Think of Scotland and you will most probably immediately think of tartan, think of Scottish music and you will, most likely, think of the bagpipes or the fiddle. Yes Scotland is well known for both it's tartan and it's bagpipes and traditional Scottish music is known (and practiced) across the globe. While traditional Scottish music remains incredibly popular Scotland is a diverse nation and this is extremely apparent in it's music. While the whole of the U.K. has seen a marked increase in the number of annual music festivals, Scotland seems to have exploded musically with festivals celebrating all types of music from the traditional to the bang up to date sounds of the DJ and modern rock/pop. The Rockness music festival, held near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, saw a strange mix of modern dance acts and DJ's alongside the latest pop acts and up and coming rock bands. So Scotland is not just bagpipes and tartan!
Music has always had a vital role to play in the culture of the nation of Scotland. From the imposing sounds of the bagpipes on the battlefield to the traditional folk songs documenting historic events music and onto the sounds of the Gaelic Psalms and the fun of the traditional ceilidh band, music appears in most aspects of Scottish life and history. However Scottish music has never remained static, it is forever changing as new influences take hold and new instruments and technologies are developed the sounds of Scotland have embraced change. Today the music of Scotland is amongst the most diverse of any nation from the staunch traditionalists to the bold new pop acts all are distinctively Scottish in essence and there are many music festivals to choose from where you can hear the very best of Scotland alongside others from around the world.
Of course there are highly specialized music festivals in Scotland which focus solely upon a specific genre of music. However the most highly attended music festivals offer the opportunity to enjoy all types of music with different tents and arenas presenting a different style or genre. While festivals such as the Hebridean Celtic Festival and Celtic Connections focus on traditional and modern Celtic acts, festivals such as Wickerman, Tartan Heart and Rockness present more modern pop sounds and some of the big acts of the day.
Rockness, being only it's thrid year, is one of Scotland's youngest music festivals but this year over 35,000 people attended. Taking place at Clune Farm, Dores (not too far from Inverness) the music festival has one of the most astounding locations on the banks of Loch Ness. Staged by Loudsound and Slingshot, Rockness may well be in a rural and remote setting but great care is taken to ensure that the traffic and superb transportation links flow freely and smoothly.
The 1st Rockness was only a one day event headlined by Fatboy Slim on the main stage and Daft Punk in the 10,000 capacity tent called the Clash Arena. In the second year the event was extended over two days with the Chemical Brothers headlining. On the second day it was Manic Street Preachers who headlined on the main stage but Daft Punk had returned to appear in the Clash Arena. The second year saw the crowd increase from 10,000 to 30,000 and it seemed all wanted to see Daft Punk. As the Clash Arena only holds 10,000 the sides of the tent were lifted to allow the full crowd to enjoy the performance. Strangely it could be claimed that Daft Punk were the actual headline act as they were certainly the most popular!
Rockness 3 saw a small increase in the crowd to around 35,000 and Fatboy Slim returned to headline the first day (which was mainly dance orientated). The second day was more rock orientated with Editors supporting the headline act Razorlight. Throughout the two days smaller tents pumped out dance sounds until the early hours with DJ's such as Pete Tong making an appearance.
Sadly there was a death this year and around 10 arrests which marred the reputation somewhat. The cause of death is unknown at this time but the weather was extremely hot and the atmosphere ecstatic so alcohol and dehydration are the likely culprits as drugs did not appear to be a problem. When you consider the fact that the crowd was over 35,000 and all were partying it is incredible how friendly and safe the environment was. Imagine a town or city center with such a crowd of revelers I am sure the statistics would be far worse!
Wickerman and Tartan Heart music festivals are equally, if not more, friendly events and both can be considered family friendly with children and toddlers seen running around playing. While some would consider this irresponsible you really need to visit these festivals to understand how safe they really are. Furthermore children are seen wearing ear defenders when they are in the vicinity of loud music.
They are always crowded with joggers, lovers, students and picnic fans, but also with business man in their lunch break and animals of every kind. You may be able to see baby ducks (ducklings), geese (goslings) and swans (cygnets) whilst roses are at their best. Take the time, while visiting this surprising city, to spend some time in one of the most famous parks like the central Hyde park, green park, st james park, Kew Gardens etc. at least for a picnic. There are free concerts in many of the larger parks: check your local park for information about their events. Another good point is that in June days are very long, and temperatures are often pleasantly warm. It is a good time to go out and visit places, without the crowds of July and August.
Here we have listed for all pop, rock, R&B, Soul, punk whatever music lovers some of the hottest Music Festivals in London!!
The Rise in Finsbury Park, London is a completely free music festival. That's a good new! The aim of this festival is to celebrate the multiculturalism within the UK and the integration of so many diverse cultures against racism. In fact, Rise's slogan is "London united against racism"
The proposed date is Sunday 13 July but it still to be confirmed. For all information you can see the official website at risefestival.org.
For about 20 days from Fri 20 Jun until Thu 10 Jul 2008, you will be able to enjoy the many events of the City of London Festival. All venues are in central London known as "the City". They organize music and dance events and the festival includes free lunchtime concerts in the City's churches or squares.
You can see colf.org for all details.
For evening concerts in a very suggestive location outside the Tower of London take note of the Tower Music Festival dates: Thu 26 Jun -Sat 12 Jul 2008., although they still have to be confirmed. For all details visit the complete programme at towermusicfestival.co.uk
Probably one of the greatest and internationally renown Rock Music Festivals is the annual O2 Music Wireless Festival in London's Hyde Park Dates are: 3rd July- 6th July 2008.
Now in its fourth year, this four-day intense festival, in the middle of London has established itself as a major live music event, attracting crowds of over 20,000 every day to Hyde Park! The nice thing is that you can just dip in when you want, buy a ticket for the days you like and go home to your own bed. It's not a camping festival with all its ups and downs so you won't be find yourself in the middle of fans in costumes, vendors and stalls, tee-pees, organic cafes and strange entertainments. There's definitely less of a community feel, but this year programme includes Fatboy Slim, Jay-Z, Mark Ronson, Hot Chip, Roisin Murphy, Underworld, Ben Harper , Counting Crows and many more!!! Don't miss the fabulous fashion parade on Thursday when gates open at 2pm. On Fri, Sat & Sun gates open midday. The day pass costs 40 pounds and the 4-days pass 139 pounds. See: wirelessfestival.co.uk
If you are in London but still don't have an accommodation do not expect to find it cheap. London can be very expensive! Apart from hotels there is an unlimited numbers of Bed and breakfast (see for the B&B sign) at private homes or youth hostels!! B&B have a long tradition and London is considered to be the Capital of BandB accommodation providers! It's a good option to get a taste of how a real Londoner lives. In order to book a B&B in London you either pop up in a tourist while in London or find online your accommodation. There are quite a lot booking and informative sites: some of them only list the London BB some others allow you to book online directly (ex. Flashbooking.com). Apart from B&B there are also youth hostels listed like the Clink youth hostel, the Smart Camden Inn, the Smart Hyde park View, very convenient for the central location, the Smart Park Inn. Prices range varies from 15 euros in a hostel to 33 euros per person in a double private room in a London B&B. The choice is up to you. Studios or apartments providing good standards and reasonable prices, try the 60 Warwik House Studio Apartments and Dylan House where rates start from only 72 euros per a double room equipped with kitchen.
Both Andrew Kelly & Michele De Capitani are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Andrew Kelly has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bed and Breakfast, Kitchen Home Improvement and web development. Rockness is over for another year (see ) but if you are planning to visit Inverness see our listings of. Andrew Kelly's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
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