ButeFest, the much-loved family-friendly music festival, returns to the Isle of Bute tomorrow, running until Sunday 28th July 2024 and set to welcome thousands of music lovers of all ages.
Over 40 pop, indie and folk acts are set to perform across the weekend, with top Scottish musicians and bands dominating the headline slots, including acclaimed singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, who will delight audiences on Friday night.
Isle of Skye fusion legends the Peatbog Faeries and award-winning electro-trad duo Valtos will take the coveted headline slots on Saturday night, before genre-bending trio Talisk,
celebrated pop pairing The Eves, and returning festival favourites Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 close out the festival in style on Sunday night.
Held in the picturesque setting of Ettrick Bay on the west side of the island, ButeFest offers the quintessential island festival experience just a 35-minute crossing over the firth of Clyde from Wemyss Bay, and boasts unrivalled views across to Arran and beyond.
Hayley Ewing, ButeFest Acting Chairperson, said: “We’re so excited to be opening ButeFest for 2024 and welcome in all the amazing festival goers who travel from near and far to enjoy everything on offer, as well as all the incredible artists on the lineup this year. We’ve really got something on the bill for everyone, from fantastic live music and entertainment, to outstanding workshops, activities and stalls. Everywhere you look, there’s something exciting and unexpected going on and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying their time in our gorgeous surroundings here in Ettrick Bay.”
A truly family-centred festival, with free admission for under 13s this year, ButeFest allows people of all ages to soak up the joyous atmosphere, enjoy the best in live music from Scotland and beyond, as well as craft workshops, activities and stalls with local and Scottish produce.
The festival welcomes back the Astral Circus where audiences can watch breathtaking shows of aerial performances, fire-juggling and balancing acts. The Magic Lantern have prepared a bespoke shadow puppetry performance and they will also be showcasing singing and ukulele sessions, alongside enchanting storytelling sessions.
Families will be able to enjoy Professor Pumpernickel’s scientific performance, storyteller Ian Douglas, Gift of the Gab’s comedy show and Gacko Trunks with his captivating songs and tales.
There will be a host of interactive activities for all ages held across the weekend in the Vespertine Area, including giant bubbles, face-painting, family-friendly yoga, arts and crafts workshops, 80s discos and family parties each evening to get everyone in the festival spirit.
Elsewhere, the festival will welcome a number of craft exhibitors including Shanty Cove’s upcycled home decor, jewellery, paintings and candles handmade using driftwood, seaglass and shells, Handmade by Heather and her new range of chain maille and haematite jewellery, a unique collection of silver jewellery handcrafted from hallmarked cutlery by Silver Spoonery and the renowned Yvonne’s Hair Boutique.
The usual quality of local food and drinks will be available across the weekend with food stalls including street food vendors Taberu with their array of authentic Japanese cuisine, Scottish festival favourite Fried Guys, Yella serving submarine sandwiches and loaded fries, Jammin Jerk’s Jamaican themed eats and Food 2 Go specialising in a variety of delicious sandwich options.
First held in 2014, ButeFest has grown from a local event attracting 600 people to a 2000-capacity festival, attracting people from all over the UK to make the 35-minute crossing over the firth of Clyde.
ButeFest 2024 will run from Friday 26th – Sunday 28th July. The full lineup, as well as remaining tickets and further information, are available at www.butefest.co.uk.