Scotland is know throughout the world for many things including tartan and bagpipes and when many are asked about Scottish music it is the bagpipes that most bring to mind first. The bagpipes appear all over Scotland and many of the most popular tourist attractions often feature a piper in full traditional dress banging out a few well known tunes. Used heavily in warfare the sound of the bagpipes is very distinctive, and many would describe it as terrifying however there is much, much more to Scottish music than bagpipes and ceilidh bands. In recent years the UK has seen a massive increase in the number of annual music festivals and in Scotland there are a few well worth a mention such as the relatively new Rockness music festival near Inverness.
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.
Scottish music festivals cater for all tastes in music and, whatever style or genre you appreciate most, there is bound to be a festival suitable for you. If you enjoy traditional Celtic sounds and some of the modern fusion bands then a visit to Celtic Connections of the Hebridean Celtic Festival will introduce you to both the well known and the most modern Celtic influenced acts around. On the other hand if you prefer the more modern sounds the likes of Tartan Heart, Wickerman and Rockness present a mix of the most modern and popular acts alongside the up and coming acts of the future.
Rockness is something really special, amazing music in the most beautiful surroundings. Loudsound and Slingshot must have been dancing with delight when Clune Farm, Dores, allowed them to use the farm for the festival as it has the most breathtaking scenery around and mind blowing views across Loch Ness. It seems strange to be driving along the narrow country lanes to stumble upon a vibrant and colorful festival site on the banks of Loch Ness and the organizers have done an incredible job in making sure that there is little disruption to the area and that traffic rarely, if ever, comes to a standstill. Transportation links are excellent with buses from around the U.K. and Inverness only a few miles away.
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!
The third Rockness was again mainly dance orientated, with Fatboy Slim headlining the first day for a second time, but the second day had more rock and pop acts (similar to the previous year) with the Cribs and Editors supporting the main headlining act, Razorlight. With the Clash Arena and other tents here there and everywhere there was plenty to choose from with Pete Tong and other popular DJ's playing until about 2.00am.
A crowd of thirty five thousand party goers in the confined space of a town center is a policeman's nightmare as it, more often than not, there are numerous arrests, countless fights, many injuries and even deaths. Not so at Rockness, the atmosphere is incredible, everyone smiling and happy with not a care in the world. I did hear that there was one short fight and around ten arrests but this is nothing when you consider the numbers. Sadly one poor lad died which was widely reported in the newspapers but as the cause is not known (and witnesses reported no trouble) it is unwise to speculate. Overall it is one of the most friendly festivals I have visited in nearly 30 years of festival going!
Even more family friendly are the music festivals, Tartan Heart and Wickerman. These events are astounding in that the crowds are ultra friendly and the sight of small children and toddlers playing is not unusual and even babies attend, There are even baby changing facilities! At these festivals the parents are always responsible and the kids are seen wearing ear defenders when they are anywhere near the loud music. Festivals in Scotland are amongst the most friendly in the world.
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.
Scottish music festivals cater for all tastes in music and, whatever style or genre you appreciate most, there is bound to be a festival suitable for you. If you enjoy traditional Celtic sounds and some of the modern fusion bands then a visit to Celtic Connections of the Hebridean Celtic Festival will introduce you to both the well known and the most modern Celtic influenced acts around. On the other hand if you prefer the more modern sounds the likes of Tartan Heart, Wickerman and Rockness present a mix of the most modern and popular acts alongside the up and coming acts of the future.
Rockness is something really special, amazing music in the most beautiful surroundings. Loudsound and Slingshot must have been dancing with delight when Clune Farm, Dores, allowed them to use the farm for the festival as it has the most breathtaking scenery around and mind blowing views across Loch Ness. It seems strange to be driving along the narrow country lanes to stumble upon a vibrant and colorful festival site on the banks of Loch Ness and the organizers have done an incredible job in making sure that there is little disruption to the area and that traffic rarely, if ever, comes to a standstill. Transportation links are excellent with buses from around the U.K. and Inverness only a few miles away.
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!
The third Rockness was again mainly dance orientated, with Fatboy Slim headlining the first day for a second time, but the second day had more rock and pop acts (similar to the previous year) with the Cribs and Editors supporting the main headlining act, Razorlight. With the Clash Arena and other tents here there and everywhere there was plenty to choose from with Pete Tong and other popular DJ's playing until about 2.00am.
A crowd of thirty five thousand party goers in the confined space of a town center is a policeman's nightmare as it, more often than not, there are numerous arrests, countless fights, many injuries and even deaths. Not so at Rockness, the atmosphere is incredible, everyone smiling and happy with not a care in the world. I did hear that there was one short fight and around ten arrests but this is nothing when you consider the numbers. Sadly one poor lad died which was widely reported in the newspapers but as the cause is not known (and witnesses reported no trouble) it is unwise to speculate. Overall it is one of the most friendly festivals I have visited in nearly 30 years of festival going!
Even more family friendly are the music festivals, Tartan Heart and Wickerman. These events are astounding in that the crowds are ultra friendly and the sight of small children and toddlers playing is not unusual and even babies attend, There are even baby changing facilities! At these festivals the parents are always responsible and the kids are seen wearing ear defenders when they are anywhere near the loud music. Festivals in Scotland are amongst the most friendly in the world.
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Rockness is over for another year (see Rockness Photos) but if you are planning to visit Inverness see our listings of hotels in Inverness at http://www.invernesshotelscotland.com/
