BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh
It’s been a big week for BTS fans around the globe, as the K-Pop sensation announced they will return next spring with a new studio album (their first since 2020’s Be) and an accompanying world tour.
For those itching for new content from the band, arriving somewhat sooner than the reunion is BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom.
Screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 3 August, tickets for the screenings are on sale now. Not only that, fans will also be able to buy limited edition merch for the film – a themed reusable drinks cup and popcorn tin.
The film travels the globe, showcasing fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas; a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography; and fans who’ve been organising since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts.
Defying stereotypes of the typical K-Pop fan, BTS Army: Forever We Are Young explores the intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active world of the band’s fans.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “Without fail, our BTS screenings have captured the hearts of audiences, with thousands of fans up and down the country coming to Vue to celebrate the K-Pop mega-band.
“This documentary will spin the camera, focusing on the amazing fan base that has made BTS the global sensation they are today – we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”
Composer Sally Beamish, and 16 players from four of the world’s leading string quartets played to a packed concert hall at Bowhouse Farm last weekend, for the world premiere of Field of Stars – the finale at this year’s East Neuk Festival (25-29 June).
The four string quartets (Elias, Pavel Haas, Castalian and Belcea), are firm favourites at the East Neuk Festival and, over the five days, audiences were also treated to their masterful performances of all five of Beethoven’s late quartets, quintets by Mozart and Schubert, and Mendelssohn’s Octet performed by the Belcea and Castalian.
In addition, Beethoven’s septet in E-flat, which is said to have spearheaded the creation of the East Neuk Festival, was performed by an incredible line-up including Alexander Janiczek(violin) and Philip Higham (cello), who played the same piece in Elie Church, 20 years ago.
This earlier performance is said to have inspired festival founder Donald MacDonald to take the plunge and launch the East Neuk Festival with its current Director Svend McEwan Brown the following year.
Over the five days, audiences were also treated to the brilliance of tenor Mark Padmore and baritone James Newby singing Schubert’s song cycles accompanied by pianist Joseph Middleton.
The Festival began and ended with Donald Grant performing East Neuk of Fife, a Scottish fiddle tune played at the opening concert just minutes before the Scottish Chamber Orchestra launched into Larsson on Wednesday night, and again at the closing concert.
Another Scottish tune The Witch of Leanachan, written by Donald Grant, was also used as the music to accompany a new film installation The Light, the Bell & the Burden by multi-disciplinary artist and designer Andy McGregor which was screened in St Fillan’s Cave in Pittenweem during the festival.
This film piece, supported by Event Scotland’s National Events Programme, explored mysteries around belief, folklore and healing through St Fillan and the relics connected to him, and featured Donald Grant performing with cellist Su-a Lee.
Harpist and composer Esther Swift’s festival commission Zulu Voyage was packed with friends and family who came to listen to her new piece performed by local musicians of all ages from St Andrews Music Project, Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and East Fife Community Ensemble.
Plus, there were some sensational one-off concerts from the Tom Smith jazz septet, Euan Stevenson Trio and the legendary Kathryn Tickell.
This year’s 20th festival was packed with multiple sold out shows. The size of the ticketed audience was up by 50% on 2024 and over 90% of events were completely sold out.
Festival Director Svend McEwan Brownsaid: “I am blown away by the sheer enthusiasm and generosity of everyone at ENF 2025: performers, audience and team alike.
“We wanted to honour the achievement of the past 20 years and hearing that this was incontestably the most successful ENF of all is a real pleasure.”
The festival was made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland, EventScotland and the generosity of all its patrons, partners, trusts and foundations.
The 2026 festival will run from 24 to 28 June. Full programme will be announced in November.
The East Neuk Festival celebrates the joy and power of live music and its potential to transform lives. In the past 20 years the festival has presented over 400 events and welcomed over 3,000 performers and 200,000 people to some of the most unique and intimate venues in the East Neuk of Fife.
East Neuk Festival is made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland, EventScotland and the generosity of its patrons, partners, and various trusts and foundations.
Young musicians (aged 9-12) from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration, blending Irish and Scottish Gaelic in a creative celebration of language, culture, and connection.
The project, led by Cork’s Kabin Crew (the collective behind the Grammy Award longlisted viral hit ‘The Spark’) and Tinderbox Collective, brings together nine young artists from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce (Parkside Primary School), a Gaelic-medium primary school in Edinburgh and five experienced young performers from the Kabin Studio’s ‘Kabin Crew’ project in Cork, who have been co-writing a rap song exploring their shared heritage.
