The season of summer music festivals is here. And in Scotland, that can mean only one thing it’s time to look out the wellies and rain jackets.
But there’s more to the festival scene than just wading around in the mud at T in the Park and Rockness. A growing number of boutique festivals are popping up in all corners of the country, no matter how remote. Not only is it a great way to see beautiful parts of the landscape but best of all, most of the festivals are family friendly.
Here are some of the best this year.
The weekend of July 6-7 sees a number of up-and-coming acts perform at the Kelburn Garden Party, near Largs. Kids of all ages are welcome under-13s go free and there is dedicated entertainment for younger visitors and a supervised play area in the wooden fort.
One of the most beautiful festival locations is on the grounds of Lews Castle, overlooking Stornoway harbour, for the Hebridean Celtic Festival from July 17-20. Van Morrison headlines and children under five go free, while 5 to14-year-olds are discounted.
The Wickerman Festival (July 26-27), near Dundrennan in Dumfries and Galloway, continues to grow each year and this time round features Primal Scream, Amy MacDonald, KT Tunstall and The Enemy. Children under 12 go free, while 13 to 15-year-olds are discounted.
Rewind Scotland might be an ’80s festival, featuring Belinda Carlisle, Kim Wilde, Jason Donovan and Rick Astley, but there’s plenty to keep the youngsters entertained if the music’s not to their fancy. The event at Scone Palace, Perth, on July 27-28 has a big top and outdoor play area, with a chance to have a go at circus skills or enjoy the stiltwalkers, balloon benders and magic. There are discounted tickets for 12s and under, while three years and under go free.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in Beauly, Invernesshire, celebrates its 10th anniversary on August 2-3. The carnival-themed all ages festival has performances from big names like James, Seasick Steve and Dougie MacLean, and there’s a family camping zone. Children 12 and under go free.
Hopefully the summer weather extends to August 22-25, when Doune The Rabbit Hole takes place at the beautiful Cardross estate near the Lake of Menteith. Scottish folk troubadour Alasdair Roberts is among the performers, but the festival’s ultimate aim is to ensure there is no financial boundary to children learning creative skills in Scotland. Kids under 12 go free.
So go on, look out those weatherproof clothes and enjoy the music festival culture as a family in some unique settings.
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