LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Gary Innes lifts lid on festival reboot in Fort William

A joyous Scottish festival which captivated Highland music fans 30 years ago is being lovingly rebooted thanks to renowned musician, broadcaster, and event organiser Gary Innes!

Gary Innes lifts lid on festival reboot in Fort William

Article Source: Lochaber Live
Last Updated: 29 January 2024 11:09

Lochaber Live, set to take place in Fort William from Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd September 2024, will see a whole host of Scottish talent – all with a close connection to the region – play to thousands at a tented venue set out on An Aird shinty field.

The event, which was originally staged in the 80s and 90s before winding down to a smaller-scale concert, was once a landmark musical event for the people of Lochaber. Gary Innes – the brains behind the record-breaking and history-making Hoolie in the Hydro event and a Spean Bridge native – wanted to see his hometown festival restored to its former glory in a way that reflected Scotland’s thriving traditional music scene in 2024.

Lochaber Live will share a home and coincide with the staging of the Camanachd Cup Final – Scotland’s coveted national shinty final. The event at the foot of Ben Nevis will comprise ticketed events on the Friday night and Saturday night and a free family day on Sunday.

Weekend tickets will go on sale initially, with a special combined weekend shinty and festival ticket also available. Mailing list subscribers will get early access to tickets on Thursday 1st February, before general sale launches on Friday 2nd February. People can sign up at www.anairdevents.com

With a capacity of 2,000 per night and no age restrictions, the all-new Lochaber Live looks set to attract a swathe of music fans both young and old to round off their summer with some mighty Highland hospitality and music.

The new event’s visual identity also reflects the pride of the region, with a nod to the UK’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, and the legendary red tassels presented to Lochaber fiddlers by much-loved local teacher, Aonghas Grant BEM. The logo acknowledges Aonghas’ lifelong dedication to the area, having taught fiddle to hundreds of children across over five decades. Once players reach a high enough calibre, they are presented with a handmade tassel from Aonghas to hang from their instrument as a badge of honour.

Among the acts with close ties to Lochaber taking to the stage this September are Tide Lines. Led by Fort William’s own Robert Robertson, the Scottish four-piece will be showcasing their signature combination of folk melodies and big-chorused contemporary indie-rock for a home crowd.

One of the region’s finest exponents of Celtic music, Mànran, will also bring their powerhouse presence to the reimagined Lochaber Live, hot off the heels of their performance to crowds of 10,500 at Hoolie in the Hydro last month.

The legendary Wolfstone and its all-star bill of musicians were the last band to headline Lochaber Live back in 1994. They will make a glorious return to its new stage, 30 years on from their last performance there.

Gaelic supergroup from west Lochaber and Skye, Dàimh will also play, alongside the one and only Shooglenifty. Founded by the late Angus Grant, son of Lochaber fiddle legend Aonghas Grant, the band’s members include other Lochaber locals, drummer James Mackintosh and vocalist Kaela Rowan, who will see their acid croft sounds celebrated on home turf this September.

In line with the former Lochaber Live’s strong connection with Irish musicians, Ireland’s much-loved Sharon Shannon Trio will also be part of this year’s bill. Fort William festival favourites Hò-rò, Spean Bridge singer and guitarist Little Win and the inimitable Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, are set to perform to crowds at An Aird as well, with even more acts still to be announced.

Sunday’s free celebrations will provide a platform for local and emerging talent and invite families to join an afternoon ceilidh, allowing everyone in Lochaber to enjoy the festivities, no matter their budget.

Lochaber Live organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: “My home area is so special to me, so it fills me with pride to be rebooting one of the most beloved music events Lochaber has ever seen. It’s only right that Lochaber will once again have its own festival which really reflects the breadth of talent and love of traditional music in the region.

“It’s 30 years since the last Lochaber Live. I played at the very last one aged just 12 at the Nevis Centre in Fort William. A lot has happened in the intervening three decades and with the profile and platform of traditional music now at what feels like an all-time high, it seems like the perfect time to try and resurrect a cultural event that people locally still have such fond memories of.

“We’ve got a fantastic bill of artists lined up, who all share my love and affinity for the culture of Lochaber and the Highlands, and I know they will do a stellar job of entertaining the crowds at An Aird this September. We want to make this event as open and welcoming as possible to people of all ages so I would encourage festival fans to round up the family and come along to what is going to be an incredible celebration. I have no doubt the people of Lochaber – and further afield – will have that tent rocking for the newly restored Lochaber Live this September.”


Founding member of the original Lochaber Live, Benny MacDonald, said: “Lochaber Live is such a fondly and well remembered event. It was a grand affair that was never forgotten by the people of Fort William and created such a buzz about the place, with bands from across Scotland, Ireland, Brittany and beyond coming together. It helped create lifelong friendships and I’m sure this excitement and these connections will be replicated with this new edition.

“There was a surge around traditional music around that time and it feels like that’s happening again now. It’s fabulous to see the festival coming back around and a big well done to Gary for coming up with the idea. It will be nice to see such a big event in the town once again. Lochaber Live is still talked about so I’m sure many people, including locals and those travelling for the event, will be looking forward to it.”


The announcement of this newly revitalised event comes as Celtic Connections in Glasgow plays host to Lochaber: A Celebration – a special sold-out concert at City Halls musically directed and presented by Gary Innes celebrating the special and unique musical talent of the Highland region.

Lochaber Live will take place at An Aird in Fort William from 20th – 22nd September 2024. Weekend tickets and a special combined weekend shinty and festival ticket will go on sale to mailing list subscribers on Thursday 1st February. General sale will launch on Friday 2nd February. People can sign up at www.anairdevents.com Day tickets will follow later this year.

