Latest news with #SkyeLive
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Popular Scots music festival renames stage after iconic Glasgow pub
The iconic venue has recently been taken under new ownership Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR Scottish music festival has renamed one of its stages in honour of an iconic Glasgow music pub. The legendary venue, a pillar of the city's music scene, will be celebrated in style this summer – with the festival's main stage rebranded as a tribute to the Finnieston hotspot. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Tide Lines are set to headline to The Reeling Festival next month Credit: Supplied 4 The iconic Park Bar will be celebrated at the Giffnock event Credit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow The Reeling Festival – running at Rouken Glen Park in nearby Giffnock from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8 – is a high-energy celebration of Scottish traditional music and Gaelic culture. Previously called A'Choille, the stage – famed for hosting secret sets and intimate performances – will now be known as The Park Bar Stage, paying homage to the iconic Argyle Street pub renowned for its raucous ceilidhs, live trad music, and electric atmosphere. The Park Bar has long been a driving force in Glasgow's folk music scene and a cherished gathering place for Gaelic speakers, welcoming those who've moved south from the Highlands and Islands. The renamed stage will kick off the weekend in style with a Friday night performance from Park Bar legend John Carmichael, leading the charge with Carmichael's Ceilidh. Recently under new ownership after hitting the market last year, The Park Bar remains a favourite. Folk-pop sensation Tide Lines will headline the festival's main stage on Friday night, marking the start of an unforgettable weekend. The band's journey began in Glasgow's traditional music heartland – The Park Bar. Frontman Robert Robertson said: 'The Park Bar means so much to Tide Lines – a couple of us met and played our very first gig there before starting the band. 'It's brilliant to see its iconic legacy being honoured by The Reeling. We can't wait to take to the main stage on Friday night.' Festival founder and co-director of Skye Live, Michael Pellegrotti, said: 'Renaming our second stage The Park Bar Stage is a tribute to a place that means so much – to Glasgow's Gaelic community, to traditional music, and to all of us at The Reeling. Major TRNSMT act Kneecap in doubt after member charged with TERROR offences 'It's a celebration of the energy, community, and music that The Park Bar has championed for decades. Honouring that legacy felt like the perfect fit for The Reeling, a festival that shares the same spirit.' Deirdre Curley, one of The Park Bar's new owners, added: 'The Park Bar has always been the beating heart of traditional Scottish music and culture in Glasgow, so we're thrilled to be part of The Reeling – the city's biggest outdoor traditional music festival. 'One of our legendary resident bands, Carmichael's Ceilidh, will be performing on The Park Bar Stage on Friday night, bringing their amazing ceilidh tunes to the crowds. 'It's also fantastic to see huge acts like Tide Lines, who cut their teeth at The Park Bar, headlining the main stage. 'Traditional music runs deep in Scotland's soul – and it's being reclaimed by a new generation. It's not just surviving; it's thriving and evolving. We're proud to celebrate that, and we can't wait!' 4 The full line up for next month's The Reeling festival Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can also enjoy a range of cocktails at The Park Bar Stage, including signature serves from sponsor Deanston Distillery like the Deanston Strawberries and Cream. This year marks the first-ever three-day edition of the festival, promising an incredible lineup including Talisk, RURA, Dougie MacLean, Shooglenifty, Eddi Reader, Breabach, and a host of rising and established stars across both stages. Tickets and the full lineup are available now at
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music festival names stage in honour of 'iconic' Glasgow pub
A much-loved Glasgow pub will be honoured in a big way this summer as a music festival renames one of its stages after it. The Reeling, one of Scotland's biggest trad music festivals, has revealed it is renaming a stage after Finnieston venue The Park Bar. Formerly known as A'Choille, the stage – famed for hosting secret sets and intimate performances – will now be known as The Park Bar Stage, paying tribute to the iconic Argyle Street pub known for its ceilidhs, live traditional music and great atmosphere. The renaming honours The Park Bar's "pivotal" role in shaping Glasgow's folk music scene. It also celebrates the venue's importance as a gathering place for Gaelic speakers and a welcoming hub for those who have moved to the city from the Highlands and Islands. The renamed stage will open the weekend with performances from Park Bar legend John Carmichael, for a 'Carmichael's Ceilidh' on Friday, June 6. READ MORE: Glasgow's The Park Bar has been sold so will the ceilidh carry on? I went to find out Final acts announced for Glasgow summer trad music festival How a Scottish band is reinventing trad music and going viral Recently under new ownership after going on the market last year, The Park Bar remains a cornerstone of the city's cultural fabric and a hub for traditional musicians, locals, and visitors. Festival founder and co-director of Skye Live, Michael Pellegrotti, said: 'Renaming our second stage The Park Bar Stage is a tribute to a place that means so much to Glasgow's Gaelic community and traditional music scene, to the musicians that play the festival, and to all of us on The Reeling team as well. 