Be sure to be there from the Crack It Open Ceilidh on the opening
night (Thursday 9th August) through to when it’s time to don your
masks and cloaks for the Invenetian Masked Ball after the amplified music
ends on Saturday. This year we are encouraging EVERYONE to come in fancy
dress, so let your imagination range free and come for the weekend disguised
in your fantasies.
New up this year, the Verb Garden, a place to settle in to some hard thinking – poetry,
comedy, debate and performance – and the organic mart where you can
stock up on unreconstructed fruit ‘n veg. Besides all that, last year’s
newbugs are back - the BBC Radio Scotland & HAIL Seedlings Stage
for new or unsigned artists and the Venus Flytrap Palais, a stage totally
dedicated to the wonderful and sometimes, frankly, weird in music, theatre,
cabaret and performance art.
All that and much, much more: street theatre; kids' entertainments; stalls,
food and drink; alternative therapy in the Hielan’ Fields; dance, etc.
Keep an eye on this site as we up-date it with the latest additions to what
promises to be an epic festival.
“…from the moment I arrived with my mate and girlfriend, to the moment I left, I never once lost my smile…”
“…Bella has rekindled the feeling which has become lost at the large, corporate-driven fests…”
“…Almost everyone I met said: “You here alone? Join us!”…”
“…I lost my sister on the Friday night and when I woke up in the morning she had become a Buddha. She had bought a meditation book and a statue of Buddha and she was covered head to foot in pasta – quality!...”
“…the kids have already encompassed the festival into their summer psyche. We love it as a family event – something for all of us…”
“…I met up with some wonderful people who are all now friends, all due to Belladrum…”
“…this was my first year at Belladrum and from the moment I arrived, I felt welcome by everyone, both staff and fellow patrons. Whilst it may not have the superstar lineup of some other festivals, the laid-back fun atmosphere was the best and the incredible diversity of the lineup was second to none…”
“…I wore a charity shop dress and no-one slagged me all weekend (I’m a chap, you see)…”
“…I was amazed at what a great setting Belladrum is, perfect in fact…” “…I got to play football with my favourite band in the world…”
“…I’ve never been to a rock festival before. I’m 45 years old and the kids and I had a brilliant time. We’re looking forward to bringing the old man along next year...”
And the last word goes to guitarist Larry Gott of James: “…it’s the way festivals should be , like in the early days when they were quirky. These days a lot are formulaic. This has the ethos of Glastonbury – eclectic and unique.’
You can also visit Bella on at Myspace