A sell-out year for Knockengorroch’s 2017 World Ceilidh, the sun shone down on a field full of unicorns and very happy sunny festival-goers from all over Scotland and the British Isles to as far afield as America and Africa.
For this, its twentieth year, the festival held near Carsphairn, Dumfries and Galloway hopes to have made history by breaking a Guinness World Record. And not just beating it – smashing it, with over four times the previous record number.
The unicorn is the national animal of Scotland and organisers decided to symbollically free the creature, allowing the mythical beast to once again represent its symbological aspects of harmony, peace – and freedom.
The record is for the largest gathering of people wearing unicorn horns, and the festival saw that number soaring to 999 folk of all ages, from tiny baby unicorns right up to the over 70s. Festival organisers will now send the evidence off to the Guinness Book of World Records to be verified.
A representative from Guinness World Records said:
“Guinness World Records looks forward to receiving evidence from the event, and wishes the organisers and those who took part the very best of luck with their application.’
There was the world-class music of every genre for which Knockengorroch is renowned, peaking on Saturday night with reggae legend Max Romeo who kept the audience rapt with some classic tunes. Maddy’s Mash Tree was a little haven of happy people, and the Sheiling hosted an eclectic array of live performances, and, with more venues and areas throughout the festival than ever before, there was always something to do for young and old. Sunday boasted a visit from one of the mythical beasts in the flesh, delighting young and old alike.
Festival organiser Katch Holmes said: “We are overjoyed with how the festival went. The excellent bands, artists, crew and workshops provided an incredible cultural, environmental and social occasion not to mention our wonderful audiences who we believe must be the friendliest in the country! We hope to see everyone back again in our beautiful river valley soon.”
Here are a few snippets of what festival-goers had to say about this year’s event:
• “Amazing. I come every year and have been since the start. Each year it’s such a feel-good, family vibe. I feel like I really belong here. It’s a home away from home.” Archie, Glasgow •
“This is my first Knockengorroch. I’ll definitely be back again next year – I love it!” Karen, Aberdeen •
“The music is always great. Different every year, and always something new. Max Romeo was awesome this time!” Chester, London •
“I’ve never experienced anything like it. The people, the place, the music. And unicorns! Amazing, truly amazing.” Josh, Atlanta, USA
