Tag Archives: TMF

Be Charlotte Embraces The Elements For Tiree Music Festival

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  • Final acts announced for TMF 2018
  • Brand new ‘Elements’ Programme launched – with something for the whole family
  • Official Beer Sponsor confirmed

Scottish singer-songwriter Be Charlotte has been announced as a headline act for Tiree Music Festival 2018.

Pop, rock band The Hoosiers have also been announced as headliners for the Sunday night of the festival. The Paul McKenna Band have also been confirmed to play as well as Mary Ann Kennedy.

The festival has also today launched their brand new ‘Elements’ programme – a strand that offers something for the whole family to enjoy.

Earlier this year Be Charlotte signed a worldwide record deal with Columbia/Sony Music. With her inimitable vocals and her unique style – a blend of digital and analogue pop with some beat-boxing and rap thrown in – she is sure to be a huge hit with the TMF crowds.

While on Tiree to announce her headline slot, Be Charlotte, said:

“I’ve been lucky enough to take my music to festivals throughout the UK, Europe and South East Asia but I really can’t wait to play Tiree Music Festival – before arriving today I had seen so many amazing pictures of the white sands and blue seas and I couldn’t wait to get here to experience them myself.

“It was great getting a taste of what to expect in July and now I really can’t wait to play to the TMF crowds in this amazing setting.”

Tiree Music Festival prides itself on being a family friendly festival and TMF 2018 will introduce a brand new creative programme entitled ‘Elements’ – this strand will explore the four core elements that are a key part of life on Tiree – Sun, Sand, Wind and Water.

The festival takes place on the island of Tiree between Friday 13th – Sunday 15th July 2018. Early bird tickets sold out in less than 48 hours in November for the multi award-winning event.

Brand-new to TMF 2018 will be the already announced ELEVATE STAGE. This new outdoor stage, that is supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund, will showcase the best talent on the Scottish music scene with its line-up focusing on up-and-coming Scottish artists. As well as opportunities for young musicians performing on the stage, the festival has also appointed a Youth Artistic Programmer Jamie MacDonald, who is from Tiree and has taken the lead on programming.

The Elements Programme and the ELEVATE Stage at Tiree Music Festival 2018 is supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund, managed by Event Scotland and part of Visit Scotland’s Events Directorate.

Tiree Music Festival is also delighted to announce that Innis & Gunn have been confirmed as their official beer sponsor for the weekend event.

Dougal Gunn –  Sharp, Innis & Gunn Founder and Master Brewer, said:

“We can’t wait to be part of The Tiree Music Festival experience as official beer sponsor, and are busy brewing up a fantastic range of Innis & Gunn craft beers for people to enjoy over the weekend in Tiree’s stunning island setting. We’re really thrilled to be supporting one of Scotland’s best festivals and looking forward to an amazing weekend of music.”

Daniel Gillespie, Festival Director of Tiree Music Festival, said: “BeCharlotte is an amazing musician as well as a fantastic ambassador for music in Scotland and we are really looking forward to welcoming her to the Tiree Music Festival stage this summer. “We’re also delighted to be announcing our Elements Programme which the whole family can enjoy. This strand further strengthens the family offering at the festival and we hope visitors to the island enjoy learning and experiencing the four key elements that are integral to daily life on Tiree. Tickets are selling fast so we recommend getting in there quick!”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Tiree Music Festival as part of Scotland’s Year of Young People celebrations. The festival has given the next generation the chance to shine with young people at the heart of the planning and programming this year. It is no surprise that this year’s line-up showcases some of Scotland’s best young artists and musicians. With so much incredible young talent, Scotland really is the perfect stage for events and festivals.”

