ONE DAY ‘FREE’ INDIE MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT MONIAIVE

Firefly – Lighting up the Summer With a Free Festival of Indie Delights

Moniaive event strives to fill a little of the Wickerman gap

A one-day free music festival is being staged in Moniaive featuring some of the best-loved Indie bands from Dumfries and Galloway and across Scotland.

Firefly, on Saturday, 23 July, will be headlined by Trongate Rum Riots and the line-up also includes Junkman’s Choir, the Amphetameanies and the Barstow Bats.

The performers include many who regularly appear at Wickerman, which would normally take place that weekend.

Jane Chalmers, organiser and member of the well-known ska band the Amphetameanies, said: “We’re really excited to have such a great line-up of talent from within the region and across Scotland for the festival. People have got to hear about what’s happening and there seems to be a real buzz about it.

“We all love Wickerman – it’s one of the best festivals anywhere in the country – and thought the Firefly would be something that, in a very small way, would help fill the gap locally.

“It’s all quite low key and will be very family-friendly, but there will more than 11 hours of music of all sorts that people can enjoy – and of course it’s free, and there aren’t that many free festivals left these days.”

Firefly takes place in the marquee behind the Craigdarroch Arms in Moniaive – Scotland’s Festival Village – and camping is available for overnight visitors.

The bands taking part are varied in genre, giving the whole event wide appeal. It will kick off around 12pm with acoustic sounds and vibe up throughout the afternoon and evening.

The Glasgow-based Trongate Rum Riots have a nationwide reputation as rousing entertainers. Their style ranges from sweaty punk to dirty folk, with the occasional bluesy lick and Balkan riff.

Junkman’s Choir, are coming in from Ayrshire. The two-man band, which has previously supported the Pogues, describe themselves as having a global sound and playing a mix of Cajun, Country Sea Shanty’s and Rockin Reels.

The Amphetameanies, who played at Madness’s ‘House of Fun’ Festival, last year, through a personal invite from Madness themselves. They are one of the best and biggest names on the vibrant Scottish ska scene.

Others taking part include:

• The Barstow Bats – familiar to many in the region with a big following in Dumfries.
• Sister Fox, featuring Blackie and Chris Lord – pivotal people in the region’s music scene.
• Luciens Ghost, who have rapidly established themselves in Glasgow, playing venues like King Tut’s.

Then there’s:

• Breezy and the Lost Leaders – are quickly making a name for themselves in Scotland, as something very special!

• John Coletta and the Humpff Family Revival – Scottish folk-a-billy; festival favourites

Roy Marchbank (last year joined the one and only Dweezil Zappa, onstage, at The Royal Festival Hall, London)

• The Oystercatchers – bringing melodic, Americana, bluegrass style. 
• Darcy DaSilva – well known in the British folk scene.
• and Colin James, up and coming, local musician whose songs bring a retro 60s pop feel.

Firefly’s MC & DJ is Graham Watson aka Noky’s Disco.

• Firefly takes place at the Craigdarroch Arms, Moniaive 23, July 2016
• Call 01848 200205
• See http://www.moniaivefestivalvillage.org.uk/events-calendar.html