Tag: music festival

GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with Scotland’s first solar festival stage 

This summer, Party at the Palace is hitting a high note for the planet. Thanks to renewable energy pioneers GreenFox, the festival will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music. 

Over 7,000 music lovers will head to Bonnytoun Farm in Linlithgow on Saturday, 2, and Sunday, 3 August and, for the first time, a large part of the festival will be sun-powered. 

The new solar setup will supply sound, lighting, and equipment using a combination of solar panels and battery storage. The battery will be fully charged with green energy generated in the days before the event. 

The system is expected to produce up to 100 kilowatt-hours of clean energy over the weekend. This is enough to power an average UK home for about 10 days and will prevent around 20 kilograms of CO₂ emissions. 

“Festivals are full of energy – and now we’re bringing the renewable kind too,” said Eddie Curran, co-founder of GreenFox Energy. 

“It’s brilliant to now be part of the action and help power a festival that’s such a big part of the local community.” 

In a world where most festivals still rely on diesel generators, the GreenFox initiative proves solar power is a viable, vibrant alternative and a great fit for a family-friendly, future-focused event like Party at the Palace. 

Eddie added, “It’s a small step with a big message: at Party at the Palace alone, switching to solar saves around 20 kg of CO₂ and that’s just one stage, at one festival. 

“If every festival across the UK did the same, we could save over 12.8 tonnes of emissions each year. It shows how small changes, delivered at scale, start to really add up.  

“This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to explore even more ways to make Party at the Palace a leader in sustainable, low-impact events in the future.” 

Now in its 11th year, Party at the Palace continues to grow and so does its commitment to doing things differently. 

“We’re always looking for ways to make the festival better, not just for the fans, but for the planet too,” said John Richardson, director of Party at the Palace. 

“We’re very much a family festival so it’s important to us to help create a better future for the next generation. We are passionate about leading by example, both through our work in the local community and encouraging people to make more eco-friendly choices.  

“That’s why bringing in solar power with GreenFox Energy is such a proud moment. It’s a simple idea to use the sun’s power to drive our second stage but one that shows small changes can make a big difference – and it’s fine to start with what is doable now, with the goal to build on it in the future.” 

Headliners for this year’s festival include Boney M and Squeeze, alongside a vibrant lineup on the GreenFox Energy Stage with standout performances from Laurie Wright, Forgetting the Future, and Pistol Daisys. 

Festival goers can also plug into the movement by showing their Party at the Palace ticket to get 15% off solar installations with GreenFox Energy*. 

For more information visit: Solar Energy Company UK | GreenFox Energy

NHSGGC Urges Sun Safety Ahead of TRNSMT and Warm Weekend

Members of the public are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun as warm weather is expected this weekend.

Thousands will be attending TRNSMT, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is asking festivalgoers to ensure they are protected from the sun, stay hydrated, and look after both themselves and others.

Common health conditions during nicer weather can include sunburn, food poisoning, bites or stings.

For those heading to TRNSMT, travel-sized sunscreen and collapsible water bottles (500ml or smaller) are permitted.

Medication is also allowed but must be clearly labelled in its original packaging and limited to a one-day supply. Sunglasses and a hat or cap also protect against the sun.

At the festival there are first aid points, a wellbeing area, welfare spaces, and a Welfare Team.

For more information about TRNSMT and keeping yourself and others safe, visit their website at: https://trnsmtfest.com/info-item/essential-information.

For those also planning to enjoy the weather outside, NHSGGC also emphasised the importance of keeping essential items, such as over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, and an ice pack to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains.

If you’re planning a barbecue, take care to avoid food poisoning by ensuring food is cooked thoroughly and hygienically.


 
NHSGGC’s Top Tips for the Weekend:
 

  • Sunburn and sunstroke – Always cover up in the sun to protect yourself and your family from burns and heat exhaustion. This includes wearing a high-factor sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and spending time in the shade.
  • Medicines – Ensure you have over-the-counter medicines available for common illnesses, including paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for bites and stings, and antihistamines for allergies.
  • First aid – Keep a first aid kit in your home with plasters, bandages, and antiseptic wipes for cuts, as well as an ice pack for minor strains or sprains.
  • Food poisoning – Barbecuing can lead to food poisoning if it is not done correctly. Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly and keep cooked and raw food separate. 

For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, there is a range of services available to help, and NHSGGC continues to ask people to ‘think ABC’ before attending A&E:

  • Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, visit the NHS Inform website or download the NHS24 app.
  • Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. This could include directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit or arranging an appointment for you with NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E Flow Navigation Centre.
  • Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS 24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.


If you believe your condition or injury is urgent or life-threatening, please call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC. 

Dr Emilia Crighton, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health, said: “This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather.

“No matter what you’re doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand.

“We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRSNMT, and we hope everyone has a fantastic time. We ask festivalgoers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely.