The Elements Programme includes:
•Sand The amazing Sand in your Eye will be making the most of Tiree’s white sandy beaches and creating some
spectacular sand sculptures and designs. Festival goers will get the opportunity to get involved with interactive
workshops taking place on the Sunday.
•Sea Having only launched in April this year, TMF will be offering festival visitors the opportunity to see Tiree from
a slightly different angle with Tiree Sea Tours who will be running sea tours over the weekend.
•Wind Tiree, the Hawaii of the North, offers some of the best wind surfing conditions in Scotland – festival visitors are
invited to try their hand at extreme watersports, or a more relaxed paddle board session. Local company Wild
Diamond will be on hand offering a variety of activities.
UZ Arts will also be onsite offering flag design workshops throughout the weekend, suitable for all ages, this
interactive workshop will invite visitors to design their own flag.
•Sun The Sun element at this year’s festival comes in the formofDeLighterswho are a Physical PerformanceCompany
based in Edinburgh. They specialise inmulti-artformperformances and will be leading flashmob workshops and
performing a fire show all centred around the sun.
Acts Performing at Tiree Music Festival 2018 include:
Big Top
• THE HOOSIERS
• BE CHARLOTTE
• SKIPINNISH
• SKERRYVORE
• WOLFSTONE
• MARTYN JOSEPH
• MARY ANN KENNEDY
• RURA
• PAUL MCKENNA BAND
• BRIAN HUGHES & THE LONESHARKS
• THE TIREE SONGBOOK
(STMA Community Project of the Year)
ELEVATE Stage
• SCARLETT RANDLE
• NICKY MURRY
• CALUM MACKENZIE JONES
• BEINN LEE CEILIDH BAND
• EABHAL
• HÒ-RÒ
• DÙN MÒR CEILIDH BAND
• CALUM MACKENZIE JONES & THE TRAD PROJECT
• JONATHAN GILLESPIE
• HANNAH RARITY BAND
• PROJECT SMOK
• RURA
• CORNAIG CEILIDH BAND
• HOLLY AND THE REIVERS
• CARMA
• JOSIE DUNCAN & PABLO LAFUENTE
• TRAIL WEST
• THE ELEPHANT SESSIONS

Setting The Record Straight

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letters to editor

In response to the article in the Oban Times on Thursday 7th May, which suggested that Hugh Fernley Whittingstall had applied for a council grant for this year’s TMF, Stewart MacLennan and myself just wanted to address the inaccuracies in this article.

Stewart MacLennan, Director of Operations at Tiree Music Festival (TMF):

“The Argyll and Bute grant was applied for to help with logistical costs for Argyll Foods (eg Loch Fyne Oysters) and also to support the local efforts to deliver Tiree produce at the festival, through Beachcomber, a Tiree business. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall generously agreed to help us promote the festival – entirely out of his own goodwill and desire to help. It is the Year of Food and Drink Scotland and by approving part of the funding application, Argyll and Bute council have recognised the importance of bringing a local flavour to the festival, in turn supporting food producers, crofters and fishermen in the region.”

With his passion for local produce, and for Tiree, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall introduced me to his River Cottage star graduate chef Sam Lomas, and together with Hugh we are planning a tasty menu around what is available on the island, and in season at this year’s TMF. Our “pop-up”, (which, with Hugh’s blessing, will be called River Cottage @ the Beachcomber) will bring festival goers the very best produce from our own Tiree fishermen and crofter’s. Hugh has been very generous with his time and knowledge and I am hugely grateful for his support. Sadly his summer filming commitments mean he won’t be able to join us at TMF this year. Any assumption from the Oban Times article, that Hugh or River Cottage are profiting financially from this venture, or from council funding, is entirely wrong.

If you are selling Tiree fish, shellfish, potatoes, eggs and/or meat this summer please let me know as I am always looking for suppliers. [email protected] or 01879 220590

A Tiree Hoolie

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There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the weekend TMF delivered.

We were exposed to a jam packed programme of superbly talented singers and musicians who brought joy and merriment in abundance.

Young and old sang along together to familiar tunes, clapping and toe tapping for the more sedate onlooker, whilst the more energetic reveller bounced and danced to their heart’s content.

Our very own local talent were represented in the bands, Skerryvore, Skipinnish, Trail West, Gunna Sound, Ceol an Aire, Dun Mor and the Defenders. The Skerryvore ceilidh has become a traditional finale to the Festival and what a whirling, twirling way to end a wonderful weekend.

TMF must have one of the most picturesque backdrops of all Festivals, that plus the warm and friendly Tiree welcome surely must make it “the best” in Scotland.

See below for donated photos from the event….

tmf2014_2

tmf2014

Tourism Awards Finalists Selected

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HITA_2013The Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) have announced this year’s finalists in 15 categories, each in the running to receive a coveted 2013 HITA award at the ceremony and dinner to be held on 4th October in Inverness.

The eight year old regional tourism awards programme received more entries this year than ever before and the judging panel emphasised the volume of quality submissions, identifying the 2013 short listing process as the most competitive yet. Marina Huggett, chair of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards said:

“It is with great pleasure that on behalf of our independent judging panel we can reveal the 2013 HITA finalists. What is particularly exciting about this year’s qualifiers is that they have been selected from a wealth of truly award winning entries. Our judging panel have communicated that in addition to receiving the highest number of entries this year from across the Highlands and Islands, the overall quality has been of an extremely high caliber, clearly demonstrating the increasingly outstanding work that tourism businesses are delivering throughout our region.”

