Indie stars prepare to March Into Pitlochry

Organisers say event proving so popular they have to turn down bands ahead of festival’s second outing

March Into Pitlochry festival organisers have unveiled an exciting 2017 weekend line-up.

Last year’s star turn, Hunter and the Bear, return to top the Saturday March 25 bill, along with Leeds band The Dunwells, while colourful combo Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove make the long haul from Wales to headline on the Friday night.

The event – to be held on March 24-25 – is peppered with artists providing an Americana and Indie theme for the Highland Perthshire festival.

Steve Carruthers, one of the sevenstrong organising committee that pieced together the line-ups for a musical feast, said: “After the inaugural festival proved popular with locals and visitors, we took a deep breath and decided to press on with plans for bringing a 2017 festival to the town.

“It was also a hit with local businesses, with pubs, restaurants and hotels all getting a turn at a traditionally quiet time of year. We are delighted with the range and quality of acts which we have got on board.”

While Pitlochry Town Hall will again provide the focal point for the Belhavenbacked weekend, nearby McKays Hotel is the venue for afternoon and late-night acoustic sessions.

Scots outfit Hunter and the Bear are counting down to a UK tour to promote their debut album, while The Dunwells have already enticed U2 and Kaiser Chiefs producer Stephen Harris on board.

Steamy rockabilly party band Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove have been attracting rave reviews, including the stamp of approval from Midge Ure. Their reputation on the live circuit was boosted by being runner-up in Britain’s Best Live Band contest.

Belladrum and Wickerman veterans Jericho Hill are signed up, along with 100 Fables – hailed as the Hard Rock Cafe’s best new band – and the festival has achieved a coup by tempting Devon-based alt-country singer Peter Bruntnell to stop off for an acoustic set sprinkled with offerings from a Mojo Americana album of the month, Nos Da Comrade.

Peter has been featuring on Radio Scotland, with both Ricky Ross and Iain Anderson singing his praises.

Steve said: “We have been forced to turn down some bands who were keen to join the weekend line-up. That shows we must be doing something right.”

In addition to bands from further afield, the volunteer crew are keen to promote Big County talents, with Perth Battle of the Bands winners Purple Felts, Bridge of Earn five-piece Johnny Cash tribute outfit The Carloways and Pitlochry teenage singersongwriter Dannie Smillie all enjoying a Pitlochry profile.

Hunter and the Bear, top, will be headlining again and The Dunwells, above, will also be starring in the Pitlochry music festival.

Purple Felts, top, and Jericho Hill, above, are signed up.