“For those who do require medical support this weekend, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments.

“By using NHS 24’s digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.

“We ask everyone to think ABC before A&E. This will ensure you get the right care in the right place, will help reduce waiting times, and free up capacity for those who need it most.”

Soundhouse announces line-up for NEW winter music festival

Full Line-up Announced for New Music Festival  

Dates: Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December 2024

www.soundhousewinterfest.com

The Soundhouse Winter Festival, is a brand new music festival which will take place from Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

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Fergus McCreadie headlines the Soundhouse Winter Festival on Sat 30 Nov

The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, a silent film accompanied by live music, and live performance poetry.

Headliners include award-winning pianist Fergus McCreadie performing solo and with fellow leading world musicians Mindaugas Stumbras (guitar), Michelangeol Scanroglio (doublebass) and Mattia Galeotti (drums); rising star Megan Black whose music has been described as 70s blues rock meets queer feminist pop, and whose latest EP ‘Full Circle (Part 1)’ has recently been nominated for ‘EP of the Year’ in Scotland; Su-a Lee and Friends (Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier) who sold out The Soundhouse’s Rose Theatre Fringe run in 2023; and Callum Easter & the Roulettes, fresh from touring the USA, who will play The Queen’s Hall with special guest Iona Zajac whose powerful voice seamlessly blends folk and indie and alternative genres with an authentic grit that has captivated audiences across Europe.

The festival is also delighted to present a brand new collaboration between outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery and acclaimed composer Kate Young. This one hour show will be based on Lavery’s work Unwritten Women with a new score by Young.

The festival’s programme also includes some unmissable early evening concerts at the Traverse with Gaelic singer songwriter Rachel Walker performing with one of the country’s foremost folksingers and accompanists Aaron Jones; Edinburgh-based poetic psychedelic supergroup Acolyte (Ruairidh Morrison on bass, Gloria Black on synth and backing vocals, Daniel Hill on percussion and led by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Iona Lee); acclaimed singer-songwriter Victoria Hume, joined by long-term collaborator Chris Letcher, playing alt-folk songs from her new album Radical Abundance, about the dying days of capitalism and what might emerge next; and singer Nicole Smit performing some cool jazzy numbers with her Quintet (Vid Gobac on drums, Cameron Bradley on piano, Dave Toule guitar, and Kassandra E’Silva on saxophone).

Other highlights over the weekend include the SWF Spotlight, a showcase of the jazz stars of tomorrow programmed by Helena Kay; and a screening of The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric accompanied by music composed by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson from Fair Isle with Shetlander Catriona Macdonald. The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric is a beautiful tender dramatisation of Shetland life, and was originally filmed in 1933 by pioneering Glasgow filmmaker Jenny Gilbertson. It will be opened by a short solo set by award-winning Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival presents a snapshot of the very best music produced in Scotland today.

“There’s no doubt that our small country produces some of the world’s finest musicians and we are honoured to give them a platform at our new festival.

“Shining a light on our home-grown stars seems an appropriate way to extend the St Andrew’s Day celebrations across this 5-day event. Despite the current gloom in the Scottish arts world, we hope the event will be inspirational and the first of many Soundhouse Winter Festivals.”



Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival looks to showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical talent and brighten up dark evenings with a dazzling array of acts.

“St Andrew’s weekend is the perfect time to hold such an event and it is great to see the cross section of artists from across different genres with experimental and innovative programming and collaborations.”

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com

Volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland and enjoy the event for FREE!

Are you fan of 80s and 90s music? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for music fans to give 4 hours of their time to volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland at Dalkeith Country Park on 24 June 2023. 

Volunteers sell wristbands and raffle tickets to raise funds to support the charity’s work and in return get to enjoy the rest of the event free of charge!

The line-up for the festival includes The Human League, Wet Wet Wet, Tony Hadley, Midge Ure, Roland Gift, The Farm, The Beat, Betty Boo, Stray Cats Slim Jim Phantoms Trio, Hue and Cry, and Doctor and the Medics.

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. 

Lorna Murchie, Fundraising Partnership and Engagement Manager for Child Bereavement UK said: ‘This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.

“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds.  If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved .’

For more information on volunteering or to see our full list of events please visit: 

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit: 

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40

Floors Castle announces return of Roxburghe Rocks music festival

Scottish Borders stately home Floors Castle reprises its fabulous Roxburghe Rocks event this summer, where the audience will soak up the sounds of some of the music world’s greatest performers.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the open-air festival vibe with the music of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis.

Enjoy the tunes that have thrilled generations with the stunning castle as the backdrop to a day of entertainment, food, drink and fun with friends and family.

The event on Saturday, August 5, which starts at 1 pm and runs to approximately 9 pm, promises a show like no other. Presented by Floors Castle in association with 21st Century Events at Chapterhouse Theatre Company, it features an exhilarating array of tribute bands live in the grounds of one of the UK’s most beautiful country estates.

21st Century Queen will perform many of Queen’s best-known blockbusters including We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga and Bohemian Rhapsody.  Mardy Bums, the UK’s finest Arctic Monkeys tribute act, will rock the grounds with hits including Do I Wanna Know? 505, I Wanna Be Yours and I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor. 

Definitely Oasis embody 90s Britpop with Liam and Noel Gallagher’s music from Don’t Look Back In Anger to Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall. And UK Fleetwood Mac will bring to life Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits including Dreams, Everywhere, The Chain and Go Your Own Way.

Jaap Röell, MD for the Roxburghe Estates said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring this fantastic open-air festival back to Floors. Last year was an enormous success when we all rocked to the music of Abba, Queen and Elton John. This year, Queen’s music is back once more but with another galaxy of stellar tribute bands. The whole event is just getting bigger and better and we can’t wait to celebrate summer again.”

The open-air event will run whatever the weather and visitors, who are advised to dress appropriately, are welcome to bring a chair or blanket. There will be car parking available and dedicated accessible car parking.

A range of delicious catering for all dietary requirements will be available onsite with vendors and additional entertainment to be confirmed soon. There will also be a professional security team present.

Early Bird tickets, priced £25 for children and £35 for adults, are available now via the ticket link or onsite from the Castle’s Apple Shed Gift Shop. Accessible tickets and free carer admission are also available.

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For more information go to https://www.floorscastle.com/events/roxburghe-rocks-2023/

Pitch Perfect Pairing: Six by Nico makes it’s festival debut with Otherlands this summer

  • Scotland’s newest camping festival, Otherlands, adds Six by Nico to its line-up for 2023
  • Partnership marks new direction for Six by Nico with first-ever ‘al-fresco’ experience

Otherlands Music & Arts Festival has announced that it’s adding flavour to its line-up this summer by teaming up with leading restaurant brand Six by Nico. Festival goers can look forward to a one-of-a-kind woodland sensory dining experience, bringing a bespoke gastronomic story to life.

The festival lands at Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland, this summer (11th-13th August 2023) for its second edition, bringing some of the most influential global and home-grown musical talent to its stages.

With 11 locations across the UK, including Edinburgh – the restaurant – will be dishing up its classic six-course menu across August 12th and 13th. Six by Nico will reveal the brand-new menu, exclusive to Otherlands in coming months. It will also be the group’s first-ever al-fresco dining experience.

Otherlands Arts and Music Festival was founded by Tom Ketley, owner of FLY – an event promotion company which has been hosting music events across Scotland now for over a decade. The festival boasts everything from live and electronic music, to punk, rock and rap.

Acts already announced for 2023 include the likes of Hudson Mohawke, Skin On Skin, Nia Archives & Overmono. Headline acts in 2022 included DJs BICEP, Jamie XX and Honey Dijon, while there were daytime live performances from singers Joesef, Maverick Sabre and Biig Piig.

As well as a carefully curated line-up of forward-thinking artists spanning multiple stages, the festival will also boast immersive art installations from leading Scottish artists, and will even host comedy direct from Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, DJ Workshops, and inspiring industry talks and panel discussions with industry leaders.

Sam Joss, Otherlands Festival Director said: “We’re so excited about this partnership! 

“With food at festivals being more important than ever,  this collaboration really aligns with our ethos and pairs well with boutique camping, a stunning location and of course, a globally recognised musical line-up.

“We can’t wait to see how our guests react to the creativity of the Six by Nico menu and enjoy this multi-sensory dining experience in the unbeatable setting that is Scone Palace”.

Andy Temple, Chef and Chief Creative Officer at Six by Nico, said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Otherlands on this unique event.

“It’s something completely new for us, and I believe it represents a new creative turning point for our company. A multi-sensory dining idea pushes us outside of our comfort zone and is an exciting move in a new direction for Six by Nico, as part of our mission to innovate and challenge ourselves in designing a new menu every six weeks.

“Otherlands takes a multifaceted approach to their festival, celebrating music, wellness, and arts, and Six by Nico is excited to add to that with our new on-site dining experience. The festival itself brings people together to celebrate, and our team is delighted to be a part of it”.

Early-bird Festival tickets are now sold out, but limited first release tickets are still available – ranging from £180-£189 for camping and non-camping options with Day Tickets becoming available at the end of March. Six by Nico ticket add-ons will go on sale following the launch of the menu in May.

As part of the collaboration, a competition will also be launching soon, where three lucky winners will bag two weekend camping tickets, a pair of tickets to the multi-sensory dining experience and a table for two people at Six by Nico. Another six runners-up prizes of £20 Six by Nico vouchers will be up for grabs.

For more information visit otherlandsfestival.com or sixbynico.co.uk

Volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland and enjoy the event for FREE

Are you a fan of 80s music? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for music fans to give 4 hours of their time to volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland selling wristbands and raffle tickets to raise funds to support its work. In return volunteers get to enjoy the rest of the event free of charge!

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. 

The line-up for Let’s Rock Scotland, which takes place on Saturday 18 June 2022 at Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh, includes Squeeze, OMD, Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins), Level 42 and Nick Heyward.

Lorna Murchie, Community Projects Manager for Child Bereavement UK said: ‘This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.

“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds.  If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved .’

For more information on volunteering or to see a full list of events please visit: 

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit: 

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40

Over The Bridge: Local residents to launch music festival in Stockbridge

A new three-day music event, Over the Bridge, is set to take place in Edinburgh this summer. The event will see some of Scotland and the UK’s biggest music acts take to the stage including James Arthur, Ella Eyre, Feeder and Razorlight, over one weekend from Friday 29th – 31st July at Raeburn Place sports ground in Stockbridge. 

Day and weekend tickets go on sale this Friday 8th April via Ticketmaster. Each day, live music will start at 1pm, ending at 9pm. 

On Friday 29th July, Over the Bridge will be headlined by Say You Won’t Let Go singer James Arthur (above), with Ella Eyre, Cassia, RATS, Alex Amor, Stina Marie Claire, and Aaron Smith completing the days line up. 

Saturday will see Glasgow rock band Twin Atlantic headline (below), with Feeder, Declan Welsh and the Decadent West, Liz Lawrence, Zuzu, Beren Olivia and Swiss Portrait also on the bill. 

Following the recent announcement of a reunion of the original lineup, the final day will see Razorlight (below) take to the stage, made famous for hits including America, Golden Touch, andIn the Morning to see out Over the Bridge after a day of music from Sports Team, Sam Ryder, Daytime TV, Luke La Volpe, Charlotte Jane and False Friends. 

Over the Bridge will also support Edinburgh’s favourite food and drink traders for guests to enjoy over the three days. The event will be using a reusable cup scheme to remove single use plastic waste. This will help improve sustainability, as well as reducing litter generally on and off the site.

Taking place at Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, Over the Bridge has been developed by Stockbridge residents Edward Wilson and Preston Mommsen.

Two years ago, the duo brought The Neighbourgood Market to the same location with the popular, vibrant food and drinks market returning last year over a twelve-week period.

The market showcased some of Scotland’s best food and drink offering from the likes of Stockbridge favourite Good Brothers Wine Bar, Innis & Gunn, The Peruvian, Pizza Geeks, Stag Bites, Edinburgh Gin and many more whilst visitors were also able to enjoy live music from local artists.

As residents who live and run businesses in Stockbridge, the pair recognised the potential impact that the event could have on local residents. They went through a thorough public consultation process with locals and the wider community to ensure Over the Bridge is a positive event that everyone can enjoy. This included liaising with the major community groups, letters to residents, door knocking and face to face Q&A sessions in the area.

Over the Bridge co-founder, Edward Wilson, said: “We’re extremely proud to be Edinburgh locals, and two years ago we wanted to bring something special to the city, which is when The Neighbourgood Market was born.

” After two tough years for Edinburgh, including a scaled back version of Fringe Festival, live music and arts have been on hold. This year, we wanted to bring live entertainment back to the city, so we are excited to announce the launch of the three-day music event, Over the Bridge.

“With a line up of amazing local and national acts, and with day and weekend tickets available, we hope it will be one of the highlights of this Summer in Edinburgh.”

Tickets for Over the Bridge go on sale at 10am on Friday 8th April, with day tickets starting at £50.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: 

https://overthebridgeedinburgh.com/ 

Volunteer and rock out at Let’s Rock Scotland for FREE

Adam Ant, Lulu, Tony Hadley, ABC, Howard Jones, Heather Small and many more …

LOVE LIVE music? Love the 80s? Then why not volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland this summer?

By signing up to do a four-hour shift with festival charity partner Child Bereavement UK, ticket scanning and selling wristbands and raffle tickets on the day, you’ll not only be helping a great cause, you’ll also be able to enjoy the festival free of charge.

Let’s Rock Scotland takes place at Dalkeith Country Park on Saturday 28 August 2021  and will include performances from Adam Ant, Lulu, Tony Hadley, ABC, Howard Jones, Heather Small and many more.

Child Bereavement UK helps children and young people (up to the age of 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity also provides training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

To volunteer please visit www.childbereavementuk.org/lets-rock-the-80s-and-pennfest. Volunteers will be fully briefed at the start of their shift and will be supported by Child Bereavement UK staff throughout.  They will also have access to free water and snacks whilst volunteering and will be provided with any PPE required, in line with regulations.

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit: 

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40