Organisers say despite cost of living fears, Woodzstock – 'biggest and best yet'
An afternoon of sun-soaked summer powered up the festival crowd at Woodzstock near Tore on Saturday.
So when Tom of Tom McGuire & The Brassholes jumped offstage to lead everyone in a mini dance routine, everyone was warmed up and move-perfect.
“Doesn’t it feel good to be alive in Scotland and because we’re on the East Coast – no midges!” he said as the evening high-energy set ended.
Maybe the midges heard – or were headliners Utah Saints too irresistible? There were certainly a few midges dancing about by the time the darkness began to come down on the dancing main stage area.
Earlier in the day, one of the billed acts, 14-year-old Wee James – James Macgillivray from Contin – got his chance to sing after all. A broken arm playing shinty with Caberfeidh meant his slot had gone to Into The Pines. But they invited him up with James’s version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing In The Dark, proving there is nothing wee about his voice.
The day also saw the first official live performance from local band Bad Actress who unveiled Toby Michaels as their new singer. The kick-ass rock and slightly tongue-in-cheek hair metal attitude of the band meets its match in the always dramatic singer. He and guitarist Chick dived into the crowd – in a great debut from the new Bad Actress.
Elsewhere, the Haybarn stage offered a chilled, acoustic vibe. And, as usual at the family-friendly event, youngsters had a ball, racing round, dancing and getting autographs from their favourite acts.
After the festival, organisers Dave Elliott and Charlotte Stewart said, on behalf of their 'Woodzstock crew': "Woodzstock 2023 was our biggest and best yet.
"Let’s be blunt, with the cost of living crisis, our biggest concern was that we needed to sell enough tickets to cover costs.
"To have done that means that we are able to confidently progress with the planning of an even bigger Woodzstock 2024.
"Also it also means hopefully more confidence and support for the brand from the people that make it all possible – attendees.
"We couldn’t have hoped for a better reaction and experience on the day and look forward to an even better one next year!"
