A memorable weekend of music and mayhem in The Ancient Cradle of the Scottish Nation.

The 13th Mull of Kintyre Music Festival takes place between August 18th and 21st this year. Deacon Blue and Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham headline the event, which launches a new and expanded format with 3 brand new concerts, an official Festival Club (with Open Mic slot) and a new and more central campsite with full facilities. These new introductions coupled with established events such as the legendary Survivors’ Night Concert, Young Folk Night, the Grand Festival Parade, open-air concerts, pub sessions, free music in the bars and family events promise the biggest event yet.

The Mull of Kintyre, a region brought to prominence in song by Sir Paul McCartney, has held this annual music festival, which has grown each year since it’s inception in 1993. Set in the community of Campbeltown, the festival has become the region’s top cultural event encouraging people to visit Kintyre from all parts of the globe. Satisfying an ambition of the Festival to showcase the very best in traditional and contemporary music worldwide whilst also displaying the region’s cultural individuality through the talents of the local musicians of all ages.

The Festival momentum started in the late eighties and early nineties when Campbeltown was caught in a folk music revival, which saw bands and musicians such as Capercaillie, Dick Gaughan, Davy Spillane, Altan, Dougie MacLean and Wolfstone reaching worldwide audiences.

The session scene in Campbeltown was varied with meticulous technical talent sitting alongside emerging and experimental musicians. It was from this scene that a committee was formed in the summer of 1992. A mixture of musicians, publicans and music enthusiasts took this a stage further to create a music festival which has grown and matured into one of the biggest Festival in Scotland.

The Festival committee have mixed the content of their programme to suite all tastes in music, whilst remaining aware that the main format has been formed around the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland. They have adopted a theme based on an affinity with the people of Northern Ireland and the historical links to them as the sea kingdom of Dalriada. The first Scots set foot in Kintyre circa 300 AD and the evidence of their occupation is all around. The fact that an influential association had previously existed between our two regions is reflected in the new Festival motto – ‘Cradle of the Nation’

By year 12 the festival was operating at capacity, with sell out performances and an unsatisfied demand for tickets. The organisers faced with the choice of either remaining as it was or progressing to a higher level by expanding to meet the events full potential, something they firmly believe could be achieved. Plans were drawn up, advice was sought though the local enterprise company (Argyll and the Islands Enterprise) and a decision was made to expand the Festival and introduce a new format to the event. Additional funds were successfully sought through EventScotland to help market and develop the event and the new and expanded Festival was born.

The new format and additional venues will ensure that more people than ever can enjoy the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival phenomenon.

To mark this expansion, the net was cast for a star attraction that reflected future aspirations for the festival while retaining an essential Scottish dimension. Thus the organisers are delighted that the legendary Deacon Blue will headline the Saturday night concert at the Victoria Hall supported by emerging local outfit The Twisted Melons.

Earlier in the evening Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, supported by young Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, bring their unmistakable sound and humour to the Wee Picture House, Scotland’s oldest working cinema.

Established events such as the Festival Ceilidh, Grand Parade and Survivors’ Night, are complemented by a new Festival Club to be held in the Town Hall, while the family-orientated outdoor event Harbour Splash Day receives a makeover and becomes Doon the Green. The town’s Burnside Square transforms into a fantastic outdoor venue for the Burnside Bash on late Saturday afternoon and also hosts live music on the Sunday to ease you back into the mood again following Saturday’s revelries. In addition, Campbeltown’s pubs and hotels will be so crammed full of musicians that many of them will probably end up playing out in the street. Whether you are there to listen to music or to join in a session you are guaranteed the warmest of welcomes.

Returning once again to the Kingdom, Sunday sees the first “Dalriada Connections” concert celebrating the cultural and musical links between Kintyre and Antrim in Northern Ireland and featuring local musicians from both sides of the Sheugh. On the return of the ferry it is hoped to develop this into an annual event, which will take place in both Kintyre and Antrim.

Whether you are looking for a fun weekend away, a workshop to improve your musical talent , to find out more about your heritage or just an entertaining night out you will find it at the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival.

For the latest news of events and ticket arrangement check out www.mokfest.com