Belladrum back with a bang after two-year break

  • Published
Nile RodgersImage source, Paul Campbell
Image caption,

American musician Nile Rodgers on Bella's Garden Stage

The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival closed on Saturday night with a main stage appearance by Chic, featuring Nile Rodgers - and a fireworks display.

The Garden Stage was packed for the act's slick performance of disco, funk and soul hits including Everybody Dance.

Bella, which was returning after a two-year break due to Covid, was attended by about 20,000 people.

Starting on Thursday, the three days featured an eclectic mix of music.

Emeli Sande, Van Morrison, The Fratellis, Callum Beattie, Shed Seven and children's entertainers Fun Box were among those to grace the main stage.

Image source, Paul Campbell
Image caption,

Emeli Sande was among Thursday's headliners

Image source, Paul Campbell
Image caption,

Belladrum returned at the weekend after a two-year break

Image source, Paul Campbell
Image caption,

Peat & Diesel on the new-look Hot House stage

The new Hot House set up - an open stage replacing a large tent - saw performances by Vistas, Daytime TV, Ash and a DJ set by fashion consultant and TV presenter Gok Wan.

On Thursday, Isle of Lewis band Peat & Diesel filled a slot in the Hot House line-up after UK Eurovision star Sam Ryder had to pull out due to illness.

The band had roughly 12 hours' notice to sort themselves out and get a ferry from the Western Isles to the mainland, where they received a lift from a friend who drove them to the festival for their 21:45 performance.

Image source, Paul Campbell
Image caption,

The festival features performers and festival-goers in colourful outfits

Belladrum, near Beauly, was first held as a one-day event in 2004 with 2,000 people and over the years has grown into a weekend-long festival drawing crowds of more than 20,000.

Each festival has a theme - this year's was myths and legends - and those attending the event are encouraged to wear costumes and fancy dress.

Image source, Paul Campbell
Image caption,

Gok Wan played a DJ set at Bella