GIVEN the incredibly vibrant and thriving nature of the nation’s music scene it should come as no surprise to anyone that Scotland has an equally impressive festival circuit, open to both homegrown talent and acts from further flung areas. Providing an important platform for burgeoning bands and established or in some cases, legendary groups, we’ve provided in-depth profiles of some of this year’s finest Scottish line-ups and most anticipated shows.
T In The Park
One of the UK’s most renowned festivals, T In The Park’s 22nd year has been epitomised by a change in venue; uprooting from the much loved Balado to the grounds of Strathallan Castle. Despite being a major talking point, this hasn’t in any way deterred the excitement sorrounding this year’s festival as a string of phenomenal artists; both internationally revered and lesser known, prepare to take to its various stages during its inaugural year at the new location.
Headlined by Kasabian, The Libertines and Noel Gallagher, it will also feature performances from a who-who of modern music’s most exciting talent, including: Fatboy Slim, Hozier, The War On Drugs, Slaves, St Vincent, Jungle, The Twilight Sad, Modest Mouse, Wolf Alice, Peace, Everything Everything and countless more.
This year’s festival also marks the 20th incarnation of the T Break Stage, which has been pivotal to the career of many Scottish bands that are at the forefront of the UK music scene.This year will see an enticing line up of young talent get their first taste of the event, including bands such as Catholic Action, Apache Darling, Crash Club and Tijuana Bibles who have received regular coverage from TTV.
When- 10th-12th July 2015 – Full line-up and tickets- T in the Park official website
Wickerman Festival
Heralded for its ability to put together an eclectic line-up which tends to contain the kind of mix that other festivals may deem to be altogther too disparate, Wickerman’s organisers throw caution the wind in order to create unique bills that incorporate a wide variety of styles and genres.
Appealing to all audiences due to its fusion of legendary musicians of decades past as well as bands that are primed to be huge in the near future, its main stage will see performances from iconic figures such as Jimmy Cliff, Lulu, Squeeze, John Cooper Clarke and hip hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang whereas the Solus Tent acts will expose bands incluuding Tuff Love, Kathryn Joseph and Man Of Moon to a whole new audience.
When- 24th-25th July 2015- Full line-up and tickets- Wickerman Festival Site
Gentlemen Of The Road stopover
Organised, headlined and curated from top to bottom by Mumford And Sons, The Gentlemen Of The Road Stopover will descend upon Aviemore with a bill containing many well known artists. With Primal Scream, The Maccabees, Ben Howard, Simian Mobile Disco and WHITE all slated to perform prior to the neo folk superstars, it’s sure to be an excellent weekend of live music.
When-31st July-1st August- Full line-up and tickets- Gentlemen Of The Road tickets site
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Long described as one of the nation’s finest yearly musical event Belladrum Tartan Heart tends to strike the right chord with audiences of all ages due to its inclusive line-up. This year has certainly proven to be no different, with headlining performances from Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers and The Proclaimers accented by sets from Neon Waltz, King Creosote, The Stranglers, Rival Sons, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and many more.
When- 6th-8th August- Full line-up and tickets- Belladrum Official Site
Doune The Rabbit Hole
A low-key boutique festival that prides itself on its all inclusive and family friendly nature, Doune The Rabbit Hole is a Stirlingshire based event that has consistently accrued a great line-up. This year will see Fatherson, Paws, Stanley Odd, The Cosmic Dead, Trembling Bells, Business Lunch and many more perform.
When- 21st-23rd August- Full line-up and tickets- Doune The Rabbit Hole official site
Groove Loch Ness
The UK’s newest dance festival, Groove Loch Ness will play host to a number of great DJ’s in the amazingly picturesque setting of Clune Farm. Looking to make a good impression during its inaugural year, it will include sets from Groove Armada and 2ManyDJs which shall be both act’s only Scottish festival appearance of the year. Operating from only one main stage, this approx 5000 capacity event is sure to be one of the most speculated upon of the summer.
When- 22nd August- Full line-up and tickets- Groove Festival official site
Electric Fields
Preparing for its second year after an emphatic debut in 2014, the Drumlanrig Castle based Electric Fields will bring a multitude of the most exciting Scottish bands to its patrons. Taking place over the course of one exciting day, the event will be headlined by King Creosote with a stellar undercard preceding his appearance, including The Phantom Band, Hector Bizerk, Catholic Action, Fat Goth and more.
When- 29th August 2015- Full line-up and tickets- Electric Fields official website.
