Share the buzz as top events return
From culture to sport the calendar is crammed
IT’S time to start living life to the fullest again. There are so many events taking place across Scotland in 2022 so this is the year to get out and about and embrace music, culture, sport or one of the many festivals.
With summer fast approaching, the chance to get out and mix with likeminded people, safely and responsibly, has never been more welcome.
There’s nothing like the buzz of sharing an amazing moment with thousands of other people. That spine tingling feeling when an entire venue sings, laughs or cheers in unison.
For many the excitement of getting back to events is all-consuming, and the first time you find yourself in a large crowd might feel strange. If that’s the case enjoying an outdoor event might be one of the first things you do.
This year’s music calendar is as diverse and exciting as always. All the old favourites are there, from folk and jazz festivals across the country, to the retro fest that is Rewind, in Perthshire, or the ever popular TRNSMT, in Glasgow.
Look out for new events like the Colourboxx festival, which is taking over Bellahouston Park in June, or the unique camping festival Otherlands taking place at Scone Palace, Perthshire, in August.
If you’re craving some traditional culture, why not experience one of the many Highland Games taking place or catch some of the Royal National Mòd, the festival of Scottish Gaelic, literature, song and arts.
2022 is also Scotland’s Year of Stories with a range of exciting events to choose from.
Scotland also hosts six projects from Unboxed, a new creative programme featuring multiple events, including Dandelion, music and food festivals in Glasgow and Inverness this summer.
There’s also loads taking place that will tickle the taste buds of foodies, from the Scottish Vegan Festival next month, Crail Food Festival in June and the Distilled Food & Drink festival, in Speyside, in September.
The last two years of lockdowns have seen a huge increase in people embracing activity and sport, including golf and cycling, and with a full sporting calendar there’s so much for fans to enjoy.
In terms of major events, Scotland hosts the strongest portfolio of golf events it has ever staged, with five major golf tournaments in 2022 over a five-week period through July and August, including the 150th edition of The Open at St Andrews and a first visit of the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield in East Lothian.
It’s also a huge year for cycling whether you intend to watch or take part. Glasgow will host its first elite level international track cycling event since 2019, with the UCI Track Nations Cup at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, in April.
Then in May, the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup takes place in Fort William; the Enduro World Series is taking place in the Scottish Borders in June; and the Tour of Britain starts in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in September.
They are all great precursors to the UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland next year.
If you fancy testing your own road skills, sign up for the Etape Loch Ness in April, the Etape Caledonia in May, both closed road events taking place in spectacular scenery, or you could take part in the Dukes Weekender, on the famous Dukes Pass, near Aberfoyle, in September.