Connect Music Festival to make its return in 2023
Connect Music Festival has announced the first of its fantastic lineup for 2023, as it gets ready to make a big return to Edinburgh later this year.
Article Source: Connect Festival
Last Updated: 1 March 2023 12:03
Connect Music Festival to make its return in 2023 with Primal Scream, Fred again.., boygenius and Loyle Carner
● The boutique festival will return to Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Showgrounds from 25th - 27th August, celebrating music, comedy, spoken word and wellness.
● Festival reveals massive headliners, including Primal Scream, Fred again.., boygenius and Loyle Carner.
● Franz Ferdinand, Young Fathers, Raye, Future Islands, Róisín Murphy, Confidence Man, MUNA, Friendly Fires, Arab Strap, Daniel Avery, Optimo (Espacio) and many more joining the eclectic lineup.
● Variety of additions have been made following 2022’s festival, including new camping options and children’s tickets
The festival, which celebrates an eclectic array of musical talent, comedy, spoken word and wellness, has revealed another stellar bill of artist headliners alongside boutique experiences.
Headlining the opening night of Connect 2023 will be Scots rock legends Primal Scream present Screamadelica, who will be joined by Franz Ferdinand, American four-piece Future Islands, House Gospel Choir, indie-electronic-pop group Confidence Man, along with London-based duo Jockstrap, Ethan P. Flynn, Glasgow punks Humour, Austrian duo Kruder & Dorfmeister, plus Irish selector David Holmes, and Glasgow-local Dija.
From playing King Tut’s in Glasgow in 2021 to being nominated for a Grammy and Brit Award only two years later, Fred again.. will mark his third Scottish appearance by headlining Connect on Saturday 26th August, and will be joined by Edinburgh-natives Young Fathers, Irish singer-songwriter Róisín Murphy, indie pop band MUNA, electronic musician Kelly Lee Owens, Biig Piig plus Free Love. English indie band Friendly Fires, Rachel Chinouriri, TAAHLIA, Leith Ross, Terra Kinn, Edinburgh-based experimental band, Redolent, and L’Objectif will also be treating revellers to their music. Fans are in for a treat with iconic duo Optimo (Espacio), who have a huge loyal following after a years-long residency at Glasgow’s Sub Club and, Eclair Fifi, Joy Anonymous, Sofay, J Wax, and Jamie Gunn.
Finally, on Sunday, American indie-rock supergroup boygenius featuring Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, will be closing the festival. London hip hop artist Loyle Carner will also be headlining, after his recent album ‘Hugo’ launched at the end of last year. Along with Sunday’s headliners, Raye, Public Service Broadcasting, English rock band Lightning Seeds, Olivia Dean and Christian Lee Huston will take to the stage. Sunday will also play host to Scots indie rock band Arab Strap, ‘folktronica’ artist Beth Orton, Wunderhorse, Kamal, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, Panic Shackl and Louis Culture. Daniel Avery, who recently launched his latest album ‘Ultra Truth’, electronic producer Mona Yim, Rory James, and Glasgow DJ Frankie Elyse will also be performing.
Building on the phenomenal success of the 2022 festival, Connect have made a variety of enhancements and additions to the weekend, including an expansion to the camping area, allowing festival-goers to bring their own tent, along with boutique and pre-pitched tents plus an area for live-in vehicles.
Tickets for children aged 0-12 will be available for entry to this year’s festival, meaning families can enjoy a great weekend together. A full programme of children’s activities will be announced in due course.
The site is also easily accessible by fantastic and affordable public transport links right across the country - a return bus journey from Glasgow to Ingliston can be purchased for just £10.
In addition to fantastic music, festival-goers can expect top-quality food featuring some of the best local traders thanks to Edinburgh’s established Neighbourgood Market which was born out of lockdown and has welcomed over 200,000 food aficionados since, who promise to bring some of the most sought-after traders to Connect 2023. After the success of last year’s event, which received critical acclaim and 5-star reviews, Connect Festival is delighted to have Chef Barry Bryson back who will bring his sell-out concept menu to the Chef’s Table.
Makers Markets will support local and national artisans who will bring beautifully unique pieces such as prints, jewellery, pottery and clothing to Connect. Workshops will also be taking place in this newly formed area for 2023, so people can get involved and personalise their favourite items. For those looking for something more zen, the festival’s Rest & Be Thankful wellness programme is returning this year. Nestled away in The Meadow, it offers attendees a space to relax and rejuvenate with workshops including Soul Water Sauna, breath work, sound healing and yoga, with a full programme to be announced.
Finally, Connect Festival will also be home to amazing artwork, showcasing a variety of budding artists, creating pieces on site. Street art initiative Yardworks and up-and-coming artist Trackie McLeod will be featured, along with alternative illustrator, Jenny Soep who previously attended Connect in both 2007 and 2008.
Katt Lingard, Festival Manager, said: “We’re delighted to announce our lineup for Connect 2023. After such a fantastic festival in 2022, we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to an even bigger and bolder edition this summer.
“We have an unrivalled programme of music, acclaimed comedy and an expanded wellbeing schedule. We're opening our doors to families, with dedicated entertainment for children of all ages, and adding a fantastic artisan food destination. Connect really is a unique event in Scotland, bringing together everything that’s great about live music, being outdoors and I really feel we’ve created something so much bigger than the sum of its parts.
“Connect is all about being with friends and loved ones, creating our own community for the weekend, full of like-minded people, at one of the most beautiful festivals in the country.”
Tickets are available to purchase through pre-sale on the Connect Music Festival website from Thursday 2nd March, and will be on sale from Friday 3rd at 10am.
For more information on Connect Music Festival, visit https://www.connectmusicfestival.com/
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes
Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
South Lanarkshire Council announces dates for their 2025 Christmas Lights switch on events
The countdown to Christmas is underway with lights scheduled to be switched on at events across South Lanarkshire!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Michel Roux unveils new laidback menu at Crossbasket Castle
Crossbasket Castle, one of Scotland's most enchanting five-star destinations, has unveiled a new Market Menu at its Foveran's restaurant.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Beat the Street CamGlen winners announced!
The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Cambuslang and Rutherglen has now concluded and the winners have been announced!
READ MORE
Pumpkin drive for pigs at the National Museum of Rural Life to reduce waste this Halloween
Visitors to the National Museum of Rural Life are being encouraged to donate their Halloween pumpkins and turnips on November 1st.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025
As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Theme park set to host Miss Rachel shows
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, in partnership with Wicked Entertainment, is to host Miss Rachel inspired shows following sell out performances earlier in the year.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links