A packed programme of engaging workshops and bustling events is planned for Speyfest 2024, along with the lineup for the festival’s second stage, now known as the Duncans of Fochabers Stage.
The highly anticipated annual festival brings the best in Celtic and traditional Scottish music to Moray every summer when the iconic tented village takes over the local playing fields and is set to return once again from 19th – 21st July 2024.
The Duncans of Fochabers Stage will showcase a wealth of emerging and local talent, with 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.
Party atmosphere
Located at the main festival bar, the Duncans of Fochabers Stage is known for its party atmosphere, and runs concurrently with the impressive Christie main stage line up. 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 talented Amber Thornley Trio and Fèis Spè’s Monadh Ruadh band.
The festival was founded on the desire to share world-class music with the next generation and that tradition will continue this year with a suite of music workshops, supported by Beatrice Offshore Windfarm. Top talent will 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, who perform as A Louth Lilt. With a focus on fun, participation and collaboration, there is no requirement to read music, and the workshops are open to all ages and abilities.
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. Open to all ages and abilities, with no auditions or solos, the workshops are fun and friendly, with something for everyone. Anyone interested in signing up should contact erika.stewart@speyfest.com by Monday 15th July.
Bustling craft fair
Elsewhere, the festival’s bustling craft fair will welcome makers from across Scotland from 9.30am – 2.30pm on Saturday and 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.
Fresh for 2024 is a new cocktails and canapés event. Priced at £35 per person and with spaces limited, this exclusive Saturday event will give festival-goers the chance to enjoy an intimate acoustic performance while enjoying artisan cocktails mixed using local spirits and a selection of mouth-watering bites.
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.
Speyfest Chair Ashleigh Macgregor 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.”
The new activities and 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, including 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 much-loved Family Sunday will this year be hosted by Black Isle multi-instrumentalist and BBC Radio Scotland Travelling Folk presenter Anna Massie.
A range of tickets are available for Speyfest, including weekend passes, concert tickets, stomp tickets, combined tickets, all-day Sunday tickets and a student discount weekend pass. Entry to the craft fair, which is held on Saturday afternoon, is free.
Speyfest will return on 19th – 21st July 2024. For more information, to secure workshop places and to buy tickets, visit www.speyfest.com. Tickets are also available from Christies the Chemist in Fochabers.