ARGYLL Gathering has announced its final line-up for the inaugural year.

The brand new, family friendly event will showcase the best in traditional and contemporary Scottish music, local food and drink, and feature interactive workshops tied to Scotland’s heritage and culture. 

Earlier this week the festival announced the final addition to its line-up - The LaFontaines - who will be bringing their phenomenally energetic rock and hip hop sounds to The Bothy Stage as Saturday night headliners. They’ll be joining the existing line-up, including former lead singer of one of Scotland’s most celebrated groups, Runrig‘s Donnie Munro, the most famous bagpipe band in the world, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Scottish Celtic Rock foot stompers Treacherous Orchestra amongst many others across the two days of live music. 

As well as music there is a whole host of other activities to get involved in with a range of different workshops for all the family – learn about the Gaelic language with the engaging and musical interactive workshops brought to you by Historic Environment Scotland, run by Ruiriadh Graham of electro-trad outfit Niteworks and Ellen Macdonald, Gaelic Singer of the Year 2017. The festival also includes interactive activities from organisations such as the RSPB, Gael Music and the Welcome Trust - including a fiendishly difficult escape the room game, fresh from last year’s Green Man Festival - as well as a variety of workshops and showcases ranging from traditional weaving and highland dancing, all the way to interactive street art painting. There is something for every age and interest.

Argyll Gathering also offers a children’s entertainment area including sports and theatre workshops, with the aim of keeping kids active and healthy, along with the beloved festival mainstays - face painting, bouncy castles, bucking broncos and much, much more.

An excellent array of local food offerings have been curated by the locally sourced food collective“Food from Argyll” – including oysters from Loch Fyne, single-origin coffee from Home Ground Coffee, authentic handmade scozzese pizza, home roasted lamb stovies, Loch Riddon salt marsh lamb, wild venison and Duntarrin pork. There will also be a selection of food demonstrations across the weekend from within the food village, allowing attendees to experience the best that Argyll has to offer.

For those who enjoy a tipple, Williams Bros Brewery will be handpicking their favourite beers for the “Bothy Craft Beer Hall” and also delivering a “limited sign up” beer tasting masterclass hosted by Scott Williams (MD) himself. In addition to this, Argyll Gathering offers a fully stocked cocktail and prosecco bar, with a range of gins, malts and premium spirits. 

Community is at the heart of this festival, its goal is to bring people together from across Scotland and further afar – music lovers, families, foodies, visitors to Scotland both young and old. Having been born and raised in Helensburgh, festival organiser James Windebank has seen the town evolve and change over 30 years.

“The one thing that I always wanted my hometown to have was a spectacular event that focused on bringing people together to listen to great music, have a dram and really enjoy themselves as a community,” he said.

“We believe that an event such as this should enhance its home turf, and really bring something to the table. That could be a great music line-up that speaks to its patrons, showcasing the gorgeous larder of Scotland, or exposing people to the rich creative culture that exists all around us.” 

Helensburgh and its surroundings are renowned for their picturesque backdrop. The area is steeped in Scottish history, it has also offered events such as highland games and piping championships to carry on traditions.

Full line-up:

Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Treacherous Orchestra, Donnie Munro, The Lafontaines, Colonel  Mustard & The Dijon 5, Bwani Junction, Mànran, Elephant Sessions, Mickey 9’s, Bombskare, Federation of the Disco Pimp, Jarlath Henderson Band, Elephant Sessions, Blue Rose Code, Pronto Mama, Dàimh, Nae Plans (with special guests Ross & Ali, Laura-Beth Salter and Innes Watson), Dead Man Fall, Have Mercy Las Vegas, Cloud of Starlings, Well Happy Band, Pippa Reid Foster, Ryan Young, Rebecca’s Ruin, Ainsley hamill, Creative Martyrs and Like Daniels.

Argyll Gathering will take place in Helensburgh on August 19-20.

For more info and tickets, go to argyllgathering.com 

There will be a disabled access platform available to view the main stage. For all other requirements please email hello@argyllgathering.com to discuss any accessibility requirements, information and guidance.