A MOSTLY female line-up has been unveiled for a new festival helping to put a Fife village on the map.
The second year of the event at Newport-on-Tay follows gigs from James Yorkston, Hamish Hawk and Pictish Trail, thanks to the efforts of local music collective Big Rock Records, a group of music aficionados celebrating Scottish independent music talent.
The line up for this year’s Lughnasadh is headlined by Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award-winner Kathryn Joseph (below), along with fellow SAY award-winners Sacred Paws, Mercury Prize nominee corto.alto and Heavy Music award finalists Dead Pony. Also appearing are Becky Sikasa, who was BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2025, Connor Liam Byrne and the Bad Kissers, with art activities curated by artist Ruby Pester.
The family-friendly festival will take place in August in the gardens and grounds of Forgan Arts Centre which was bought by Community Asset Transfer in 2022. It is one of four festivals Forgan Arts Centre hosts annually to celebrate nature and the turning of the Celtic wheel.
Alongside the line-up of some of Scotland’s best musicians, there will be food and drinks from top Scottish independent producers.
Kathryn Joseph said she couldn’t wait to be back in a part of the country that she loves very much.
“I’m very happy and excited to be part of Lughnasadh Music and Arts festival in Newport-on-Tay and very happy to get to play our new record live with Lomond Campbell,” she said.
Big Rock Records member Chris Mugan added: “With so many fond memories from last year’s joyous event, we’re thrilled our Forgan pals have invited us back for more. We’ve worked hard to pull together a line-up that’s even stronger, more eclectic and diverse. There’s something for everyone and everyone’s welcome.”
Last year’s inaugural Lughnasadh Festival was programmed in response to a request for more live music events at Forgan Arts Centre. The positive reception to the 2024 festival enabled the organisation expand the festival to welcome audiences from across Scotland to see some of the best homegrown new music around in a beautiful setting.
Interim director at Forgan Arts Centre Teri Laing said: “Lughnasadh is becoming a much-loved community event, and the centre, grounds and woodland are the ideal backdrop for soaking up some sounds and celebrating the end of summer.”
Lughnasadh Festival, which will take place on August 2, is supported by North East Fife Area Committee. Forgan Arts Centre is supported by Northwood Charitable Trust, the North East Fife Area Committee and Fife Council.
