Scotland hosts first outdoor music festival since lockdown

Scotland’s first live outdoor music festival since lockdown lifted will get underway on Friday.

Capers in Cannich has been specifically designed to meet coronavirus regulations and will welcome 200 people over the weekend.

Folk band Hò-rò, Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5 will be among those performing at the four-day ‘glamping festival’ in the Highlands.

Organisers have promised that various measures will be in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Ticket holders will have their own designated spot in front of the stage – and the weather forecast is looking good.

Festival director Karl Falconer said: “The site has socially distanced parking bays, a one-way system and table service.

“Festival goers can order their food and drinks via an app, meaning no queues or crowding.”

Food on the menu includes woodfired pizzas, gourmet burgers and fresh pasta bowls – as well as a chef-led BBQ by the River Glass for those who want to glamp in style.

Mr Falconer said: “For glampers, each social bubble has its own luxury bell tent, private garden and corresponding area in front of the stage so that everyone remains socially distant and safe.

“The bell tents allow for two, four or six people from up to three households to stay.”

Other acts at the festival – taking place 40 miles north-west of Inverness – include Heron Valley, Calum Jones, Beinn Lee and The Electric 80s Show.

Most of the bands will be playing their first live shows for more than year after the pandemic brought the entertainment industry to a shuddering halt last March.

“Although some of them have been busy recording and live streaming, they can’t wait to feel the buzz of playing to a live audience and interacting with fans again,” said Mr Falconer.

“It’s going to be really special and they have all told us how excited they are to get back to playing for a live audience.”