Headline acts for the growing March Into Pitlochry festival have been announced - with the Perthshire town’s reputation as a burgeoning music hub set to get a further boost.
Dubbed ‘the biggest little festival in Scotland’, the popular weekend boutique festival returns in May, with a double showing from former Appollo 440 frontman, Ewan MacFarlane, topping the bill.
Described as the best voice in rock this side of the Atlantic by Sunday Times, MacFarlane will play a Friday acoustic set, promoting new album ‘Dove’ before returning with his band on Saturday evening.
Glasgow rootsy rockers, The Strange Blue Dreams, Edinburgh’s Dropkick and Hebridean outfit, The Tumbling Souls, will all grace the function suite at McKays Hotel Bar and Restaurant for the festival on May 19th and 20th.
March Into Pitlochry has ignited from its conception in 2016 but moved online in 2021 due to lockdown before returning ‘live’ to aplomb and hundreds of visitors from across Scotland last May. Luring Ewan MacFarlane to the bill after securing ex-Love and Money songsmith James Grant and The Silencers last year is another coup for the organisers. MacFarlane played alongside acts such as The Prodigy and Chemical Brothers with Appollo 440 and toured alongside Elvis Costello and Simple Minds with first band, The Grim Northern Social. His solo albums ‘Always Everlong’, ‘Milk’ and ‘Dove’ have been met with critical acclaim.
Retro 5-piece, The Strange Blue Dreams, have played Glastonbury and Edinburgh festivals and their 2022 album, Simple Machine, is a regular BBC radio feature. “The reason March Into Pitlochry brings a real buzz to the town is that people are seeing real quality acts that would not normally play in Pitlochry. That is why we get people coming from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness,” said organiser Marion McDonald. “There is something for everyone. We have electric and acoustic acts and we have local Pitlochry musician Charlie Dingwall playing this year, alongside Perthshire acts, The Sibellas and The Rhythm Service, who are making their festival debut.”
Other acts confirmed are singer/songwriter, Wully Smith, who went down a storm with the 2022 crowd and bluesy songsmith, Tom Mason. One final act is still to confirm but will be announced by the organisers shortly.
Our boutique Festival will bring an amazing eclectic mix of contemporary original music to Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire.
The boys will be bringing their strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics to MARCH INTO PITLOCHRY 2024.
Limited early bird tickets available here.
I loved the variety of music being played and the relaxed atmosphere. A really great day, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves
I really enjoyed the festival this year. I particularly liked all of the acoustic sets on the Saturday afternoon. I could have stayed there longer to be honest... That would be my only suggestion...more acoustic bands with a slight crossover with the 'noisier' bands in the town hall. If I'd had a choice, I would definitely have preferred to stay and listen to a couple more acoustic sets xx
Fantastic festival, massive well done to Marion and the rest of the team for organising. A fab weekend with great bands and great atmosphere. Looking forward to 2018 already ! X
