ANOTHER gem on the Scottish festival calendar kicks off this weekend, as Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival returns to the idyllic surroundings of Beauly in the Highlands from 25th-28th July. And it’s not just a run-of-the-mill edition this year either – Belladrum is celebrating its 20th anniversary! Known for its eclectic line-ups and carnival atmosphere, the 2024 edition promises a jam-packed bill of big names, local heroes and emerging artists. So, as festival-goers prepare to head up to Inverness, here’s some of our top acts to check out.
neverfine
This year’s competition winners will grace the stage at Belladrum 2024 (and TENEMENT TRAIL later in the year), bringing their hypnotic alt-pop sounds to Scotland’s Highlands. Recognised as The Skinny’s Future Sounds of 2024 and Vic Galloway’s 25 Scottish Artists to Watch, expect the duo to continue to rise amidst an already successful year.
Calum Bowie
Edinburgh’s Calum Bowie strengthens his immense summer festival schedule at Belladrum Festival on top of some amazing appearances at Glastonbury, as well as supporting James Arthur and Myles Smith across Europe. 2024 is inevitably becoming an incredibly successful year for the singer/ songwriter, with a European headline December tour lined up alongside a second headline show at The Liquid Rooms after the first show received great demand.
Theo Bleak
Theo Bleak joins the stacked lineup at Belladrum’s Seedlings Stage this year alongside Bottle Rockets, No Windows and The Big Day. Catch her set on Saturday to hear a mesmerising performance before she heads off to Lughnasadh Festival in August. ‘Don’t Borrow Grief From Later’ is the latest single from Theo in collaboration with The Twilight Sad released last month, and it’s not one to miss at Belladrum Festival this year.
Hamish Hawk
An artist who shows no sign of slowing down, Hamish Hawk is a born live performer. Known to draw in crowds with his hand theatrics and darting stares, he’s also a brilliant storyteller through his music – crafting literate and vivid songs that will burrow deep in your conscious.
Twin Atlantic
No strangers to Belladrum, Twin Atlantic return to Beauly to headline the Garden Stage on Saturday night. With five albums now to their name, they’re a live force to be reckoned with – known to deliver huge alt-rock anthems like ‘Free’ and ‘Heart and Soul’ with plenty of passion and showmanship.
No Windows
Edinburgh duo and Sound of Young Scotland winners No Windows released their second EP this year ‘Point Nemo’ via Fat Possum Records. The band have made their presene known well beyond the confines of their hometown with a series of gripping live shows in recent months, sending their delicately crafted arrangements and gently expansive sound to new heights. One of the most hotly tipped bands in the country, don’t miss them on the Seedlings Stage at Bella.
Teenage Fanclub
Teenage Fanclub headline the Garden Stage on Thursday night, bringing over three decades of music to the Inverness faithful. With 13 albums to pull from, they’re easily one of the most consistent and revered bands in Scottish music – known for their jangly power pop anthems, chiming guitars and west-coast-inspired harmonies.
The Big Day
The Big Day make their eagerly anticipated Bella debut on the Seedlings Stage on Friday. The band supported The Charlatans earlier this year and made their Great Escape debut, which all coincided with the release of the soaring ‘Back to Business’. They’ll be doing exactly that this weekend – expect plenty of huge power pop anthems, singalong choruses and infectious charisma.
Bottle Rockets
As worthy winners of BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year, Bottle Rockets roll into Belladrum after making their TRNSMT debut a couple of weeks ago. Drawing inspiration from grungy alt-rock, eighties new wave, shoegaze and modern rock, they deliver a luscious combo of dreamy vocals, shimmering guitars and punchy melodies. A band we’ve grown to love in recent years, they were also one of the first names confirmed for TENEMENT TRAIL 2024.
Lucia & The Best Boys
Fresh off the back of a European tour with alt-rock icons Garbage, Lucia & The Best Boys are back on home soil and ready to take on the Garden Stage this Friday. The singer released her debut album ‘Burning Castles’ last year to widespread acclaim, featuring huge songs like ’So Sweet I Could Die’ and ‘When You Dress Up’. Known to command whatever stage she sets foot on as well as her powerful vocals, don’t miss out.
rEDOLENT
rEDOLENT match their innovative electronic sound with an equally compelling live show. The Edinburgh outfit unveiled their debut album ‘dinny greet’ earlier this year -carving out their unique sound while simultaneously capturing the anxieties of modern life. Offering a potent mix of skittering drums, soft hushed vocals and weaving synths, it all comes together brilliantly in the live arena.
Sugababes
One of the many highlights at this year’s TRNSMT, Sugababes are sure to be one of big names on people’s lips this weekend ahead of their headline performance on Thursday night. With their original line-up back and in form, relive the golden era of early 2000s pop with huge hits like ‘Freak Like Me’, ‘Overload’ and ‘About You Now’.
