weekend of music off and running.
Speyfest Association Chair Ashleigh Macgregor said: “It feels amazing that Speyfest opening day is finally here. It’s really exciting and emotional to see the festival celebrations start and to welcome everyone back to Fochabers Playing Fields for an unforgettable weekend of music, food and drinks and fun as we celebrate our 25th birthday.
“Tonight’s line-up is a perfect way to kick off the weekend, with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers sure to excite and enthral the crowd. After two years of plans put on hold, to say it’s good to be back is an understatement.
“Tickets are still available for the weekend, so if you are keen to see some of the most incredible talent Scotland has to offer, head to our website and nab some!”
The festival will be tinged with sadness that one of its founders and leading lights James Alexander will not be performing following his death earlier this year.
However, it will also double as a celebration of the life of a musician who inspired generations of children to take up the fiddle and follow their dreams.
He was a legendary figure in the Scottish traditional music scene and Speyfest was his brainchild.
All of the performers are determined to put on a special show in his honour.
Festival vice-chair 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.
“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 with this year’s milestone event.
“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.”
Festival information and tickets are available from the festival office at the venue.
To book tickets online go to https://speyfest.com/tickets/
