Funding boost for traditional music festival in Inverness
The Gathering traditional music festival taking place in Inverness in May is among six events across Scotland to be awarded a share of more £91,000 from EventScotland.
The festival is to receive £17,000 which will be used to help expand the programme by producing additional fringe events leading up to and after the main festival as well as for digital marketing, branding and city dressing costs.
It is the second time it has received a grant from the national events programme operated by EventScotland which is part of VisitScotland.
The festival, which takes place at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness on Saturday May 30, will feature traditional and folk-based bands from the Highlands and across Scotland including renowned acts such as the Peatbog Faeries, Trail West and Blazin’ Fiddles alongside a line-up of craft food and drink suppliers from the region.
There will also be a series of ticketed shows, free fringe events and pop-ups from Thursday May 28 until Sunday May 31 at venues in the city including Inverness Cathedral, Eden Court Theatre and the Ironworks. There will also be free fringe element taking in numerous bars, hotels and restaurants.
The Gathering will also host the ‘big busk’, a world record attempt for the biggest busking session in the city centre on the Friday night.
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland regional leadership director, said: “This popular event which celebrates the best music of the Highlands and Scotland, has a great atmosphere and something for all the family.
"It’s fantastic that the Gathering will again be receiving funding from EventScotland’s national events programme fund.
“The national events programme plays a vital role in maintaining Scotland’s reputation as a superb destination for events that celebrate our culture and heritage whilst delivering real economic benefits to local communities. Working in partnership with the Gathering, we hope to drive footfall into the local area, to the benefit of all businesses.
“We believe that tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is at the heart of the Scottish economy, touching every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”
Dougie Brown, the Gathering organiser, was delighted the festival was receiving support towards expanding the programme.
"The wider programme will take over the city centre in the days prior and following the main event at the Northern Meeting Park and transition the Gathering from a one-day outdoor festival into a multi-day, multi-venue city wide celebration of Highland and Scottish culture," he said.