Sponsored Links

LAMS
Media Shop
ATG
Rabbies

Latest Lanarkshire News

itison Drive In Movies Christmas is back!

itison Drive In Movies Christmas is back!

itison's Drive In Movies Christmas has announced its return to Loch Lomond Shores this December with the festive spectacular running over not just one, but two weekends!

READ MORE
French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced

French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced

The French Film Festival UK have announced the 2024 programme with more than 200 screenings of 60 French-language films across more than 25 different locations.

READ MORE
Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!

Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!

Lightbulb Film Distribution have announced that Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound will be released in UK & Irish cinemas for one night only on November 19th.

READ MORE
Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November

Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November

Dobbies Garden Centres will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.

READ MORE
Cumbernauld Theatre Company, Visible Fictions and Scottish Opera to stage new festive show for children

Cumbernauld Theatre Company, Visible Fictions and Scottish Opera to stage new festive show for children

A new festive children's production for ages 3-7 will open on Saturday 30th November in Cumbernauld.

READ MORE
Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events

Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events

25p from every ticket sold for Fawkes Festival, Starry Nights at Dean Castle and the brand-new Starry Nights experience at Beecraigs Country Park will be donated to Cash for Kids.

READ MORE
Crutherland House marks milestone serve of 900,000 cups of coffee

Crutherland House marks milestone serve of 900,000 cups of coffee

Independent hospitality group, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, has brewed more than 900,000 cups of coffee as part of an innovative partnership with direct trade coffee producers Paddy & Scott's.

READ MORE
Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles

Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles

The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.

READ MORE
Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland

Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland

Following a successful event at the SEC last weekend, tickets for the 2025 Scottish Wedding Show are on sale, giving brides and grooms-to-be the chance to secure tickets to the upcoming event.

READ MORE
rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award

rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award

rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’ was last night announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in Stirling’s Albert Halls.

READ MORE
People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland

People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.

READ MORE
Final push for Beat the Street East Kilbride!

Final push for Beat the Street East Kilbride!

The end is in sight for the participants taking part in Beat the Street East Kilbride, the giant active travel game that is taking place across the town.

READ MORE
New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.

READ MORE
Cast announced for new festive show at Cumbernauld Theatre

Cast announced for new festive show at Cumbernauld Theatre

Cumbernauld Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming festive show Pinocchio, a brand-new raucous take on the story written by Gary McNair.

READ MORE
Scottish Institute prepares to welcome the next generation of performers

Scottish Institute prepares to welcome the next generation of performers

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television is preparing to open its doors on 31st October, inviting potential future students to explore its state-of-the-art facilities.

READ MORE
Scottish community pubs to collect advent calendars for communities in need

Scottish community pubs to collect advent calendars for communities in need

17 Scottish community pubs are asking their customers to donate advent calendars this year so everyone gets a treat in the lead up to Christmas.

READ MORE
New play explores explores masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds

New play explores explores masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds

Men Don't Talk by Clare Prenton which explores masculinity, mental health and Men's Sheds comes to Cumbernauld Theatre next week.

READ MORE
One week until Paisley Halloween Festival returns

One week until Paisley Halloween Festival returns

Paisley Halloween Festival which comes back to town next week with some exciting event changes to celebrate its 10-year anniversary... here's everything you need to know!

READ MORE
SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances

SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.

READ MORE
Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.

READ MORE
Into Film Festival Scottish Programme Announced

Into Film Festival Scottish Programme Announced

Education charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November.

READ MORE
The Scottish Wedding Show rings in its return to Glasgow this October

The Scottish Wedding Show rings in its return to Glasgow this October

Country's largest wedding showcase is back and giving Scots the chance to snap up free tickets.

READ MORE
October holiday fun for ALL the family at Loch Lomond Shores

October holiday fun for ALL the family at Loch Lomond Shores

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted with loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs and loch tours and much more!

READ MORE
Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.

READ MORE
Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday

Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday

This weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions across all stores.

READ MORE
Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue venues in Scotland this Halloween

Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue venues in Scotland this Halloween

Some of the latest horror blockbusters, as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites, will be heading to the big screen at Vue this Halloween season!

READ MORE
Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.

READ MORE
Still time to visit The Museum of Lead Mining Tearoom at weekends!

Still time to visit The Museum of Lead Mining Tearoom at weekends!

The Museum of Lead Mining has closed for the winter. However, you can still visit our tearoom and shop on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am until 3pm for a hot drink, snacks and cake!

READ MORE
The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!

The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!

Over 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!

READ MORE
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland

Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland

Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

National Trust
Kids Pass
Parkdean
ATG

Sponsored Links

LAMS
Media Shop
ATG
Rabbies
National Trust
Kids Pass
Parkdean
ATG

Popular Events

Strathclyde Country Park Fireworks Display
Celebrate bonfire night safely with a bang at the annual Strathclyde Country Park Firework Display hosted by North and South Lanarkshire Councils on Tuesday 5th November!
Bonfire Night Celebration
Looking for a safe and fun way to enjoy bonfire night? Join Hamilton Accies for their annual firework display on Tuesday 5th November!
Lesmahagow Community Fireworks Display
Literally back with a BANG! This year's Lesmahagow Community FREE Fireworks Display is back bigger and better on Sunday 3rd November!
Chatelherault Market
Held weekly on Sundays, Chatelherault Market showcases the best of hand-made products from designers and producers across Scotland!
Valley View Christmas Market
Valley View at Gouldings will host an undercover Christmas Market featuring a range of stallholders on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton