About Lochaber Live

This joyous Scottish festival which captivated Highland music fans 30 years ago is being lovingly rebooted thanks to renowned musician, broadcaster, and event organiser Gary Innes.  It will see a whole host of Scottish talent – all with a close connection to the region – play to thousands at a tented venue set out on An Aird Shinty Field. The event, which was originally staged in the 80s and 90s before winding down to a smaller-scale concert, was once a landmark musical event for the people of Lochaber. Gary is also the brains behind the record-breaking and history-making Hoolie in the Hydro event, and as Spean Bridge native, he wanted to see his hometown festival restored to its former glory in a way that reflected Scotland’s thriving traditional music scene in 2024.

The event at the foot of Ben Nevis will comprise ticketed events on the Friday night and Saturday night and a free family day on Sunday. With a capacity of 2,000 per night and no age restrictions, the all-new Lochaber Live looks hopes to attract a swathe of music fans both young and old to round off their summer with some mighty Highland hospitality and music. The festival will also share a home and coincide with the staging of the Camanachd Cup Final – Scotland’s coveted national shinty final.

The new event’s visual identity also reflects the pride of the region, with a nod to the UK’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, and the legendary red tassels presented to Lochaber fiddlers by much-loved local teacher, Aonghas Grant BEM. The logo acknowledges Aonghas’ lifelong dedication to the area, having taught fiddle to hundreds of children across over five decades. Once players reach a high enough calibre, they are presented with a handmade tassel from Aonghas to hang from their instrument as a badge of honour.

Among the acts with close ties to Lochaber taking to the stage this September are Tide Lines. Led by Fort William’s own Robert Robertson, the Scottish four-piece will be showcasing their signature combination of folk melodies and big-chorused contemporary indie-rock for a home crowd. One of the region’s finest exponents of Celtic music, Mànran, will also bring their powerhouse presence to the reimagined Lochaber Live, hot off the heels of their performance to crowds of 10,500 at Hoolie in the Hydro last December. The legendary Wolfstone and its all-star bill of musicians were the last band to headline Lochaber Live back in 1994, and they will make a glorious return to its new stage, 30 years on from their last performance there. Gaelic supergroup from west Lochaber and Skye, Dàimh will also play, alongside the one and only Shooglenifty. Founded by the late Angus Grant, son of Lochaber fiddle legend Aonghas Grant, the band’s members include other Lochaber locals, drummer James Mackintosh and vocalist Kaela Rowan, who will see their acid croft sounds celebrated on home turf this September. In line with the former Lochaber Live’s strong connection with Irish musicians, Ireland’s much-loved Sharon Shannon Trio will also be part of this year’s bill. Fort William festival favourites Hò-rò, Spean Bridge singer and guitarist Little Win and the inimitable Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, are also set to perform to crowds at An Aird, with even more acts still to be announced. Sunday’s free celebrations will provide a platform for local and emerging talent and invite families to join an afternoon ceilidh, allowing everyone in Lochaber to enjoy the festivities, no matter their budget.

Lochaber Live organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: “My home area is so special to me, so it fills me with pride to be rebooting one of the most beloved music events Lochaber has ever seen. It’s only right that Lochaber will once again have its own festival which really reflects the breadth of talent and love of traditional music in the region. It’s 30 years since the last Lochaber Live. I played at the very last one aged just 12 at the Nevis Centre in Fort William. A lot has happened in the intervening three decades and with the profile and platform of traditional music now at what feels like an all-time high, it seems like the perfect time to try and resurrect a cultural event that people locally still have such fond memories of. We’ve got a fantastic bill of artists lined up, who all share my love and affinity for the culture of Lochaber and the Highlands, and I know they will do a stellar job of entertaining the crowds at An Aird this September. We want to make this event as open and welcoming as possible to people of all ages so I would encourage festival fans to round up the family and come along to what is going to be an incredible celebration. I have no doubt the people of Lochaber – and further afield – will have that tent rocking for the newly restored Lochaber Live this September.”