Youthful feel as folk festival marks 18th year

The 18th annual Moniaive Folk Festival is setting out to prove that the Dumfries and Galloway region is still brimming with youthful musical spirit.

Recent years have seen the loss of some well-known events, but there’s still plenty going on at the grass roots.
Between 10 and 12 May the tiny village will once again be welcoming visitors from across the country and all over the world to enjoy a series of intimate gigs with fabulous performers of many kinds.

Among them will be Glasgow’s Samson Sounds with their uplifting blend of African highlife and blues, dub, kwaito and jazz. It’s a sound that just make you want to move – anyone determined not to dance may have to nail their shoes to the floor.

Then there are the whisky-honeyed tones of Cera Impala whose songs are renowned for their beauty and intensity.
Tim O’Sullivan, who runs the Coach House venue where both acts are appearing on 12 May, said: ‘We’ve got a really strong music festivals tradition in Dumfries and Galloway.

‘And the fact that this is our 18th Moniaive Folk Festival and it still feels as fresh and energetic as ever shows that this is a region that loves live music, and that people enjoy coming here to enjoy the countryside, the atmosphere and the entertainment.

‘Having performers like Samson Sounds and Cera Impala on stage also underlines the sheer diversity of what we can offer – including that there’s lots that will appeal to younger audiences.’

Further attractions to the folk festival include Calum McIlroy a guitarist, mandolinist and Scots singer from Elrick in Aberdeenshire. He fronts his own trio featuring two exceptional musicians from the North of Scotland; Megan MacDonald on accordion and backing vocals, and Ruairidh Gollan on fiddle.

Then there is Aidan O’Rourke is a fiddler, composer, producer and one of the most influential folk musicians of his generation.

Samson Sounds

Over the years he has pioneered a new sound in Scottish folk and re-contextualised traditional forms with experimental, improvised, jazz, classical and electronic music.

In addition to the music the festival has lots of family-friendly daytime activities including a costumed parade through the village.

As well as the music, on Saturday, a festival workshop and parade is taking place, where participants can get involved with making props then take part in a colourful parade through the village.

Then on Sunday, Clydebuilt Puppets, the leading Scottish puppet theatre company, will hold a workshop and a fun show.

Tickets for Friday evening or Saturday evening concerts from £15, both nights from £25. Camping from £15 one night or £25 for two. Weekend camping plus concerts £45 to £60. Box office 01848 200205.

Online tickets can be ordered HERE.

Further information call the Craigdarroch Arms on 01848 200205 or email moniaivefolkfestival@gmail.com.