Music Festivals in Scotland and Rockness | Music

By AndrewKelly
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Scotland is know throughout the world for many things including tartan and bagpipes and when many are asked about Scottish music it is the bagpipes that most bring to mind first. The bagpipes appear all over Scotland and many of the most popular tourist attractions often feature a piper in full traditional dress banging out a few well known tunes. Used heavily in warfare the sound of the bagpipes is very distinctive, and many would describe it as terrifying however there is much, much more to Scottish music than bagpipes and ceilidh bands. In recent years the UK has seen a massive increase in the number of annual music festivals and in Scotland there are a few well worth a mention such as the relatively new Rockness music festival near Inverness.

Like any other nation, Scotland has a rich musical past and the music of Scotland has continually changed with society. However Scotland has always been proud of it's past and this is extremely apparent in Scottish music. Today the country has one of the most diverse music scenes in the world and this diversity is proudly presented at the numerous music festivals held throughout the year. It is not unusual to see a person dancing to the sounds of the latest rock band then cheering a traditional act. In fact many festivals in Scotland have traditional acts appearing alongside the most modern and all add to a most wonderfully eclectic mix and exciting atmosphere.

Whatever your tastes in music there is a music festival in Scotland that features your favorite genre or style. If you like the traditional Scottish tunes, Celtic or Celtic fusion then festivals such as Celtic Connections, or the Hebridean Celtic Festival, showcase some of the finest acts of the moment. If you would rather see popular rock & pop bands or dance the night away to the best DJ's then the likes of Rockness, Wickerman and Tartan Heart will be more to your liking.

Although Rockness is held in rather a remote location (about 8 miles from Inverness) the organizers, Loudsound and Slingshot, have worked miracles to ensure that all the required facilities are in place and there are adequate transportation links. Held on the banks of Loch Ness, Rockness, has the most breathtaking views out across the Loch. In fact the location, Clune Farm, Dores, is amongst the most incredible of all the UK music festivals.

The 24 June 2006 saw the first Rockness headlined by DJ Fatboy Slim and Daft Punk (in the Clash Arena). The second Rockness was held over 2 days and headlined by the Chemical Brothers on the 1st and Manic Street Preachers on the 2nd. However Daft Punk returned to play in the Clash Arena and as the whole 30,000 crowd attempted to fill the Clash Arena tent the organizers were forced to open it's sides which led to claims that it was really Daft Punk who headlined.

The third Rockness was again mainly dance orientated, with Fatboy Slim headlining the first day for a second time, but the second day had more rock and pop acts (similar to the previous year) with the Cribs and Editors supporting the main headlining act, Razorlight. With the Clash Arena and other tents here there and everywhere there was plenty to choose from with Pete Tong and other popular DJ's playing until about 2.00am.

A crowd of thirty five thousand party goers in the confined space of a town center is a policeman's nightmare as it, more often than not, there are numerous arrests, countless fights, many injuries and even deaths. Not so at Rockness, the atmosphere is incredible, everyone smiling and happy with not a care in the world. I did hear that there was one short fight and around ten arrests but this is nothing when you consider the numbers. Sadly one poor lad died which was widely reported in the newspapers but as the cause is not known (and witnesses reported no trouble) it is unwise to speculate. Overall it is one of the most friendly festivals I have visited in nearly 30 years of festival going!

Although Rockness can be considered "family friendly" (I went with my wife and kids and the majority were teenagers and younger) Wickerman and Tartan Heart are far more suitable for the family. Both festivals are absolutely amazing for their friendly crowd with kids running around freely and, when close to the stage, the youngsters are often equipped with ear defenders!

About the Author

Rockness is over for another year (see Rockness Photos) but if you are planning to visit Inverness see our listings of Inverness hotels at http://www.invernesshotelscotland.com/

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