World-renowned musician Dame Evelyn Glennie has backed plans to launch two weekend festivals in the north-east.
The percussionist, who grew up in Aberdeenshire, believes the proposals for Banff and Inverurie would “entice” visitors from across the world.
Talks are ongoing to create the festivals, which would mirror Scottish favourites Belladrum, Hebcelt and Loopallu.
And since the idea was revealed earlier this week, those behind it say they have been flooded with support and offers of help.
They are now looking to set up a working group to get the project – which could boost the local economy by millions – off the ground.
Last night, Dame Evelyn threw her support behind the festivals, which would bring together music, poetry, literature and the arts.
She said: “I really like the idea of both festivals working side by side and complementing each other, addressing different types of music and attracting world class artists, whilst enticing people from all over the world.
“This would be a fantastic way to stimulate the north-east’s musical scene and boosting tourism at the same time.”
Dame Evelyn, who grew up in Methlick, is profoundly deaf and learned to “listen” to music via vibrations through parts of her body. She has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious composers, conductors and orchestras.
She added: “I would definitely like to see this happening.”
Members of the Visit Aberdeenshire board revealed the plans to the Press and Journal earlier this week, and said they have been delighted at the response so far.
In Banff the aim is to host the event in the grounds of Georgian manor house Duff House. Inverurie has already hosted a number of small open-air gigs at Davidson Park but a site for an expanded event has yet been mooted.
Banff councillor John Cox welcomed Dame Evelyn’s support, and confirmed talks are now under way to set up a small working group to find a “way forward” for the project.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “The response has been overwhelming since the story was printed in the Press and Journal.
“I’ve had exchanges with interested parties in the far east and from around the world – expats of all sorts.
“We want to appeal to a cross-section of visitors.”
Roger Goodyear, one of the organisers of the hugely popular Portsoy Boat Festival, is also on the board and believes the idea is a massive opportunity for the region.
He said: “I’m actually stunned, it is absolutely fantastic news that she feels it’s got potential.
“It’s wonderful that as a global star and a local quine she has backed this initiative.
“Since the story first came out the level of interest that it has created is a sure sign of just how great the potential is.
“It’s very exciting, and a great potential boost for the area.”
