Tuning-up for Pitlochry's Fifth Music Festival

Perthshire's boutique music festival is celebrating its fifth anniversary in style.

Next month’s “March Into Pitlochry” will showcase nearly 30 bands from across the country, and beyond.

And, for the first time, this year’s bash will be spread across three days.

It’s meant a bigger workload for the dedicated team of music-mad volunteers who came up with the idea of piecing together a Highland Perthshire festival to bring bands to the Big County and provide the tourist town with another off-season string to its bow.

“Initially, the team was fully focused on simply trying to make the first M-I-P a success, especially as we had been warned by seasoned festival operators that the initial one was always the toughest when it came to balancing the books,” said committee member and local businessman Stephen Carruthers.

“Against the odds, we managed to just about break even that first year and that provided the impetus to grow the festival year on year. For the milestone 2020 festival we have again lured top-notch groups to Perthshire

“For the milestone 2020 festival we have again lured top-notch groups to Perthshire, along with providing a platform for a number of Tayside bands.” 

This year’s event, spanning March 27-29 and backed by Coast to Coast Pale Ale and Rural Perth and Kinross Leader, sees artists spread between Pitlochry Town Hall and, on the Saturday and Sunday, McKays Hotel.

The Friday headliners are country pop-rockers Jess and the Bandits, featuring Houston-born lead singer Jessica Clemmons. They are championed by the legendary “Whispering” Bob Harris.

The Saturday night bill toppers are The Silencers, whose Celtic rock sound has been hitting the spot since the 80s, with nine albums to their name.

And rounding off the customary Saturday afternoon sessions at McKays Hotel is Scots singer songwriter James Grant, of Love and Money fame.

“We are thrilled with the quality and range of bands we have nailed down this year,” said Stephen.

“Jess and the Bandits are only just back on the road after Jessica took time out to start a family.

“The Silencers recently sold out 2400 tickets for a couple of Glasgow gigs. They only play Scotland once a year so they should be a major pull.

“I’m particularly pleased that James Grant has agreed to make an appearance. If there is a better singer songwriter in Scotland today then I have yet to hear them.

“James is doing an acoustic set and I’m sure his usual caustic wit will delight his audience.

“It’s an intimate venue and he’s bringing along Fraser Spiers, arguably the country’s finest harmonica player.”

GALLERY

For the first time, the Sunday sees a Festival Finale held at McKays, spearheaded by the Moose Mobile. Bands include Perth’s Michael Rattray and The Carloways Trio.

M-I-P has been supported by The Enchanted Forest and businesses including the GS Group, J&H Mitchell Solicitors, Holland House Perth, Hettie’s Tearoom, Web Smart Media, MKM Building Services and Edmundson Electrical.

Advance tickets and details of all the bands featuring at next month’s festival are available on the website.