A string of musical talent from Dumfries and Galloway are set to take the Knockengorroch Festival by storm when they perform at the world music event later this month.
The festival’s Celtic Longhouse stage will be the atmospheric, participatory heart of the festival and play host to a strong thread of talent from the local area, alongside an eclectic mix of international acts from the traditional and electronic music scene.
Among the local acts taking to the festival’s unique Longhouse – the ‘hearth’ of the event – are celebrated Stranraer singer Robyn Stapleton and Dumfries songbird Claire Hastings.
A respected folk singer and former BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the year, Robyn will perform the traditional songs of her Scottish and Irish heritage for audience in the Scots, English and Gaelic language.
Dumfries lass Claire has enjoyed wide critical acclaim and will charm Knockengorroch crowds with her effortless Scots vocals as she takes on a set of traditional and original songs in the Longhouse, accompanied by her ukulele and guitar.
Knockengorroch will also be a home-town festival for Galloway group, The Galloway Agreement. This exciting new collaboration features established musicians Gavin Marwick (fiddle), Wendy Stewart (clarsach, vocals), Ruth Morris (alto, tenor nyckelharpa) and Stuart Macpherson (double bass) who will play a mixture of original compositions and favourite tunes and songs from Scotland and beyond. The performance will be a trip down memory lane for fiddler Gavin who played at the very first Knockengorroch Festival in 1998.
The Longhouse building’s green turf roof, traditional wattle and daub walls and traditional lum over the fireplace are set to create a truly special and intimate spot for audiences to enjoy the music.
Knockengorroch festival organiser Liz Holmes, said: “Showcasing local talent is very important to us and we’re delighted so many can join the bill at the most vibrant and grassroots spot in the festival. This year’s programme in Knockengorroch Longhouse is especially rich and it is a pleasure to welcome some of the region’s leading musical lights to the stage, and to take the party late into the night.”
The Longhouse stage is supported by Creative Scotland.
Knockengorroch, Scotland’s south west camping festival, will be held from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 May. For tickets visit www.knockengorroch.org.uk.
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