Thousands of music-lovers pitched up in one of the north-east’s most stunning historic homes for the return of the region’s “poshest” festival.
There was hardly a square inch of grass left uncovered as families erected mini marquees and picnics were laid out while an estimated 6,000 revellers danced at Fyvie Live.
Festival-goers from across the region assembled to watch country singers The Shires belting out their hits with the stunning Fyvie Castle as a backdrop, despite the wet weather to what has been dubbed a ‘posh T in the Park’.
Event organiser George Walker declared the rain had not dampened the spirits of the crowd and added: “The folk of the north-east are pretty hardy, a bit of mud and rain won’t put them off.”
The Shires headlined this year’s event, which has not been held since 2012, warming up the crowd with an hour-long set of their hits including My Universe, Jekyll and Hyde, Tonight and A Thousand Hallelujahs.
They were joined by Ciara Harvey from Edinburgh, who starred in The Voice earlier this year and gave some renditions of opera classics including Nessum Dorma.
Glasgow sisters The Logans, a three-piece country act, entertained alongside the area’s own Kim Anderson.
Making her stage debut was Natasha Cook Jenkins, who was spotted busking on Buchanan Street in Glasgow by Mr Walker.
After admitting it had been a chance meeting, Ms Jenkins produced a scintillating performance and said: “It was a pretty big day for me.”
Amidst the acts on stage, pipe bands entertained the revellers, with the Fraserburgh and Banff ensembles joining for a final parade of the grounds.
Collections were taken for the Funding Neuro charity.
A spectacular fireworks display brought the event to a close – lighting up the ancient castle to the delight of the audience.
Mr Walker plans to expand it to a two-day festival next year with an increased line-up of talent.
He said: “Fyvie Live is famous in the area and a huge benefit to our local economy – next year will be even bigger.”
