Excitement as Haddstock to return
PUBS, cafes and venues throughout Haddington will be filled with the sound of music later this month.
Haddstock is returning to the town, with dozens of musicians joined by an arts trail and authors over the course of three busy days.
Beki Dover, director of Haddstock, was looking forward to the event coming back.
She said: “It is a platform for musicians of all ages to play within their community.
“It can be more established musicians, it can be fun for them and it can be a chance to maybe try playing some new material or promote a new album, or it can help raise their profile.
“We have had examples as well of artists more established playing good gigs and getting paid work.”
The event was launched in 2017 and has grown year on year while keeping community at its heart.
Flyers have been printed and distributed throughout the town centre to highlight the upcoming festival.
Many of the events are free of charge, with those attending instead encouraged to make a donation to support the artists.
Ms Dover, who has been at the heart of the event since it was created, said: “We have been quite careful not to grow too big but we have wanted to improve the quality for people too.
“To know what the festival is and increase engagement, now people say ‘it is the Haddstock flyer’ and they are delighted to see the festival back again.
“What we have done since 2017 is to raise our profile and the familiarity of the festival.
“That has been great and we have tried to nurture partnerships and relationships with local organisations and businesses as well.”
This year’s festival runs from May 24 to 26 and features a variety of musical styles.
Haddington Corn Exchange will also be used as a newcomer stage, allowing groups including Room 27, The Watts, Room 5, JELL, Gaslight and Human Renegade to strut their stuff.
Then, in the evening, Karine Polwart and Gaze is Ghost are the headliners of the festival.
Venues include The Railway, The Victoria Inn, Diggory’s, The Waterside, Golf Tavern, Tyneside and The Haddy Tap, with musical styles ranging from acoustic, open mic and alternative pop to country and rock.
Ms Dover was hopeful businesses, musicians and those attending the festival would all feel the benefits over the three-day event.
She highlighted the expansion of the festival and said: “In addition to the live music, we also have an art trail in our flyer.
“We have a music map and an art trail map, with authors coming this year as well.
“We have five authors and are partnering with Haddington Library.”