Inverness day rave packed with international acts promises 90s nostalgia hit

A new 90s-themed music event is set to make its debut in Inverness this May, with organisers promising a night of nostalgia, energy, and top-tier entertainment.

With 75 per cent of tickets already sold, Inver90s is gearing up to be a major highlight for music lovers across the region with acts such as Livin’ Joy, Dave Pearce and Ian Van Dahl.

Taking place at Inverness Ice Centre on May 3, the event is designed as more of a day rave rather than a late-night gathering. The line-up boasts an impressive selection of acts, including four international headliners, live bands, and a local DJ.

Russell Aitchison, one of the event organisers, explained the inspiration behind launching Inver90s.

“From being in Inverness a lot and seeing music venues shutting down, we realised there was a gap in the market, and we wanted to fill that gap. People are just crying out for it!” he said.

“It’s been received so well from many demographics—the 90s transcends age brackets.”

With extensive experience in event planning, both Aitchison and co-organiser Simon Paul are determined to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Simon, a DJ, also known as Lost Witness, started his career at just 14 and has worked with industry legends, including Chris Rea, described the event as one designed to create euphoria.

“We want to build the night up, so we have an Oasis and Blur tribute act, then the Backstreet Boys,” he explained.

“People will know every song, and it will create a real sense of unity.”

Beyond the music, the event promises high-quality production, with cutting-edge sound, lighting, and visuals adding to the ‘wow factor.’

“We want people to feel they’re getting real value for money,” Russell said.

Simon highlighted the event’s importance as a form of escapism, particularly in the current economic climate.

“People have jobs, they work hard, and they don’t have the disposable income they used to. Hopefully, this is a once-a-year event where they can come together, reminisce, and enjoy the moment.”

With a capacity of 1600 people, Inver90s is expected to be a sell-out success, and organisers hope it will become an annual staple in the city’s entertainment calendar.

Inver90s is just the beginning of a busy period of off-ice events at Inverness Ice Centre, as the venue continues to diversify its offerings to ensure long-term sustainability.

The ice centre’s chief executive Gordon Barron explained the importance of these events in maintaining the facility, particularly in the face of rising energy costs.

He said: “Inver90s kicks things off, and after that, we have the Highland Amateur Boxing Night, which has been a sell-out in previous years—it’s a great social spectacle.

Another major highlight is Strictly Inverness, a four-night event that attracts around 600 attendees each evening, featuring dazzling performances from local dance schools and amateur dancers.

The centre will also host a Techno Day on June 7, with hopes of developing a festival similar to the renowned Fly Festival held in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Gordon added: “We are hoping to create a smaller-scale version in Inverness, so watch this space for details!

Gordon concluded: “These events are vital for us.

“Rising energy prices have put pressure on the ice centre, and while we hope to see costs come down, we must find alternative ways to generate funds. We are a community hub, and we want to be here for the long term. Turning off the ice is a short-term measure to ensure our survival.”

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