‘A festival fit for its 20th anniversary’ is verdict of Belladrum producer as festival-goers head home
It has been a Belladrum Festival fit for its 20th anniversary, according to event producder Dougie Brown.
As more than 20,000 festival-goers packed the site near Beauly, they have had the choice of dozens of music acts of all genres on 14 stages plus entertainment such as spoken word, stunt cyclists, wrestling matches and a flash mob in front of the Hot House stage.
Last night, it reached the grand finale with Deacon Blue followed by fireworks.
This morning, as folk began packing up the temporary tented community and heading home, Mr Brown said all was going well.
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“There have been no delays in getting people off site,” he said.
“Everyone is still buzzing from the weekend and super positive.
“Walking through the festival site during the weekend I spoke to so many people who said it felt like the Belladrum of years ago with a community positive feel about it.”
“It genuinely feels like a Belladrum fit for its 20th anniversary.”
He said a new traffic management plan, which was implemented following traffic chaos last year as people arrived at the festival, had prevented a recurrence of the problems.
“It has way surpassed what we anticipated,” he said.
“Speaking to a lot of staff working for 10 to 15 years or more, they said it was the quickest they have got on site.
“It is testament to a huge amount of work which has gone on behind the scenes with Highland Council, the police and festival staff.
“We have been hands-on - everyone who has been involved has shared their insights and ideas and, fingers crossed, we will not see the issues we saw in 2023 ever again.”
He said Belladrum was “very lucky” with its visitors.
“We have lots of people who are here for a good time and a very passionate about getting into the spirit,” he said.
“We have a lot of creative things and what has been amazing with this festival is that it looks so colourful and there are so many art installations and so many activities everywhere.
“Wherever you look there is something going on.”
Apart from a few short showers, Belladrum was also blessed with good weather.
“That really was the icing on the cake,” he said.
“We have been exceptionally lucky with the weather.”
On the festival’s second day alone, Mr Brown notched up 14 miles walking around the site and reckoned he had equalled that yesterday, too.
“I think my feet will need a good soaking!” he added.