Funded by the Foras na Gaeilge – Colmcille Fund, and supported by Barr na gCnoc, University College Cork, the initiative has seen the group connect through eight online writing sessions, where they have shared stories, built friendships, and co-written a rap track that explores the theme “Edinburgh vs Cork.”
During the online sessions, the young artists shared stories about their hometowns, swapped slang, and exchanged other phrases in Irish and Scots Gaelic. The writing process became a cultural exchange as much as a musical one.
Each group writes in their own language, yet the similarities between Irish and Scots Gaelic have sparked a lot of interest, fun and humour, which really highlights the deep linguistic and cultural ties between Scotland and Ireland. The result is a vibrant, joyful track that reflects their creativity, curiosity, and cultural pride.
Jed Milroy, General Manager at Tinderbox Collective, said: “Tinderbox Collective are so excited to be collaborating with The Kabin Studio on this unique creative project.
“Their ambitious approach to making youth music both accessible as well as of the highest quality is truly inspiring for us all and to be part of them using that platform to promote Gaelic and Irish is a real honour. Long may it continue!”
From grass-roots youth work to award-winning productions, Tinderbox aims to ignite a spark in people – one which fills them with confidence, imagination, and sense of possibility, and helps them achieve things they never thought possible.
Their work uses music and the arts to bring people together and strengthen communities, providing exciting opportunities to those who need them most, and supporting young people to build their confidence, skills, self-esteem, and professional experience.
Máire Dineen, Programme Manager at Kabin Crew, said: “The Kabin Studio is delighted to be part of this project and looks forward to building new relationships with our Scottish friends through music and language.”
The collaboration will culminate in a professional recording and music video. Five of the Edinburgh participants will travel to Cork on 27th June to record the track at the Kabin Studio, while five members of Kabin Crew will later visit Edinburgh to film the video alongside their new collaborators.
The Kabin Studio, based in Knocknaheeny, Cork, is a dynamic youth music and creative hub known for empowering young people through songwriting, rap, and performance. It provides a safe and inspiring space for young artists to express themselves, collaborate, and develop their talents.
Talking about this project, Heidi from Kabin Crew, said: “I feel it’s an amazing way for kids in the North Side to learn Irish and Gaelic.
“I can’t wait to meet my new friends in Edinburgh, they were really nice over Zoom, super sweet and I can’t wait to meet them”
Archie, aged 10, from Edinburgh said – “It’s been working really well getting to write a song in Gaelic and Irish and meeting the Kabin Studio guys.
“It’s really interesting to meet Irish Gaelic rappers. I hope is that if we keep doing this we could get as famous as the Kabin Crew!”
By writing and performing in Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, these young artists are helping to bring these rich, historically underrepresented languages to audiences who wouldn’t usually engage with them and showing them that Gaelic languages are not only alive but thriving in the voices of the next generation.
The Tinderbox and Kabin Crew collaboration will be released later this year.
This prestigious competition will be hosted in Edinburgh for the first time
Nearly 1000 pipers are calling visitors to the UK Pipe Band Championships this month for what promises to be a spectacular day of piping, drumming and traditional Scottish music fun for all the family.
Taking place for the first time at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, on July 12, the event will showcase musical talent and celebrate cultural heritage, thrilling audiences with performances, workshops and world-class bands.
1,556 pipers and drummers of all ages will be taking part in the competition, which will be held at the Royal Highland Centre, Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue. Three of the 62 competing bands are from outwith the UK, with PLC Pipe Band from Melbourne traveling 10,542 miles to take part in the competition.
The family friendly event is expected to attract 7,500 spectators with children under five able to go free. Plenty of delicious food and drink stalls will also be on offer, to make it a full day out for everyone. Car parking is available, but those travelling locally are urged to consider taking the Tram or dedicated 98 Lothian Bus service.
Five ‘did you know’ facts about the UK Pipe Band Championships include:
18 kilometers of tartan will be on show at the competition – equivalent to the length of Lake Windermere, Mississippi!
934 bagpipes will be played, as well as 326 snare drums, 234 tenor drums, 62 bass drums and 1,244 drumsticks!
The three most popular tunes played are: Lord Alexander Kennedy, Mrs John MacColl and The Argyllshire Gathering
Dollar Academy has won the ‘Top Juvenile Band’ for the last four years
St Laurence O’Toole band from Eire scooped the Winning Band accolade in 2024
Mark Currie, Director of Venue, Royal Highland Centre, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the RSPBA on this prestigious event for the first time.
“From the first march to the final flourish, this event brings together incredible talent, proud tradition, and an unbeatable atmosphere for audiences of all ages.
