The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Live at the Links here to stay as promotor promises big names
Festival voted a success after council grants licence application
The inaugural Live at the Links is to become a permanent fixture on the Angus music calendar.
LCC Live director Les Kidger said he is already looking at “new and exciting” ways to improve next year’s offering in Montrose.
Mr Kidger said he is committed to bringing music’s biggest names to the Angus town following this summer’s event which featured the Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne and Madness.
He said: “Outside of the TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow, Live at the Links was the largest weekend event in Scotland and that’s something Montrose can take pride in.
“When we started with Status Quo in 2014 we used to have to explain to artists where Montrose was but now they know all about the town and the East Links.
“The town is firmly on the map and we have to thank the people of Montrose for putting up with us.
“We love Montrose, we love staying here and everyone makes us feel so welcome.”
LCC Live previously brought the likes of the Quo, Jools Holland, Bryan Adams and the Beach Boys to perform open-air gigs as part of its link up with Montrose Music Festival.
Music fans across the region feared the worst when MoFest pulled the plug on this year’s event due to a lack of volunteers.
However, days later, LCC Live announced Live at the Links would take place in August and Mr Kidger said the festival is here to stay.
He said: “Live at the Links worked very well and we had three great acts and the public came out and supported us but we need to freshen it up and have a long look at it.”
Whatever 2020 brings, Mr Kidger said the Angus music public can be assured that LCC Live will strive to bring the biggest names to Montrose.
He said LCC Live will also be meeting with Angus Council to discuss its “handling” of licensing issues this year to ensure there are no such problems next year.
Councillors eventually ruled the three concerts were of such “economic significance” to Angus and Montrose the licence application should still be granted, despite the problems.
When we started with Status Quo in 2014 we used to have to explain to artists where Montrose was – but now they know all about the town and the East Links. LES KIDGER