The finalists for the Best Cultural Event Award are the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Inverness-shire, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Elgin and Tiree Music Festival.

Defenders Back with A Vengeance

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defendersThe Defenders, Tiree’s incredible / awesome / amazing (delete as appropriate) rock band, are back with a Vengeance.

Featuring three members of the original line-up –  Gordon Scott on vocals and rhythm guitar, Bruce Kemp on lead guitar and Iain MacDonald on bass they are joined by Bernie Smith Jnr on drums, while the inexhaustible Frances Woodhead on backing Vocals provides some (much needed!!!) glamour.

The Editor didn’t manage to see their first full performance at the Rags to Riches event, but caught up with them on the Community Village Stage at TMF where they played a blinding set including several classics by Primal Scream,The Undertones and Buzzcocks, before finishing the set with the Bo Diddley classic “Who do you love?”. The Editor loves his classic punk and rock, so in his humble opinion The Defenders were the highlight of TMF 2013.

Unfortunately, due to illness, The Defenders were not able to perform on the Sunday, and having seen the set-list it would undoubtedly have been another cracking show. Gordon is on the road to recovery now, and I for one can’t wait for their next performance.

TMF 2012

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tiree music festival 2012Festival goers flocked to Tiree for the sell-out TMF (Tiree Music Festival) with bands including Toploader, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the Vatersay Boys and Tiree’s own Skerryvore, taking centre stage against the island’s stunning skyline.

Now in its third year, TMF 2012 was bigger than ever before with a sell out capacity of 1250 as well as the new TMF Community Village and campsite which was home for the weekend for over 500 music fans.

TMF organiser and Skerryvore band member, Daniel Gillespie said: “TMF 2012 exceeded all expectations and it’s all thanks to each and everyone who came to Tiree from near and far. From the bands who performed to the volunteers who helped out over the weekend, the local businesses and landowners who supported the event and, of course, the amazing crowds, this was a truly unforgettable TMF. Thanks to everyone for their incredible support and for making TMF 2012 the success it was. Here’s to 2013!”

The TMF buzz started building on Friday when the campsite opened in glorious sunshine and a plethora of tents were pitched in anticipation of the weekend’s music offerings. On top of music performances, TMF 2012 included workshops and Circus Skills as well as Open Mic opportunities, amongst many other activities. There were also fun for the younger TMF fans with face painting and balloon modelling on offer. Also spotted enjoying the weekend’s entertainment were a group of Smurfs, Oompah Loompas and even a furry crocodile with some festival goers opting for a more ‘unique’ style of gigging attire.

Saturday played host to an array of artists including Face The West, Gunna Sound and Donald MacDonald & Islands. And across the water from Barra, The Vatersay Boys took to the main stage on Saturday night, wowing the crowd with an energy laden performance including the Sands of Vatersay, Oidhche Bha and the theme to Local Hero. And then came Saturday’s headliners – the Red Hot Chilli Pipers – who unleashed their unique brand of ‘bagrock’ on to the TMF followers. Mixing together the sounds of pipes with rock music including AC/DC, Coldplay and Snow Patrol, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers raised the (outdoor) roof with an incredible set, highlighting their worldwide popularity.

Like so many other music festivals this year, wet weather made an appearance but, despite the wind and rain on Sunday, spirits weren’t dampened. After all, TMF followers are made of stronger stuff! Sunday’s acts included Emily Smith, Crooked Reel, and Tiree bands Skippinish, Gunna Sound and Trail West with performances on the main stage, An Talla and on the TMF Community Village Stage. Skerryvore received a rousing response from their homecrowd. No doubt about it, Skerryvore’s homecoming was warm and welcoming – the rain even stopped for their performance! Sunday headliners came in the shape of Toploader, the anthem of the night belonging to their biggest hit ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’, which was made extra special as the band invited Skerryvore piper Martin Gillespie onstage to perform the track with them. Over the weekend, music filled the air, echoing the length and breadth of Tiree as the festival goers showed their TMF appreciation, celebrating one of the best festivals around.

TMF 2011 – Early Bird Ticket Offer

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Tiree Music Festival

TMF are delighted to confirm that the 2nd Tiree Music Festival will take place this year on the 23rd & 24th July.

