Belladrum organisers have declared that “Bella Month” has officially arrived as anticipation builds for one of the Highlands’ most eagerly awaited weekends of the year.
The annual festival returns to the Belladrum Estate near Beauly from 30 July to 1 August, bringing together music, comedy, family entertainment, food, drink and the unique atmosphere that has become synonymous with the event.
For many people across the Highlands, Belladrum is more than a music festival.
It has become a summer tradition.
Families return year after year, friends arrange reunions months in advance and festivalgoers of all ages prepare for three days that combine big name performers with the kind of unexpected moments that have helped define Bella’s reputation.
This year’s line up includes performances from The Human League, James, Mika, Rizzle Kicks, Kula Shaker, Skerryvore, Brooke Combe, Callum Beattie and Cammy Barnes, alongside dozens of artists appearing across multiple stages.
Away from the headline acts, Belladrum continues to offer a broad programme of entertainment including comedy, workshops, family activities, silent discos, film screenings and pop up performances.
Part of the festival’s appeal has always been its ability to surprise.
One moment visitors can be watching an internationally recognised act on the main stage and the next they can find themselves discovering a hidden venue, joining a ceilidh or stumbling across a performance they never expected to see.
Belladrum has carved out a place as one of Scotland’s most distinctive festivals by embracing creativity, family friendliness and a distinctly Highland identity.
Its setting among the trees and rolling countryside of the Belladrum Estate adds to an atmosphere that many festivalgoers say is difficult to find anywhere else.
With the end of July now firmly in sight, organisers say the final countdown has begun.
For thousands of people across the Highlands and beyond, Bella Month means one thing.
Festival season has arrived.
