Tiree Music Festival has kicked off in spectacular style with a sunshine-filled day of music by the island’s famous sandy beaches.
Thousands of festival goers have descended onto Tiree for what is set to be a fantastic weekend of live music, food and fringe activities for the whole family.
The Paul McKenna Band opened the main arena yesterday, with other headliners across the weekend including Scottish singer-songwriter Be Charlotte, pop and rock band The Hoosiers, Wolfstone, Ho-ro, Trail West, Skipinnish, Rura, Elephant Sessions and Skerryvore.
Tiree Music Festival (TMF) prides itself on being a family friendly festival and organisers have introduced a brand new creative programme entitled “Elements”, which explores the four core elements that are a key part of life on Tiree – Sun, Sand, Wind and Water.
Also new to TMF 2018 is the Elevate Stage – the new outdoor stage, supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund. It is showcasing the best talent on the Scottish music scene with its line-up over the weekend focusing on up-and-coming Scottish artists.
As well as opportunities for young musicians performing on the stage, the festival also appointed a youth artistic programmer, Jamie MacDonald, who is from Tiree, and has taken the lead on programming.
Daniel Gillespie, festival director and accordion player for Skerryvore, said: “The gates are open and the sun is shining! It’s been brilliant to see all of the visitors arriving onto the island ready for a weekend of great fun and good music.
“The campsites are the fullest they’ve ever been and all of the festival go-ers are getting to see the island in all its glory today – it’s really living up to its appellation as Hawaii of the North.”
Over the years TMF attracted top acts such as Toploader, Scouting for Girls and The Fratellis.
The Elements Programme and the Elevate Stage at Tiree Music Festival 2018 is supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund, managed by EventScotland and part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Mr Gillespie added: “It’s great to be supporting up-and-coming young Scottish artists, and as always there will be plenty of Tiree musicians taking part – they are a key part of the festival.”