Summer Festivals

Posted by the Black Wolf | Jun 04, 2014

The weather has turned from bitingly cold to mild and drizzly with the occasional burst of sunshine. That can only mean one thing; the Scottish summer is about to begin. I, the black wolf, will be touring the lands in search of music, barbeques and beer - the perfect opportunity to gather the pack and have some fun. Take a gander at my summer hit list if you’re looking for something to howl about this festival season... 

Glasgow Jazz Festival 

When: 25^th-29^th June

Where: Events are held across various venues in Glasgow

Website: http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/

My first stop will be the vast city of Glasgow. I am a social animal and have always enjoyed this friendly city. As a music lover with an insatiable hunger for up-tempo jazz, my ears pricked when I heard about the variety of events and venues featured in this year’s Glasgow Jazz Festival. 

Kelburn Garden Party

When: 4^th-6^th July

Where: Kelburn Castle

Website: http://www.kelburngardenparty.com/

The Kelburn Garden Party offers something for everyone, from deck-wizardry and dancing to rock and reggae. I particularly enjoy the forest disco, a night of psychedelic music in my own habitat. Alongside the wide selection of Scottish ales, I’ll be digging my teeth into some locally sourced food. 

HebCeltFest

When: 16^th-19^th July

Where: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Website: www.hebceltfest.com/

Expanding our territory to the islands, I’ll be having a wee dram with my old friends in the historical town of Stornoway. Locals and visitors flock to the castle grounds, the backdrop of Lews Castle and Stornoway Harbour adding ambience to the event, where we experience Scottish folk/rock at its best. 

Wickerman

When: 25^th-26^th July

Where: East Kirkcarswell

Website: http://www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk/

As a lover of music I must say Wickerman is one of my favorite independent music festivals. Friends gather to bask in that summer evening atmosphere against a backdrop of music, dancing and green fields. 

Merchant City Festival

When: 24^th July-3^rd August

Where: Glasgow

Website: http://www.merchantcityfestival.com/

I’ll be returning to Glasgow in July to experience Merchant City Festival. I believe this is more than a festival; it is like jumping into a parallel world of music, dancing in the street, food and beer. This festival oozes culture, exemplifying the talents of lands afar, from nutkhut dancers to opera singers.  

Fringe by the Sea 

When: 4th-10th August

Where: North Berwick

Website: http://www.fringebythesea.co.uk/

No summer is complete without a trip to the seaside. August will take me to North Berwick to satisfy my hunger for ice cream, sunshine and good music. I’ll be spending long evenings mesmerised by the music and warm days soaking up the summer holiday atmosphere. 

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 

When: 8^th-9^th August

Where: Beauly, Inverness

Website: http://www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/

I’ll be letting my animal instincts take over for this wild event. Not only will I be sampling traditional food and amazing music, I will be able to truly immerse myself in Scottish culture (and not just the drinking side of it).

Linkylea

When: 5^th-8^th September

Where: Colstoun Estate, East Lothian

Website: http://linkyleafestival.org.uk/

My last stop this summer is the Linkylea Festival. Kind to the ears with mellow tunes, this charity festival will make for a pleasantly tranquil ending to a glorious summer. 

What do you say wolf pack?