The corner of your eye sees William Wallace chomping down a box of noodles. You turn around and see people who are 50 years apart queuing up for the dodgems. Spock is drinking a pint whilst dancing in Mother’s Ruin. The curios, eccentric assortment of Belladrum attendees seems to always match the diversity of the lineup. The thuds of techno are mere metres away from an ABBA tribute band and both have begun only a few hours after a “rave for kids”.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has gone from a one day event in 2004 to a fully fledged 3-day festival attended by 20,000 people. During its lifetime the festival has become a social hub for the local community and travelling festival fans. What is not to be underestimated, however, is its consistent showcasing of up and coming bands.





The XPO North Seedlings stage has always been a buzzing hub for lesser known bands and this year is no different. Locals, The Dazed Digital Age, rattle the fabric of the tent with their bold music that totally blurs the lines between indie and electronica. A tent that was empty during the soundcheck swiftly fills up with intrigued music fans being drawn into the tent.





Bright Scottish group, Vistas, also make an appearance with their inoffensive, catchy pop-rock. Their set ensues organised mosh-pits like other easy listening bands – Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Sherlocks and The Snuts’ sets all did when they graced the stage at Belladrums gone by. In contrast, The Ninth Wave bring an artsy storm to the stage with deafening bass lines. Their energy and brash vocals are incomparable; although their Glasgow contemporaries Walt Disco basque in a similar light. Walt Disco have not decelerated this year with a support slot alongside Interpol and going on tour with Cambridge up and comers Sports Team. Regardless of the big names they share lineups with, however, they still excel in the art of being the centre of attention. Frontman James Potter struts with every beat whilst the crowd fixate on him and his pulsating vocals. Glasgow group Quiche were also present at the gathering of Scottish bands, fresh off the release of their newest track – Grey Matter. Their glittery style makes light work of a fragile Belladrum morning.





The Glasgow talent on display is not, however, totally isolated within tents. 5-piece-group Acrylic honour us with their atmospheric alt-rock which, although has always shone, has reached new heights over the last year. Frontman Andreas’ introductory monologues weave you down fascinating – sometimes dark – pathways before the echoes of guitar guide you somewhere else. This group achieve something totally unique during their live performances.

Belladrum always makes time for local musicians, with Elephant Sessions appearing on the main stage and Big Field Blues Band inducing dancing on the Ice Stage.





Even the big names offer an eclectic mix, with newly crowned ballad superstar Lewis Capaldi causing the main stage to run over capacity tonight, one day after Smith legend Johnny Marr played to a vast crowd of all ages. The other big names included Chvrches, Tom Odell and Elbow with Jesse Glynne filling a slot today despite the rumour mill suggesting she might follow suit to previous form at festivals and pull out last minute.

Belladrum’s weather has even played a part. Gone were the anoraks and wellies, to be replaced by bottles of factor 50 for some and bright red necks for others. As the fireworks draw another Belladrum to a close, it is hard to imagine where this festival will be in five years time.

Full image gallery below. Photos by Nathan Ross and words by Ewan Hearns.

















































































































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