We are in a field, there is a fog around us, it is gone midnight and people are singing at the top of their voices that they are “alive”.
This is how it goes when Skipinnish take the main stage at Tiree Music Festival.
While it might only be the Hebridean traditional music band’s fifth or so gig since Covid restrictions were lifted, they are playing a blinder.
It seems that most people are up on their feet, dancing. From tots to pensioners – this is a friendly festival with a place for everyone.
The music lasts for four days – with lots of fringe events thrown in – to give people a full taste of the island.
Some people who come to the festival never go home, or so it is said, that is how warm the welcome is on the island.
Even a look-a-likey Boris Johnson – who turned a few heads, and the deputy first minister John Swinney on holiday with his family were given a hearty welcome.
The music was outstanding. In the first three days of the festival there was plenty competition for who was the best. Talisk, for one.
Small festival with a huge heart
Trail West, The Elephant Sessions, Gunna Sound – no one can “Wagon Wheel” like Gunna Sound – or Tiree’s Ian Smith and his all star band, or Jig Jam, Jam Sandwich were other notable crowd winners.
This is a small festival – a little over 2,000 people, and it is held on the Hebridean isle on a three-and-a-bit-hour sail from Oban.
It is faultless in its set up: plenty music no time at all between bands; there are loads of loos, no queues at the bar, plenty of great food. We had pizza, lentil soup, haggis, neeps and tatties – and chips and curry sauce to take home at 1am in the morning.
Festival organisers did not have troubles to seek this year – let down at the last minute with its big top tent, and ferry cancellations due to engine trouble on the Clansman. Not once did they falter – this gig was going ahead.
Friends helped out, organisations pulled together to make it happen.
Some people had bought tickets back in 2019, and there were two years of pandemic cancellations, before the gig finally went ahead.
So, to hear the crowd’s favourite Skipinnish sing “Alive” and “Walking on the Waves” means so much to those who love Highland and islands tunes at a music festival.
Thank you Tiree Music Festival, the past few years truly feel behind us now.
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