Student’s college project becomes two-day festival
“There is capacity for 3000 or so at the site and this year we hope around 2000 people will show up. But if it’s successful then there’s no reason why we couldn’t attract more in the future.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself - there is still a lot of work to be done before this year’s Forthside can even go ahead.
“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t keen to see this go off every year. It would be such a big draw for the area and I’m positive we’ll be able to expand and attract some more big hitters down the line.”
Steven McCrorie from Clackmannanshire has already been announced as this year’s headline act.
Also signed on is Mark Morriss from the Bluetones, singer-songwriter Pete MacLeod, Blondie tribute act Dirty Harry, Ocean Colour Scheme and James’s own band Stop the Clocks, an Oasis tribute band.
James continued: “What’s important is that it will have something for everyone, with folk, indie, pop and some dance thrown in there as well.
“Bringing so many people together to enjoy great music, with local food and drink, in such beautiful surroundings, over two days, in what will hopefully be some nice weather - what’s not to like about that?
“For me this is something that is needed for central Scotland - it would serve as a pretty massive shake-up of the local scene and could encourage more youngsters to pick up an instrument and give it a go.
“If there could be any kind of legacy for Forthside it would be that there should be no barrier to music - whether you want to play for yourself perform for others or just go along and enjoy the sounds.
“I’m hoping the communities in the area will rally behind it and make it a major part of the annual events calendar aorund here.”
It will take place on Broadley’s Farm near Stirling on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.
Tickets are £30 and can be bought online via Skiddle. James Lafferty