Sea Shanty star Nathan Evans gets fans warmed up for the Royal Highland Hoolie…on a tram! 

Nathan is one of eight live folk and country music acts performing across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at The Royal Highland Centre

PASSENGERS on an Edinburgh tram were treated to a very special journey yesterday as TikTok sensation, Nathan Evans, gave an impromptu gig.   

A special guest at the Royal Highland Hoolie at the Royal Highland Show, Nathan Evans of Wellerman (Sea Shanty) fame had everyone’s toes tapping as they travelled from Princes Street to Ingliston, the home of the Royal Highland Show. (June 20 – 23) 

The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.  

Sharing a stage with Nathan on Friday (21st June) will be headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released their latest single, Homeward Bound and six-piece band, Trail West, who have recently returned from a European tour and who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands will complete Friday’s line-up.  

On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, who will make an exclusive appearance.  

Welcoming families, this year the Royal Highland Hoolie will have a special family zone for those with children aged between five and twelve.  With picnic tables and space for little ones to play, families can enjoy the music safely and away from the crowds. 

The Royal Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash. 

Nathan Evans said: “I’m so looking forward to playing at the Royal Highland Hoolie this weekend.

“It was brilliant fun to give a warm up gig on the tram which will be taking people to and from the Hoolie. It promises to be a great event!“ 

Derek Ryan said: “I am delighted to be headlining again at the Royal Highland Hoolie this year.

We love coming back to Scotland and have been regular visitors to the concert and festival circuits here for the last 12 years now. My Scottish fans never fail to deliver the enthusiasm, the excitement and the warm welcome we always receive here.  

The Royal Highland Hoolie is definitely the festival we look forward to every summer. Last year’s crowd and the incredible atmosphere is something I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to headlining once again and the line-up this year looks like it’s shaping up to be the best year yet.  

“See you all on the 22nd June. Hold on to your hats!” 

Mark Currie, Director of Venue for the Royal Highland Centre said:  “The Royal Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

“With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”

Farmers Bash promoter Nigel Campbell, added: “The Royal Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends.

“We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.” 

Various ticket types are available, including two combined Royal Highland Show and Royal Highland Hoolie tickets which allow for people to enjoy both events at a discounted rate with a limited number of Hoolie only tickets. 

Ticket prices start at £35.00 and are available to buy from the Royal Highland Show website www.royalhighlandshow.org