Tiree Music Festival has officially opened its 15th sell out edition, welcoming thousands of music lovers to the Inner Hebrides for a weekend that celebrates everything the island does best.
Festival goers have travelled by ferry and air from across Scotland and beyond, temporarily tripling Tiree’s population as the island once again transforms into one of the country’s most distinctive live music destinations.
The celebrations began with a community ceilidh led by Fèis Thiriodh before Ayrshire singer songwriter Nick Morgan entertained the opening crowds with a lively set that included his well known anthem No Scotland, No Party.
With warm weather forecast for the weekend, organisers are hoping the island lives up to its reputation as the Hawaii of the North.
Since launching in 2010, Tiree Music Festival has achieved 15 consecutive sell out events, collected 14 national awards and contributed more than £11 million to the local economy.
This year’s anniversary programme brings together many of the artists who have helped shape the festival’s story over the past decade and a half.
Skipinnish, who performed at the very first Tiree Music Festival, return to headline Friday night and will also visit the island’s school to perform with young local musicians ahead of their evening appearance.
Peat & Diesel make their long awaited festival debut, while Tide Lines return to the Big Top after first appearing at Tiree Music Festival ten years ago.
The weekend line up also includes Sharon Shannon, Dougie MacLean, RURA, Dàna, Riley, DLÙ and many more established and emerging performers from Scotland’s traditional and contemporary music scene.
Fresh from performing for Scotland supporters at the FIFA World Cup, Skerryvore will close this year’s festival on Sunday evening, continuing a remarkable record of appearing at every edition since the festival began.
Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy beach yoga, surfing, kayaking, seafront saunas, breathwork sessions, Gaelic singing, film screenings and visits to Tiree Distillery, while families can take part in crafts, beach games, silent discos, kite flying and children’s entertainment throughout the weekend.
The festival’s community spirit will also extend beyond the main arena as Donnie ‘Maroot’ MacLeod’s Care for a Ceilidh programme brings live music to residents at Tigh a Rubha Care Home.
Daniel Gillespie, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Tiree Music Festival, said:
“From 2010 to now has been an incredible journey and we couldn’t be prouder to reach the 15 year mark.
“There is no feeling like seeing thousands of people come ashore who have travelled across Scotland, across Europe, and beyond, to join us on our little island for this event.
“We could never have dreamed that the festival would have such a positive impact on so many people, and we can’t wait to see everyone once again embracing the spirit of TMF this weekend.
“As far as we’re concerned, it’s No Tiree, No Party, and with the sun on the way we are set for one legendary ceilidh.”
Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish said:
“There’s nowhere quite like Tiree and no festival like TMF.
“I remember the first ever edition like it was yesterday and the excitement of playing a festival on my own home island.
“To be back playing TMF’s 15th festival is something special.
“I’m very proud of Tiree’s music and of this flourishing local festival.
“The music of this little island has won fans around the world and in that, TMF has played a huge role.
“This weekend we’ll see the very best of Tiree and we’re delighted to be a part of that.”
The festival continues until Sunday 12 July with thousands expected to enjoy another memorable weekend of music, culture and island hospitality.