It will build on the massively successful first TMF and has already secured the booking of legendary celtic rock group WOLFSTONE along with many more acts to be confirmed over the coming months.

As a thank you to all who supported the first ever TMF in 2010 we are offering a special ‘early bird’ discount ticket to members of the TMF mailing list and An Tirisdeach readers only.

With TMF 2010 being a sell out, the special early bird ticket offer allows readers and members the opportunity to guarantee their tickets for TMF 2011 at a discounted price.

All you have to do is complete the discount ticket form and send it to us before 1st March 2011. Please note that there is only a limited number of early bird tickets available so we will act on a first come first served basis.

First Tiree Music Festival A Huge Success

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Not even travel chaos in the skies and on the seas could dampen the spirits of hundreds of music revellers who made their way to the first Tiree Music Festival held last weekend. Young and old, Tirisdeachs and visitors came together to join in the two day music celebrations at the sell-out event which brought together some of the biggest names from the folk and traditional music scene.

In spite of cancelled flights on the Saturday and disruption to the Tiree ferry service, visitors and artists made their way to Tiree to be part of the unmissable music event. From Tirisdeach acts such as Skerryvore, Skipinnish, Gunna Sound, Trail West and the Defenders to visiting musicians Fortunate Sons, Crooked Reel, Torridon and international artist Sandi Thom, the music line-up proved to be a winning festival formula for all.

Held on the grounds of the An Talla community hall in Crossapol, the Tiree Music Festival was hosted by actor and presenter Arthur Donald, who hails originally from the township of Vaul on the east end of the island. Beyond the music, the festival boasted other exciting activities including whisky tasting, an open stage for wannabe performers of all ages, gaelic drama workshops and a children’s ceilidh with local band Trail West.

The inaugural event was launched on Saturday evening with a procession by the Tiree Pipe Band to the festival site, and music festivities made a grand finale on Sunday evening with a unique performance by the All Star Tiree Ceilidh Band which united the island’s array of talented musicians on stage including pipers, guitarists, accordionists and drummers.

Festival organiser and Skerryvore musician, Daniel Gillespie, is thrilled with the response to the weekend’s event:

“After almost a year of organising and planning it was incredible to finally see it all come together. The reaction from locals and visitors was fantastic and their support and conduct throughout the weekend meant that this first festival was a huge success. “Plans are already underway for TMF 2011 and with such a high demand for tickets this year, we hope to increase the capacity for next year so that more people can come join in the festival experience in this unique location. “A massive thanks to all who supported the event, especially the sponsors, staff and volunteers and of course the bands whose talents kept the masses entertained all weekend!”

Watch out for news on TMF 2011 at www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk.

Fans can also follow TMF on Facebook and Twitter.

Tiree’s Fun Filled Weekend

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Tiree Show Pipe BandWas there ever a weekend like it? The fun started on Friday when, with the sun shining, locals and visitors reaped the benefits of the months of hard work put in by the committee to enjoy Tiree’s annual Agricultural Show.

The spectators were entertained watching the serious business of the judging of livestock,  but the largest crowd gathered to watch the Dog Agility team performing their routine through tunnels, along wobbly planks and over hurdles

Dog Agility Team– many comments were heard about there being “no way my dog could do that”.

Deciding on the winners in the pet and home produce sections was a difficult time for the judges and the effort put in by all entrants was apparent with the standards of entries once again being very high.

By the middle of the afternoon the sun had retreated behind the clouds and the wind turned cooler but still the children played on the bouncy castles and the queues at the refreshment stands continued.

The day was marked with a tinge of sadness as Alex MacArthur who has been announcing livestock results and prize winners for many years is hanging up his microphone and retiring from being the voice of the Show.

All the tickets for the Show Dance at An Talla were sold out and once again locals and visitors of all ages danced until the early hours.

The weather on Saturday was decidedly grim with the sort of misty rain that soaks you as soon as you go out, unfortunately this meant that the Sports day was cancelled and didn’t take place till Tuesday. By 6pm the rain had more or less stopped and the first ever Tiree Music Festival Kicked off with a procession to An Talla led by Tiree Pipe Band.

On Sunday at 11am the place to be was down at the Reef Pitch to either watch or take part in Tiree 5 A-side Tournament. Details of this competition will be in the next issue.

Without exception the opinions of all who joined in the events of the weekend were, that it had been a huge success, tiring for both organisers and participants, but something to talk about for many weeks and a highlight to look forward to next year.