Kelton the spectacular one-tonne wicker Beltie bull has arrived ready for his starring role at this weekend’s two-day Music at the Multiverse festival.
At three metres tall he will provide an impressive welcome to audiences as they arrive at Crawick Multiverse, near Sanquhar, for a weekend of amazing sounds – ranging from rock and reggae to folk, trad and opera.
Named after the parish of Kelton, the huge sculpture became an international celebrity when he represented Dumfries and Galloway at the recent Royal Highland Showcase at the Royal Highland Showground in Edinburgh – featuring in newspapers, magazines, TV and being live streamed worldwide.
Now on a tour of his home region the artwork, by Trevor Leat (well-known for making huge willow figures for the Wickerman Festivals), will be at the Multiverse until 1 September.
He was serenaded onto the site by opera singer Claudia Wood and harp player Wendy Stewart – both of whom are performing during Music at the Multiverse.
Cathy Agnew, Crawick Multiverse Trust (CMT) trustee, said: Cathy Agnew, Crawick Multiverse Trust (CMT) trustee, said: “We’ve got a wonderful weekend of live music lined up with plenty of room to social distance in the 55-acre site that is the Multiverse. And it’s terrific that Kelton the Beltie is able to visit Upper Nithsdale and the Sanqhuar Arts Festival as part of his Homecoming Tour.”
The weekend’s events will take place in the glorious Sun Amphitheatre. Saturday will be dedicated to the contemporary sounds of:
- The Dangleberries
- Lucky Doves
- Pedro and the Pirates
- Tom Spirals
- Fathers Medicine.
On Sunday Crawick Multiverse welcomes:
- Smith & McClennan
- Claudia Wood (with pianist Katharine Durran)
- Flew the Arrow
- Wendy Stewart.
Music at the Multiverse will provide a showcase for the wide range of musical talent based in, or with strong connections to, Dumfries and Galloway. Get Your Tickets HERE
Claudia Wood, who is originally from Sanquhar and still has family in the town, will be singing popular songs from operas and musical shows such as Carmen and Phantom of the Opera.
International harp player Wendy Stewart, from near Moniaive, will present traditional pieces and compositions she’s written that celebrate the wonders of science, some played on her electroharp.
Wendy said: “Getting the chance to play my music in such an amazing setting, for folks out enjoying themselves, will be a real joy.”
The event is part of the Sanquhar Arts Festival and is also exploring Crawick’s potential as an outdoor venue in easy reach of central and southern Scotland and Cumbria.
CMT Trustee Caroline McMillan added: “I’m lucky enough to live very close to Crawick Multiverse and have enjoyed visiting since it opened in 2015. It’s a fantastic place to spend time with family and friends of all ages and perfect for meeting up to walk the dog or enjoy a picnic.
“We want the Multiverse to be a place that visitors and the local community can enjoy in many different ways and hope to bring more outdoor events and festivals in the future.”
About Kelton – he:
- was created in Auchencairn by willow artist Trevor Leat
- weighs in at over a tonne
- measures 4.2m long and is 3m tall
- took three weeks to build
- is made from willow grown by Trevor in Scotland and some brought specially from the Somerset levels
- has dark areas created using steamed willow and a white belt of stripped willow
- was made using 22 bundles of willow, each weighing 18kg, woven round a special frame.
Trevor’s figures are familiar from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, the Wickerman music festivals and a variety of National Trust for Scotland properties.
Kelton was commissioned by the Dumfries & Galloway Royal Highland Showcase team, with support from sources including the Galloway Glens Scheme and Dumfries and Galloway Council. After his tour of the region he will be placed in the care of The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership scheme.
