Catrina Atwood from Inverness will be bringing her hot air balloon to Belladrum Festival. Weather dependant, Catrina may open up a whole new world of floating experiences with her tethered flights. So that's another reason to get out every day and do that sun dance for 12th and 13th August.

Courtesy of Anam Cara (www.anamcara.org) the ancient ritual of the sweatlodge can be found at this year's festival. Still kept alive by the Native Americans, the sweatlodge ceremony is a rite of passage for personal purification, healing and clarity in life. It reconnects participants with nature, the elements and mother earth, and provides 'a sacred and safe space that allows us simply to be ourselves.'

Anam Cara will be building and manning a sweatlodge and fire at the festival. The ceremonies last 3 hours. Cost will be £15 per person booked in advance (deposit payable) or £20 on the day. Max number of participants in each ceremony 15. Ceremonies will be 4.00 - 7.00 PM on Friday 12th August; 11.00 AM - 2.00 PM and 3.00 - 6.00 PM on Saturday 13th August. To book, call Two Birds at Anam Cara on 01463 711702 or e-mail welcome@anamcara.org

Shamanism is one of the most ancient mind/body healing techniques known to mankind, and has been practiced by many peoples including Celtic and Pictish. The practitioner undertakes a 'Shamanic Journey' for healing, problem-solving and general well-being - either for the self, the community, another individual, or the land and its inhabitants.

Journeying often includes movement, chant and song and teachings of the Medicine Wheel. Two Birds from Anam Cara will be leading introductions to Shamanism in the Anam Cara tent at the festival

Seoras - George in its anglicised form - who practices the ancient art of storytelling from his home in Skye, will be gathering audiences about him at Belladrum. He began learning stories as a three-year-old at his grandfather's knee, and now has a repertoire of several hundred. They include epic tales of the Ossianic heroes Fionn and Cuchullin, tales of giants, fairies, water horses, seal and swan people, magic, ghosts and many stories of mystery and magic. Seoras tells his stories in a poised but natural way, allowing the mood of the story - whether it is sad, humorous or mysterious - to lead the audience. Be prepared to be entranced.

Dangerously clever magician, master illusionist and mind reader. Keep a close eye on the contents of your pockets!

Yes - it really is. Scotland's leading solar powered touring cinema (originating form the inspiration of others - not least Greenheart and Romany Reels. This cinema produces and screens pixie-made material as well as cartoons and movies.

It's 11.00 PM. The loud stuff has had to stop but YOU STILL NEED MUSIC
AND DANCING. Well, load up that iPod and mosey on down to the
SSSSSSSILENT DANCE TENT where the lights are flickering and you can move
to your groove. And so what if everyone else is dancing to a different
tune? It's what's inside YOUR head that counts, isn't it?

Coming on your own to the festival? Looking for LURVE? Shaz & Net are running the Speed Dating Love Lounge in the dance tent at 3.00 PM on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th August. You've got three minutes to impress the pants off someone!Entries limited to 20 boys and 20 girls per day. E-mail your reservations to the ladies at southview1@btopenworld.com - and keep an eye out for 30-person TWISTER games too.

On both 12th & 13th August, Tweedledee Tent:

11.00 AM Yoga: Salute To The Sun with Fiona Reid

12.30 PM Banaat Kalila: Indian Classical Dancing with Tina Gordon

1.45 PM Belly Dancing with Kathlee Riachi

6.15 PM Kora Lessons with N'Faly Kouyate

Celtic Connections

Partners


Car Share Scheme


Medicine Music


Beyond Promotions


Firefly


Hootananny's


Feis Rois


Hi-arts


Eden Court


MVC


MFR


Skiddle


Different Thinking


Our charity for a donation in 2005 is Maggie's Cancer Centres