The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Festival boss tight-lipped over the event’s future
No word on whether Scotland’s live music bonanza will return
T in the Park boss Geoff Ellis is keeping tight-lipped about the festival’s future after expanding his Glasgow TRNSMT show to two weekends.
The DF Concerts boss previously said the live music extravaganza was “unlikely” to return in 2018, following two troubled years at its new Strathallan Castle home.
And he hinted that there was no longer a demand for a festival the size and scale of T in the Park.
However, DF Concerts said yesterday it was not in a position to comment on any long-term plans for T – or even to confirm it would not be going ahead next summer.
It follows the announcement of a change of dates for TRNSMT, the new festival launched by Mr Ellis in Glasgow.
The show is now taking place over two weekends: Three days from Friday June 29, with two more shows on July 6 and 8.
Mr Ellis said: “After such a successful first year in 2017, we’re absolutely delighted to extend the transmissions at TRNSMT Festival into two weekends to better the experience for the amazing TRNSMT fans next year.
“We’re bringing even more of the best artists from around the world to Glasgow Green.”
He added: “The event is now established at the heart of the Scottish music calendar and we are looking forward to announcing the line-up for both weekend soon, as well as the additional festival aspects TRNSMT has to offer.”
Efforts are already under way to entice any T in the Park successor back to Perthshire.
MP Pete Wishart has asked Perth and Kinross Council to put together a package which might encourage DF Concerts and Live Nation to consider the area when drawing up future plans.
He said: “Whilst I welcome the expansion of any music festival, it is disappointing not to be able to announce that it is happening in Perthshire.
“I have been in correspondence with Perth and Kinross Council about the prospect of a future weekend camping festival but I have to say that I remain dissatisfied with their response.”
He said: “I understand the problems which the festival faced at Strathallan but Perthshire is a big place with a large number of possible venues.”