'It's a celebration of the energy, community, and music that The Park Bar has championed for decades. It felt right to honour that legacy at The Reeling, a festival that shares that same spirit.' Deirdre Curley, one of the new owners of The Park Bar, said: "The Park Bar has always been a beating heart for traditional Scottish music and culture in Glasgow, so we're delighted to be part of The Reeling – the city's biggest outdoor traditional music festival. "One of our legendary resident bands, Carmichael's Ceilidh, will be performing on The Park Bar stage on Friday night - entertaining the crowds with some amazing ceilidh music. It's also exciting to see huge acts like Tide Lines, who played The Park Bar early in their careers, headlining the main stage. The Reeling is one of Scotland's biggest trad music festivals (Image: supplied) "Traditional music runs deep in Scotland's soul and it's being reclaimed by a new generation. It's not just surviving - it's thriving and evolving. We're proud to celebrate that, and we can't wait!" Folk-pop powerhouse Tide Lines will kick off The Reeling with a headline performance on the main stage Friday night. The band's journey began in the heart of Glasgow's traditional music scene at The Park Bar. Frontman Robert Robertson recalled: 'The Park Bar means a lot to Tide Lines – a couple of us met and played our first gig together there before starting the band. 'It's fantastic to see its famous legacy being honoured by The Reeling. We can't wait to play the main stage on Friday night.' The Reeling, Glasgow's summer celebration of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk, returns to Rouken Glen Park from Friday, June 6 to Sunday June 8. This year marks the first three-day edition of the festival, with a lineup including Talisk, RURA, Tide Lines, Dougie MacLean, Shooglenifty, Eddi Reader, Breabach, and a host of emerging and established talent across both stages. Tickets and the full lineup are available now at
Press and Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
‘She died of a broken heart': Mum remembers Heather Aird a year after Skye Live tragedy
A year after the sudden death of her daughter at the Skye Live music festival, Heather Aird's mother has spoken of her family's enduring heartbreak. Heather, 49, collapsed at the event in Portree in May 2024. Despite the efforts of emergency crews, she died at the scene. Monica Aird, who lives in Poulton-le-Fylde near Blackpool, revealed that in the weeks leading up to her death, Heather had suffered another personal tragedy. As Monica explained, Heather may have died of a broken heart, having lost the love of her life shortly before making the trip to Skye. Heather lived in Preston with her partner, Darren, and held a job she loved, despite its challenges. She managed the prison library at HMP Preston, having previously worked in the city's Harris Library, and before that in administrative jobs. Monica said Heather put her 'heart and soul' into her work. Because her job was so all-consuming, she ensured that every moment outside of work was spent doing the things she loved. With a Scottish father from Ayrshire, Heather often felt the pull of heading north. On weekends, she would immerse herself in the company of musicians and traditional music fans. 'She was into traditional music,' Monica said. 'In fact, an up-and-coming group of musicians met up last Sunday in the Glad Cafe in Glasgow, and all these people sang a song for Heather.' Monica, Heather's brother Andrew and her uncle attended the event. Monica said: 'It was lovely, something very emotional and special. 'It was something that we had not really appreciated about Heather, that she had helped lots of musicians. 'She always bought their CDs and supported them.' Heather's list of favourite bands reads like a who's who of Scottish music: Skerryvore, Tide Lines, Stornoway rockers Peat and Diesel, and Blue Rose Code. Monica continued: 'Skerryvore were singing at the festival when Heather collapsed and died. We had a beautiful message from the band members of Skerryvore after it happened. 'That meant a lot to us.' Heather had lived with Crohn's disease and required regular injections, but she had no other known medical conditions. Therefore, her death came as a complete shock to her family. An inquest into her death at Skye Live, held in Inverness, revealed she had suffered an aortic dissection. Monica said: 'When she got to Broadford, she was in a lot of pain, which may have been a warning about her aorta, and that it was about to give way. 'It was sad and such a shock. She was staying in the hostel. This was her third time at Skye Live. 'She kept in touch with me all the time, and I hadn't heard from her. 'I phoned the hostel to ask if they had seen her, and they said, 'You'll have to contact the police; they have taken her things.' 'I really did not know what had happened. At the same time as I was phoning, a police lady arrived at my door.' Monica was told that at the time of her death, Heather had been standing with someone she had been talking to. This person was with Heather when she collapsed. 'They said she was having such fun.' Monica said she was glad to hear that her daughter was enjoying the festival, because in the weeks leading up to Skye Live, her life had been struck by tragedy. 'Her partner had died in the weeks leading up to Skye Live, and as she had booked all of her travel and accommodation in advance, she decided she would go. 'She tried to remain positive after Darren's death, and she would say, 'I am alive; I need to keep living.' 'But to me, it seems like she had a broken heart, and I think that is what she died of. She was heartbroken to lose Darren. 'The person she was talking to just before she collapsed said she was talking about Darren.' Monica continued: 'Grief hits you in waves. When it comes over me, I just have to let it pass. It has been a tough year, and it is desperate to think that it is not going to go away; it is going to be all the time. 'I have a lot of friends and a supportive family. But I miss the love she gave me and all the phone calls and outings. She was a very special daughter. 'When she found Darren a little bit later on in life, she found love. But that was cruelly taken away.'
