Music Festivals in Scotland and Rockness
Think of Scotland and you will most probably immediately think of tartan, think of Scottish music and you will, most likely, think of the bagpipes or the fiddle. Yes Scotland is well known for both it's tartan and it's bagpipes and traditional Scottish music is known (and practiced) across the globe. While traditional Scottish music remains incredibly popular Scotland is a diverse nation and this is extremely apparent in it's music. While the whole of the U.K. has seen a marked increase in the number of annual music festivals, Scotland seems to have exploded musically with festivals celebrating all types of music from the traditional to the bang up to date sounds of the DJ and modern rock/pop. The Rockness music festival, held near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, saw a strange mix of modern dance acts and DJ's alongside the latest pop acts and up and coming rock bands. So Scotland is not just bagpipes and tartan!
Like any other nation, Scotland has a rich musical past and the music of Scotland has continually changed with society. However Scotland has always been proud of it's past and this is extremely apparent in Scottish music. Today the country has one of the most diverse music scenes in the world and this diversity is proudly presented at the numerous music festivals held throughout the year. It is not unusual to see a person dancing to the sounds of the latest rock band then cheering a traditional act. In fact many festivals in Scotland have traditional acts appearing alongside the most modern and all add to a most wonderfully eclectic mix and exciting atmosphere.
Whatever your tastes in music there is a music festival in Scotland that features your favorite genre or style. If you like the traditional Scottish tunes, Celtic or Celtic fusion then festivals such as Celtic Connections, or the Hebridean Celtic Festival, showcase some of the finest acts of the moment. If you would rather see popular rock & pop bands or dance the night away to the best DJ's then the likes of Rockness, Wickerman and Tartan Heart will be more to your liking.
Although Rockness is held in rather a remote location (about 8 miles from Inverness) the organizers, Loudsound and Slingshot, have worked miracles to ensure that all the required facilities are in place and there are adequate transportation links. Held on the banks of Loch Ness, Rockness, has the most breathtaking views out across the Loch. In fact the location, Clune Farm, Dores, is amongst the most incredible of all the UK music festivals.
The 1st Rockness was only a one day event headlined by Fatboy Slim on the main stage and Daft Punk in the 10,000 capacity tent called the Clash Arena. In the second year the event was extended over two days with the Chemical Brothers headlining. On the second day it was Manic Street Preachers who headlined on the main stage but Daft Punk had returned to appear in the Clash Arena. The second year saw the crowd increase from 10,000 to 30,000 and it seemed all wanted to see Daft Punk. As the Clash Arena only holds 10,000 the sides of the tent were lifted to allow the full crowd to enjoy the performance. Strangely it could be claimed that Daft Punk were the actual headline act as they were certainly the most popular!
In it's third year Rockness retained the two day format with the first day being primarily a dance event (with Fatboy Slim headlining for the 2nd time) and the second day having a number of rock/pop acts performing (Razorlight headlining the main stage). With a crowd estimated at 35,000+ the site appeared crowded at times but the Clash Arena and smaller tents provided entertainment by the likes of Underworld and Pete Tong. When the main event was over the smaller tents continued until the early hours and the party continued in the camp sites until the next day!
Sadly there was a death this year and around 10 arrests which marred the reputation somewhat. The cause of death is unknown at this time but the weather was extremely hot and the atmosphere ecstatic so alcohol and dehydration are the likely culprits as drugs did not appear to be a problem. When you consider the fact that the crowd was over 35,000 and all were partying it is incredible how friendly and safe the environment was. Imagine a town or city center with such a crowd of revelers I am sure the statistics would be far worse!
Wickerman and Tartan Heart music festivals are equally, if not more, friendly events and both can be considered family friendly with children and toddlers seen running around playing. While some would consider this irresponsible you really need to visit these festivals to understand how safe they really are. Furthermore children are seen wearing ear defenders when they are in the vicinity of loud music.
Like any other nation, Scotland has a rich musical past and the music of Scotland has continually changed with society. However Scotland has always been proud of it's past and this is extremely apparent in Scottish music. Today the country has one of the most diverse music scenes in the world and this diversity is proudly presented at the numerous music festivals held throughout the year. It is not unusual to see a person dancing to the sounds of the latest rock band then cheering a traditional act. In fact many festivals in Scotland have traditional acts appearing alongside the most modern and all add to a most wonderfully eclectic mix and exciting atmosphere.
Whatever your tastes in music there is a music festival in Scotland that features your favorite genre or style. If you like the traditional Scottish tunes, Celtic or Celtic fusion then festivals such as Celtic Connections, or the Hebridean Celtic Festival, showcase some of the finest acts of the moment. If you would rather see popular rock & pop bands or dance the night away to the best DJ's then the likes of Rockness, Wickerman and Tartan Heart will be more to your liking.
Although Rockness is held in rather a remote location (about 8 miles from Inverness) the organizers, Loudsound and Slingshot, have worked miracles to ensure that all the required facilities are in place and there are adequate transportation links. Held on the banks of Loch Ness, Rockness, has the most breathtaking views out across the Loch. In fact the location, Clune Farm, Dores, is amongst the most incredible of all the UK music festivals.
The 1st Rockness was only a one day event headlined by Fatboy Slim on the main stage and Daft Punk in the 10,000 capacity tent called the Clash Arena. In the second year the event was extended over two days with the Chemical Brothers headlining. On the second day it was Manic Street Preachers who headlined on the main stage but Daft Punk had returned to appear in the Clash Arena. The second year saw the crowd increase from 10,000 to 30,000 and it seemed all wanted to see Daft Punk. As the Clash Arena only holds 10,000 the sides of the tent were lifted to allow the full crowd to enjoy the performance. Strangely it could be claimed that Daft Punk were the actual headline act as they were certainly the most popular!
In it's third year Rockness retained the two day format with the first day being primarily a dance event (with Fatboy Slim headlining for the 2nd time) and the second day having a number of rock/pop acts performing (Razorlight headlining the main stage). With a crowd estimated at 35,000+ the site appeared crowded at times but the Clash Arena and smaller tents provided entertainment by the likes of Underworld and Pete Tong. When the main event was over the smaller tents continued until the early hours and the party continued in the camp sites until the next day!
Sadly there was a death this year and around 10 arrests which marred the reputation somewhat. The cause of death is unknown at this time but the weather was extremely hot and the atmosphere ecstatic so alcohol and dehydration are the likely culprits as drugs did not appear to be a problem. When you consider the fact that the crowd was over 35,000 and all were partying it is incredible how friendly and safe the environment was. Imagine a town or city center with such a crowd of revelers I am sure the statistics would be far worse!
Wickerman and Tartan Heart music festivals are equally, if not more, friendly events and both can be considered family friendly with children and toddlers seen running around playing. While some would consider this irresponsible you really need to visit these festivals to understand how safe they really are. Furthermore children are seen wearing ear defenders when they are in the vicinity of loud music.
About the Author:
Rockness is over for another year (see Rockness Photos) but if you are planning to visit Inverness see our listings of Inverness hotels at http://www.invernesshotelscotland.com/
posted by Marcondes Allen at 10:03 PM
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