“Royal Highland Centre has always been dedicated to providing a platform to homegrown organisations, like The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, for example, and so we couldn’t be prouder to be hosting their UK Championships.”
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said, “The UK Pipe Band Championships are a true celebration of musical excellence, tradition and community spirit.
“Every year we are proud to welcome some of the best pipe bands from across the country and beyond, and this year we are very much looking forward to being in our new venue, the Royal Highland Centre.
“It’s an unforgettable day of powerful performances, vibrant culture and world-class talent. Tickets are on sale now!”
For more information and to purchase tickets please see here.
Aint no party like a Shoreline Session party cause a Shoreline Session Party don’t stop …or something!
Our free entry acoustic shows @thepittmarket keep getting busier and busier, so come down and see what all the fuss is about as @deanjbgray , Coralie, @beau._.amelia of @lowtide.band , and @rorygrieve.music take the stage next Friday 4th July – songs about Murcia and Freedom etc etc not essential.
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed for staff, patients, families and volunteers at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People Edinburgh on Thursday
The International Festival’s NHS Festival Sessions, in partnership with NHSd Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, bring Festival artists into hospitals year-round, creating moments of musical connections that recognise the powerful impact music can have on wellbeing
As part of a wider vision to remove barriers to cultural discovery, the International Festival’s range of affordability initiatives include over 1,000 donated tickets for NHS staff, charity workers and low-income benefit recipients, and £10 Affordable tickets for every event in the programme
2025 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME RUNS FROM 1–24 AUGUST 2025
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions, a heartfelt partnership between the International Festival and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts bringing transformative live performances directly to patients, families, staff and volunteers across healthcare settings.
Now in its second year, the NHS Festival Sessions take place regularly year-round, bringing an exciting array of International Festival artists into NHS Lothian spaces to create curated moments of musical and emotional connection.
Previous artists include the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bamberger Symphoniker and the Philharmonia Orchestra, visiting sites such as the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital and St John’s Hospital, Livingston.
Ms Benedetti’s performance is part of her wider Festival vision: to ensure that the joy of life-altering live performance is accessible to the broadest possible audience.
This year, the International Festival continues to break down barriers to cultural participation with a range of affordability initiatives. These include:
£10 Affordable tickets for every event in the programme, available for anyone who needs them by quoting the promo code ‘INVITED’.
Over 1,000 donated tickets for NHS staff, charity workers, and low-income benefit recipients in partnership with Tickets for Good.
Over 2,500 free tickets for Scotland’s young musicians aged 8–18 through the Young Musician’s Pass.
Half-price tickets for under 18s and D/deaf, disabled & neurodivergent people for all Festival performances.
Festival Director Nicola Benedetti said: “I believe in removing barriers to cultural discovery. Everyone is invited to the International Festival – that’s why half of our tickets will be sold for £30 or less, and by extending our performances into community and healthcare settings, we’re reaching people where they are, and bringing a taste of the Festival to those who may be unable to attend.”
Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “Our partnership with the Edinburgh International Festival through the NHS Festival Sessions is a fantastic way to bring the transformative power of music directly into our hospitals.
“These year-round performances are a hugely anticipated part of our participatory arts calendar, making live performances accessible for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.
“It is such a privilege to work together to bring world-class artists and musicians like Nicola Benedetti to perform directly to our patients, staff, and volunteers. Witnessing the joy and emotional connection these live sessions create, really demonstrates the importance and positive impact of the arts on wellbeing.”
This summer’s International Festival will also see flagship projects that bring groups into the heart of August’s performances, developing long-term connections with Edinburgh’s communities to find enrich local life and reflect the ideas, ambitions and creative interests of different groups within the International Festival’s year-round work.
This year’s activities focus on three key areas identified with staff and residents: Dementia Friendly activities, Skills and Training Development, and tackling Social Isolation. Throughout the year—and during August’s Festival— the range of creative, community-led projects includes a six-week artist-led course for New Scots that culminates in a co-designed August festival event featuring musicians from the Aga Khan music programme.
A multi-year Community Connections Hub partnership with Space @ Broomhouse Hub includes collaboration with citizens from across the neighbourhood connecting with Festival artists. The residents respond creatively to music by the London Symphony Orchestra, inspired by the 2025 Festival theme The Truth We Seek and their work will be shared with the community at Space @ Broomhouse Hub.
In partnership with the Wellbeing onto Work (WOW) project, an eight-week course has also been delivered for 10 young people. The course focuses on building confidence and communication skills within Festival environments, with graduates offered supported, paid work experience during the Festival.
For the first time, the International Festival will also present a Dementia Friendly Concert in collaboration with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra—a relaxed, welcoming performance designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
For more information on the range of tickets for performances across music, dance, theatre and opera at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival, visit:
On Friday 20 June, over 1,100 children from 22 City of Edinburgh primary schools joined together for the Edinburgh 900 Big Sing event at the Usher Hall.
Taking to the stage was an orchestra of 70 primary school aged musicians, eight singers from Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble and a choir of pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools.
The event showcased collaborative performances from the City of Edinburgh Instrumental Music Service, Youth Music Initiative Music Instructors, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students and Love Music.
During the event, pupils were invited to join in and sing six songs, taught and led by presenter and choir leader, Stephen Deazley. The event also featured the world premiere of a song written especially for the event by the award-winning Scottish indie-pop band, Sacred Paws, called ‘Better Side Of Town’.
Musicians Ray Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers worked with pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools to write lyrics and musical material for the song alongside Love Music’s Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.
This event formed part of the celebration of Edinburgh 900, marking 900 years of formal ‘local democracy’ when, in 1124 King David I created the royal burgh of Edinburgh, one of the oldest in Scotland.
This year, a series of events, talks, tours and tales will help to tell the fascinating and diverse stories of Edinburgh’s journey and unique story.
PICTURE: Adam Cooke
Councillor James Dalgleish, Convener Education, Children and Families Committee commented: “It was a real pleasure to hear the musical talents of Edinburgh primary school children on display in the setting of the Usher Hall.
“Music has a unique ability to unite and inspire, and it was fantastic to see the way that pupils from across our schools joined together to in a fun and inclusive way.
“I want to thank our Instrumental Music Service teachers and school staff who made this event possible, and congratulate our young musicians on a brilliantperformance.
Stephen Deazley, Love Music Artistic Director said:“Creating space and opportunity for joyful communal singing is so important for our young people and school communities.
“Nothing lifts your spirit like it, which is why we were delighted to be invited to work alongside amazing musicians from Edinburgh’s instrumental Music Service to bring this ambitious project to the Usher Hall.”
Over 200 people attended an international fun football tournament in North Edinburgh recently, whilst also learning about the important work carried out by Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.
An excited crowd watched as 10 teams, made up of staff from State Street Corporation – the American global financial services and bank holding company – from across the globe joined teams from Poppyscotland and Passion4Fusion to compete in the competition at Ainslie Park, the home of Spartans Community Football Club.
Players had descended on the capital city from Scotland, England, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Ireland, Italy and Germany, with the home team of State Street Edinburgh crowned the champions.
As well as the football, over the course of the afternoon spectators also enjoyed a fully licenced bar, a ‘braai’ (South African BBQ), DJ’s and musicians providing some top entertainment. Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum, BUD, was also on location sharing the charity’s archive, veterans’ stories and the poppy’s heritage.
Damian Doran-Timson, Corporate Fundraiser at Poppyscotland said: “We are extremely grateful to State Street for hosting this annual tournament and we would like to thank both them and Spartans for making the event happen.
“I would also like to thank all of those who represented Poppyscotland and those who came along and supported us despite some awful weather – it was very much appreciated and greatly strengthened the excellent relationship we have with State Street.
“Every year they hold this event in a different country around the world and in support of a different charity, so it was really special that this year’s tournament was here in Scotland and allowed us to demonstrate the excellent work we do at Poppyscotland in supporting serving and ex-servicemen and women at times of need, including help with housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.”
For more information on the charity and how your donations help the Armed Forces community please visit poppyscotland.org.uk
For the opening weekend of the International Festival, Scottish national treasure Dougie MacLean headlines free event The Big Singalong with iconic song Caledonia, joined by a range of community choirs led by choir director Stephen Deazle
Famed Scottish folk musician Donald Shaw leads The Ceilidh Sessions for an afternoon of music and dance inspired by the Gaelic ceilidh tradition
Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb lead improvisational music sessions alongside up-and-coming young musicians in The Hub
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme to lead performances this August that celebrate the joy of music-making.
Highlights include Scottish music icon Dougie MacLean headlining free event The Big Singalong, celebrated folk musician Donald Shaw leading The Ceilidh Sessions with traditional Gaelic music and dance, and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb leading improvisational sessions featuring emerging young talent.
In a free, outdoor event to mark the start of festival season in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s most beloved musical figures, Dougie MacLean will lead The Big Singalongon Sunday 3 August.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Princes Street Gardens, the Perthshire-born singer-songwriter and composer behind the iconic anthem Caledonia will start a mass singalong that welcomes all voices, curated by Edinburgh’s Love Music Community Choir Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.
Choirs include The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Project Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are free and available at midday at www.eif.co.uk.
The joy of music making continues the next day with The Ceilidh Sessions, also in Princes Street Gardens. Scottish tradition meets Baroque flair, as Norwegian folk ensemble Barokksolistene join forces with Donald Shaw, known as founding member of Scottish folk legends Capercaillie, accompanied by his ceilidh band.
Alongside beloved ceilidh tunes like the “The Gay Gordons” and “Strip the Willow”, Barokksolistene add Baroque music, sea shanties and alehouse tunes to the mix for a truly international afternoon of music and dance. Both events are presented with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Jazz takes the spotlight at The Hub on the Royal Mile, with acclaimed pianist and composer Joe Webb leading the Up Late Jazz Jam on Friday August 15th.
Originally from Wales and now one of the most exciting forces on the UK jazz scene, Webb brings his distinctive energy and improvisational flair, honed through his work with Kansas Smitty’s and as part of the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, with whom he made his Festival debut last year.
The late-night session sees seasoned professionals and fresh talent share the stage for an electrifying night of improvisation and raw creativity in action.
Renowned violinist and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti leads a cohort of the world’s most promising young musicians in Rising Stars: Classical Jam. This spontaneous, informal concert brings emerging and professional musicians together for a dynamic, performance where audiences choose the repertoire. This event is inspired by the behind-the-scenes energy of rehearsal rooms and post-concert jams that classical musicians usually enjoy off stage.
For the third year running, the International Festival’s Rising Stars programme unites up-and-coming young musicians with mentors for professional development and performance opportunities.
This year’s performances include the first cohort of vocalists in Rising Stars of Voice on 19 August, Rising Stars of Woodwind with clarinettist Mark Simpson on 8 August, and a return from the original 2023 cohort of Rising Stars in Benedetti and Sitkovetsky’s Tribute to Menuhin with NFM Leopoldinum on 11 August.
To read more about the Rising Stars selected to perform at this year’s International Festival, see here.
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said:“At the heart of our Festival is a commitment to connection – providing a closer communion between artist and audience.
“From our mass ceilidh dancing, to singing Dougie MacLean’s iconic anthem ‘Caledonia’ at the top of our lungs in the Princes Street Gardens, to spontaneous jam sessions for jazz lovers and classical enthusiasts alike, these events invite everyone to take part in the magic of live performance.
“We are all about celebrating artistry in its most human, communal form, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it with us in August.”
Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director of The Big Singalong, said: “Caledonia has become more than just a song—it’s a reflection of Scotland’s spirit. Nearly 50 years on, it still speaks powerfully about what it means to find home, especially for those who are new to Scotland or have journeyed far.
“Singing it together in Princes Street Gardens this August for the International Festival opening weekend isn’t just about music; it’s about connection. It’s a way for people to feel they belong, to share in something bigger.
“When thousands of voices come together, you feel that sense of welcome, of joy, of community—and that’s what Scotland is all about.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is one of Scotland’s signature events, and we’re proud to support The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions as part of the festival’s opening weekend.
“These events not only celebrate our rich musical heritage—with icons like Dougie MacLean and Donald Shaw—but also play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy.”
“Free, inclusive events like these are essential in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and connection that live events bring.
“Together with our enviable portfolio of cultural and sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival reinforces Scotland’s global reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and events.”
Tickets to all performances at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival are available at www.eif.co.uk.
BBC ALBA and The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival have once again teamed up with a quest to find the best up-and-coming musical talent from the Highlands and Islands.
The winner of the talent search will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival.
Open to solo artists and bands (where at least 50% of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, one newcomer will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival.
Public votes can be cast on the Belladrum website and will be closing at 5pm Friday 20 June, ahead of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival 2025 from Thursday 31 July to Saturday 2 August.
Eight incredible up-and-coming acts are in the running to open the MAIN STAGE at Bella 2025!
Low Light Listening Lounge
Falasgair
The Cherries
Isla Scott
The Chosen Lonely
El Sartel
Ró Ó hEadhra
Scott C. Park
Known for its unique and diverse showcase of music and the arts, the festival has grown in popularity over the past 20 years, now attracting thousands of visitors.
As it prepares for its 21st year, with acts including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker and Natasha Bedingfield confirmed, the team is on the hunt to find the best new homegrown talent to open the main stage at the Hot House Arena on Thursday 31 July.
True to its longstanding support of Scottish artists, BBC ALBA is supporting the search, providing a platform to propel newcomers onto the celebrated Scottish music scene, as well as an additional opportunity for the winner to record an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio at the festival.
For those unable to attend, BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home with its annual live coverage broadcast across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer.
