Top bands set for Inveraray festival
Mid Argyll’s early autumn Best of the West Festival (Bowfest) has lined up some mighty music. The Bowfest party, taking place in the grounds of Inveraray Castle from September 7 to 9, will close in style with Celtic rock giants and 2017 trad live band of the year Skipinnish. There is plenty to come before though at the imposing, turreted castle on the shores of Loch Fyne which provides a unique backdrop to the weekend festival, billed as mud-free and under cover. Musical entertainment begins on the Campbell stage, on the Friday evening with Beinn Lee, a six-piece band from Uist, followed by New York-based Seven Nations playing their only UK gig and, finally, headliners Tide Lines. Throughout the weekend there will be an eclectic mix of music to suit all tastes, including performances from popular west coast favourites Heron Valley, who are currently between US tours, Dr. Hip and the Blues Operation, and The Camans. On the Loch Fyne Whisky stage, the mood will be more mellow with Project Smok, the Bar None Community Choir and The Coaltown Daisies. Bringing their own Indian twist to some classic songs, Glasgow-based Beatles tribute band The Bhangra Beatles will perform on Saturday. Fresh from performing at Runrig’s Last Dance on Saturday, Donnie Munro will bring some of the magic, experienced by more than 25,000 people in Stirling on Saturday, to the equally spectacular setting of Inveraray Castle next month. Edinburgh indie/roots quartet Bwani Junction’s take on Graceland, Paul Simon’s hugely successful 1986 album on Sunday. Eleanor, The Duchess of Argyll and Bowfest founder, said: ‘This year’s Bowfest will be fantastic with an enviable line-up of talented musicians, vocalists and bands. ‘The variety of music on offer is quite astounding and truly shows off the wealth of talent here in Scotland.’