The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Under Canvas pitches up for festival return
Eden Court’s outdoor flagship summer festival Under Canvas will return this year, support Scottish musicians and become more sustainable.
The family-friendly festival will be set up in the now-iconic stretch tents on Eden Court’s front lawn offering two months of live music, performance, DJ sets and specially curated week-long events.
Taking place from July 1 to August 27, the organisers are proud to be able to provide paid employment opportunities to more than 170 Scottish musicians, many of whom were negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The line-up includes Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson, The Shackleton Trio and Lewis McLaughlin, and the festival will also welcome back much-loved acts from 2021 including HEISK, Man of the Minch and Mischa Macpherson.
As well as the regular programme, there will also be a number of specially curated events throughout the summer which will include a Belladrum take over on Saturday July 9.
Runrig Connections – July 20 to 22 – will celebrate the influence of the band in today’s trad music scene as The Stamping Ground, Eden Court Highlands and Raw Material’s new musical, hits the Empire Stage.
Now in its fourth year, the festival will mark Scotland’s Year of Stories with Sgeul – a week of music and storytelling celebrating the diversity of Scotland through the people and those inspired by the beautiful landscape and natural environment.
This curated week – August 3 to 7 – is supported by EventScotland’s National Events Programme.
Finally, Eden Court are thrilled to present Anna Massie’s Main Stage from August 17 to 19.
The event will see the local musician and Under Canvas regular guestcurating a series of collaborative gigs, bringing together some of her favourite contemporary artists.
In terms of food and drink, freshly-made pizzas from an outdoor woodfired oven will be available alongside a pop-up bar serving a selection of local beers, gins, and whisky.
Rebecca Holt, Eden Court’s new chief executive, said: “Over the last few years Under Canvas has become a central part of Eden Court’s summer programme.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences to enjoy great food, drink and music out on our lawn once again in 2022.
“All tickets are Pay What You Can this year – so if you haven’t come along before, then this is a great opportunity to give it a go.
The festival will also take further steps to become 100% sustainable – by using compostable food and drink containers and not using electric heaters – in line with Eden Court’s commitment to the environment and mitigating the effects of the climate crisis.