SOME of the biggest names in folk music have been lined up to play at this year’s Speyfest.
Joining Scottish favourites Skerryvore and Celtic supergroup Mànran are genre-bending trio Talisk, innovative modern female folk band Kinnaris Quintet, beloved Gaelic crossover act Norrie MacIver Band, and the inimitable musical combination of John McCusker, Michael McGoldrick and John Doyle.
Also set to perform this July are Glasgow-based five-piece Ímar, female-led fiddle sensations FARA and Mec Lir quartet.
Scottish ska outfit Bombskare, Irish traditional duo Daithí and Adèle and Aberdeenshire trad group Ruach will have hands clapping and toes tapping across the weekend, while local sensations and festival favourites the Milne’s High School Fiddlers and Auld Fochabers Fiddlers will again join the Speyfest party.
The packed programme is also set to feature the festival’s much-loved music workshops, a bustling craft fair, whisky and gin tastings, prosecco afternoon tea and the well-attended Celtic Kirk service.
First held in 1995, Speyfest has grown from a local event with one small tent holding around 300 people, to a 1500-capacity festival.
Last year’s return after the pandemic saw around 4000 people passing through the gates across the three days, enjoying the talents of more than 70 musicians across 39 performances, all backed by around 100 sponsors and supporters.
Mànran founder member Gary Innes, who will compere the Family Sunday, said he was looking forward to this year’s event on July 21-23.
“I have such fond memories of the last time we performed at the festival in 2019 – the crowd and the whole event was fantastic, so we’re excited to see how it’s grown since then and once again be at the heart of it,” he said.
Aileen Reid of Kinnaris Quintet said the band were also looking forward to appearing at Speyfest.
“We couldn’t be happier to be performing at Speyfest alongside so many other fantastic Scottish acts this year,” she said. “It’s a real highlight of the summer festival calendar and we can’t wait to bring our music to this beautiful wee corner of the country.”
Speyfest chair Ashleigh McGregor added: “Last year was a great success and we’re looking to build on that and make this year even bigger and better. We’ve got local superstars playing alongside some of the biggest names in folk music right now and there’s truly something for everyone.
“We’ve also got a fantastic variety of entertainment and activities on offer for all ages – it’s shaping up to be an amazing weekend and we can’t wait to see you there. There’s still time to get your early bird tickets so be quick if you want a bargain!”
A limited number of early bird tickets for Speyfest 2023 are available to buy until this Friday.
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