Congratulations to Killin Music Festival who have been nominated in Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!
We asked Gregor MacKenzie of Killin Music Festival the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Killin Music Festival is a small festival which takes place in the Perthshire village of Killin. The event takes place annually on the third weekend in June in the heart of Perthshire with the main stage in the McLaren Hall. We are a very young event, with our first festival taking place in June 2016. We love to bring the best in traditional music to the local community while inviting music fans from across the country to come and join in. The 15th, 16th and 17th of June 2018 will be our third festival with headliners Blazin' Fiddles, Peatbog Faeries and Phil Cunningham & Aly Bain. There is loads to do for festival goers of all ages including Kids Crafts, a Pipe Band Parade and an Open Stage where you can hear the best emerging artists.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Killin Music Festival grew from from fond memories of the Killin Folk Festival which ran from 1995-2003. In 2015, local fiddle player Siobhan Anderson and online marketing specialist Gregor MacKenzie set up a new committee to reinvigorate the festival and bring music back to the village. With a lot of hard work, time and passion the inaugural Killin Music Festival took place in June 2016 and we haven't stopped since!
Any particular career highlights?
Dougie McLean singing Caledonia to a packed out McLaren Hall in Killin was a definite highlight, but seeing people all ages come together to enjoy great music has to be the best thing of all.
What are your plans for the future?
We would love to to keep bringing great music to the village and inspiring the younger generations in the community to join in through our Kids Choir Schools project. We hope that Killin Music Festival can continue to be a platform for emerging artists to share the stage with more established acts, giving audiences a great weekend of music to remember.
Read more about Killin Music Festival
http://www.killinmusicfestival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/killinmusicfest/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/killinmusicfest?lang=en
If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Paisley’s Lagoon Centre call 0300 300 1210 or to buy online visit www.paisley2021.co.uk/events/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards. Tickets can also be purchased via Paisley Arts Centre. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Elephant Sessions, The Shee Big Band, Siobhan Miller, Tidelines, Paisley Fèis, Snuffbox, The Seamus O’Sullivan Experience, Lori Watson, Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair, Songs of Bàrd Phàislig (featuring Gillebrìde MacIlleMhaoil, Sìneag MacIntyre, Màiri NicAonghais, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Ewan MacPherson, Mhairi Hall, Màiri Nic a Mhaoilein and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.