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Music festival warning: Bring your own supplies as island hit by food shortages
Music fans attending Skye Live have been urged to consider bringing their own supplies as the island battles food shortages. The festival kicks of this evening and runs through the weekend, bringing an array of top Scottish acts to Portree. But shelves at the town's Co-op store are near empty after hackers targeted the supermarket chain and crippled deliveries across the UK. Some other business on the island have been forced to introduce rationing on products to head-off bulk buying and ensure supplies for locals and visitors alike. The number of shortages in the supermarket this week has alarmed residents. Many of those have reported significantly reduced stock during routine shopping trips. And the issue is particularly worrying given the increase in footfall expected this weekend as festivalgoers travel to the island. Hackers have targeted numerous businesses in recent weeks – including the Co-op, M&S and Harrods. The attacks have led to an array of problems for the businesses, with the cancellation of orders just one issue. Businessman John Gordon, a former Highland councillor, said: 'The number of empty shelves in the Co-op is concerning. 'I was alarmed at how empty they were while doing my shopping last night, especially now we're busy with tourists. 'Unless it's resolved quickly, there will be very little left. 'Fear then makes people bulk buy, which adds to the pressures.' Residents say the situation must be addressed swiftly to prevent further strain on supply chains and ensure essential goods remain available. The Skye Live festival is expected to bring hundreds of attendees to the island. The annual event offers a boost to the local economy, but this year there is concern the added pressure could worsen the supply problems. And residents attending the festival or visiting Skye this weekend are advised to bring essential food and drink supplies if possible. 'It is important to remember that none of this is the fault of the local staff,' Mr Gordon added. 'They are working hard under challenging circumstances to serve the community. 'They deserve to be shown patience, kindness and respect, both in person and on social media.' Mark Carter, of Amy's Place Cakes in Torrin, said: 'We try as much as possible to shop local. 'But at the moment there are limits on the amount of items, such as milk, that people can buy. 'It is also a 35-mile round trip to get to one of the local independent shops. 'It is time that the Co-op monopoly on the island is considered. 'This is in no way a reflection on the shop staff in the Co-op. 'They are working hard to make sure people get what they need. 'But there does need to be a discussion about the way we get food on Skye.' Rob Ware, secretary of Sleat Community Council, said: 'Here in the south of Skye we are fortunate to have two amazing community-owned shops at Armadale Stores and An Crùbh, near Camuscross. 'Staff are working hard to source products from other nationwide food distributors and continue to welcome local people and visitors from across the world.' In a statement issued this week, a Co-op spokesperson said: 'All our stores are open and trading. 'The sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems…is temporarily impacting our colleagues' ability to perform their roles and how many deliveries we can make to our stores. 'This means that some of our stores might not have all of their usual products available. 'We would like to say sorry to our members and customers if this is the case in their local store. 'We are working around the clock to reduce disruption and resume deliveries.' Skye Live has been approached for comment.
BBC News
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In pictures: 10 years of Skye Live music festival
Skye Live - a festival celebrating traditional and electronic music - marks its 10th anniversary in founder and co-festival director Niall Munro said there were often times when he feared the event would not survive beyond a few said: "For the first five, six years, we never sold out and we never made a penny."We had nights where we were running around putting up posters ourselves, sending emails at midnight, trying to get people to take a chance on what we were doing. "It was a real labour of love. But we just weren't willing to let it go." Ambitious plans in 2016 to expand Skye Live saw it moved from an area in Portree called The Lump to the town's King George's said it almost destroyed the festival."Year two was a reality check," he said."We thought, 'great, we've doubled the line up, so surely ticket sales will double too'."That didn't happen. We stretched ourselves too thin and lost some of what made the festival special." Niall added: "Moving back to The Lump the following year was one of the best decisions we ever made. "The setting is crucial to what Skye Live is – when you're looking out over the water, with the Cuillins in the background, it doesn't feel like any other festival. "The location is as much a part of the experience as the music."Acts through the years have included Mercury Prize nominees Django Django, Highland folk supergroup Session A9, techno DJ Denis Sulta, and experimental indie artist Pictish Trail. Co-festival director Michael Pelligrotti said a defining moment for the festival came during the Covid pandemic when festivals did not go ahead to help prevent the spread of the 2021, Skye Live streamed live individual performances from island locations to more than one million said: "Covid could have been the end of the festival. "But we decided that if people couldn't come to Skye, we'd take Skye to them."Something magic happened. It blew up. The response was unbelievable."
