The mother of all festivals

Excitement builds ahead of the third annual MAMA Fest

EXCITEMENT is building for a weekend of top quality music from across Argyll, as Mid Argyll Music and Arts (MAMA) Festival kicks off in Lochgilphead.

Starting tonight (Friday) in a new venue, the town’s Argyll Inn the three-day festival labelled ‘The Art of the Possible’, promises to showcase a mix of traditional and contemporary music.

Liz Miller, chairwoman of the MAMA Fest organising committee, said: ‘This weekend there will be a range of music on show at the festival, something for everyone.

‘Despite the difficulties we faced recently in putting on the festival at all, now we are going ahead we can focus on the quality of music from across Argyll that will be on show. The overwhelming support we have enjoyed has, of course, helped make it happen.

‘Tonight (Friday) sees Ceilidh’s Homet play and they are sure to get people dancing – they are a lot of fun. They are joined by two more quality acts, MAMA Fest debutants Tucker and Carroll and the Rusty Mustangs. It should be a great opening night.’

Saturday’s soiree from 6.30pm-1am features fellow debutants Shoosh Kebab, along with The Lush Puppies, None the Wiser and Neil Parkinson. After two evenings of fun and live music, the festival’s closing day will be more relaxed.

‘Sunday will be a more chilled-out affair, and although we are disappointed not to be able to offer a family day and activities for the kids this year, there will still be a family-friendly atmosphere on the day.

‘This is our third year running the festival and with quality Argyll acts such as Archie McAllister & Co from Kintyre playing, we are making a real commitment to showcasing the best talent Argyll has to offer, with a platform for a variety of artists from different genres.

‘It is exciting to have several bands making debuts at the festival, across all three days. It adds a new aspect to the festival.