Belladrum has been the Tartan Heart of the local community since 2004
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Since it began in 2004, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has been a constant presence on the Highland calendar.
Homegrown in the Highlands, the festival continues to pride itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and putting the community at the heart of everything it does.
Belladrum’s signature on the wider festival scene quickly grew to include eclectic line-ups securing the biggest acts while making room for local emerging acts and having the breadth to offer music for everyone. An extensive entertainment programme runs alongside the music – and the freedom to be a little bit wacky.
As a festival, set in the stunning surroundings of the Belladrum Estate, it can also roll out the perfect escape from day to day life.
So it’s not a surprise to hear a fan giving their seal of approval, saying: “It’s a great local festival.”
But not so everyday is the strong emotional connection this festival makes: “It feels like coming home to a magical place in my heart.”
And maybe no wonder …
Each year Belladrum shares the love, donating over 200 tickets to local charities, schools and fundraising. That includes Highland Hospice’s Ness Factor and Highland Heroes where the three incredibly-worthy brave child of the year nominees receive tickets to attend the festival with their families.
Belladrum’s charity partner this year is the local mental health charity mikeysline.
They will be joined by Highland Hospice, Maggie’s and Lovat Shinty Club, to name a few, who will be present at the festival on “charity alley”, the festival’s dedicated market for charities. It’s there you can engage and learn more about the services they provide and contribute to their fundraising efforts – a must-visit spot in the arena.
Mikeysline will also be providing their essential mental health support service at the festival.
A real community haven that has proved a popular spot at the festival for many years, is the Kiltarlity Hall Association tea tent. Located in a prime spot, right at the top of the garden stage, It has provided festival-goers with delicious home baking, a good old cuppa and it’s unique selling-point – a warm Highland welcome! Belladrum is the association's biggest fundraiser, with money going toward the maintenance and upkeep of the Kiltarlity community hall at the heart of the village. And their hall plays a huge role in the lives of the local community.
In 2017, London based promoter Kilimanjaro live acquired the festival from founder Joe Gibbs. The Kilimanjaro live team brings a wealth of live music and event management knowledge to the festival while working directly with the local team on the ground, which provides the perfect balance of expertise and local knowledge, vital to the festivals survival and growth.
The local team is made up of Inverness native, and Belladrum veteran, Dougie Brown. He started working at the festival wristbanding in 2005 and worked his way up the festival ranks to festival producer after going full time in 2017. In the newly appointed role of festival coordinator is Naomi Hollas, also hailing from Inverness, who has worked on the festival in multiple roles such as marketing and stage management. Naomi joined the team full time after completing her event management studies and freelancing at festivals across the country. Entertainment manager, Jane Lister completes the local day to day team, working part time curating the extensive and celebrated entertainment programme.
The festival also welcomes back numerous staff across the entertainment, stage management, artist liaison, site teams and more who return year on year and are very much a key part of the Bella family team. The majority of them have very different jobs away from their annual Bella roles.
Festival producer Dougie Brown said: “Bella really is one of the most unique festivals in the UK and feels so ingrained in the local community. I feel genuinely privileged to be part of an incredible team which is always working hard to ensure Belladrum stays magical for everyone who joins us for the best party in the Highlands every summer.”
Festival coordinator Naomi Hollas said “Belladrum has always been my local festival, and the first I ever attended as a teenager, so to have joined the planning team is a huge honour.
"I’m delighted to bring my experience back to the Highlands and play a part in a festival that has such a positive impact on the community and lives of the local Highland people, including myself.”
The festival has a long-standing relationship with UHI – the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Together they curate valuable placement opportunities for students including production, marketing and entertainment roles. Some previous placement students have gone on to secure permanent jobs and return year on year.
The festival provides over 300 jobs annually. From building the stages to box office, the event works very closely with many local businesses who return each year, including Scottish Vauxhall, Tomatin Distillery, D&E Coaches, Highland Industrial Supplies and Highland Hog Roasts, to name a few.
And that wacky side of the festival is never more in evidence than when the theme is announced each year and the crowds get out their imaginations and creative skills to dress up to express the theme.
Festival organisers say: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the estate this year. With our cartoon theme, there’s plenty of opportunity to get creative. Our annual fancy dress competition will also return with the chance to win tickets to 2024!”
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival returns July 27-29. Weekend tickets and upgrades available here:
