Pictures: Fans declare Peat & Diesel’s Black Isle Belter ‘fantastic’ - despite long bar queues
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Hot weather and thousands of thirsty festival-goers led to long bar queues on day one of Peat & Diesel’s Black Isle Belter.
But that did not mar the enjoyment of fans who declared the event “fantastic” and called for it to be repeated.
The two-day event at the Black Isle Showground in Muir of Ord, featured a line-up of bands headed by Stornoway’s Peat & Diesel comprising Calum “Boydie” MacLeod, Innes Scott and Uilly Macleod.
PICTURES: Festival-goers gather for Peat & Diesel’s Black Isle Belter
Peat & Diesel gear up for weekend event
Over the weekend, 10,000 people were set to attend with Saturday’s event being for over 16s while yesterday was more family-orientated.
After the opening day of the festival, Peat & Diesel posted on social media: “We just want to thank you all for coming last night and making it so special.
“To every band, every person involved, it was an incredible evening.”
The post also apologised for the bar and what transpired on a hot day with thousands of thirsty punters, adding measures were being put into place to rectify this.
Peat & Diesel’s manager Robert Hicks told Highland News & Media: “We were overwhelmed.
“We have to put our hands up and say we got it wrong.
“It was a bit of a perfect storm. The weather was hot, people arrived early and it appears we just couldn’t keep up with a thirsty audience.
“We have acknowledged on social media that we got that bit wrong and we have made some changes today.
“But overriding this is that there has been an overwhelmingly positive and fun atmosphere.”
Mr Hicks said even those queuing for the bar were glad to be celebrating at the festival.
“We always look at the negatives and see what we have to sort out if we were to do something like this again and make it positive,” he said.
“To have 10,000 on the showground over the weekend especially in a year when lots of events are struggling is incredible testament to Peat & Diesel and the draw and the connection they have with fans.”
Saturday’s line-up included The View and The Feeling.
Highland mental health charity Mikeysline and MFR’s Cash for Kids are the nominated charities for the event.
Fans posting their comments online included Angela Clark who said: “The bar queue was a small thing that didn't spoil an amazing day. It was lovely and sunny and u could still enjoy the music from the queue.”
Kelly MacDonald posted: “It’s the first Black Isle Belter, there was always going to be teething problems. I’m sure the next one will have a better bar set up.”
Karen Fraser said: “Queueing for 2 and a half hours for a drink, and over zealous security. Sunshine and music saved the day.”
Angela Budge was among those hoping the festival would be repeated.
“It was a fantastic day,” she said. “We all had such fun and everyone looked like they were having the time of their lives. We need this every year please.”
