In just over one month, Wildfire Festival will be spearheading the recovery process of grassroots music. The 32 band festival will take place over three days at the historic Scottish village of Wanlockhead and runs between 30 July and 1 August.
Jason Sweeney, Trucker Diablo and Florence Black are headlining the festival, which, at 1,531 feet above sea level, is the highest festival in the UK. While accommodation in and around the area is fully booked, some tickets are still available, and you can be part of the recovery of live music in a COVID-19 secure and family-friendly setting.
“This year, Wildfire will be part of the healing and recovery process, as we re-emerge from months of lockdown,” festival organiser Dave Ritchie told MetalTalk. “The grassroots scene that is so close to my heart has suffered greatly, and I’m keen to help as many bands as I can to get back on their feet.
“Perhaps most important, though, music fans need that chance to re-connect and see each other again in a welcoming and safe environment.
“The sound of recorded music helped many people cope with the long days of home isolation, and now it’s time for the magic of live music to lift spirits and help people socially re-connect.
“We’ve re-shaped the event this year so it is fully outdoors, social-spaced and limited on numbers so people can enjoy the magic of live music but in a safe, friendly and supportive way.”
Jason Sweeney, the Sunday headliner, told us, “I am thrilled to be playing Wildfire Festival this year as I step out into the world of rock as a solo artist. I have fantastic memories of playing the festival before, and it’s phenomenal to have the opportunity to create more new memories.
“I will be turning it up to eleven when I close the festival. These are good times.”
Amongst Liars are making their Wildfire debut. “We are so excited about Wildfire Festival,” Ian George told us. “The opportunity to play and watch music in a beautiful open space will be one of the best feelings ever after so long of not having live music. It has been a tough year for grassroots venues and festivals, so Wildfire opening up like this with such an amazing lineup of new and rising bands is really something special. It’s important for the scene at large.”
White Raven Down are to make their second appearance at the festival.
“Wildfire is a well-organised, family-friendly festival that supports grassroots bands and rising artists,” Stuart Bailey says. “It’s a joy to perform there and is invaluable for connecting with fans and friends alike. We simply cannot wait to return to Wanlockhead this July.”
With the last year and a half devastating the music industry, the fact that Dave Ritchie can continue to give main stage opportunities to young bands from all corners of the UK should be celebrated, and events like Wildfire deserve support from all of us.
Tickets are available from wildfirefestival.co.uk/ticketstore.
For more information, visit wildfirefestival.co.uk and their Facebook page.
Full Lineup
A New Tomorrow
Amongst Liars
Ashen Reach
As Sirens Fall
The Autumn Killers
Bad Day Blues Band
Clipe Circle
Cloverhill
Edenthorn
Electric Black
Empyre
Everyday Heroes
Florence Black
Haxan
Hellbound Hearts
Jack J Hutchinson
Jason Sweeney
Liberty Lies
King Voodoo
Mad Haven
Mike Ross Band
North Atlas
Ravenbreed
Revival Black
Scarlet Rebels
Thirteen Stars
Trucker Diablo
Twister
Unknown Refuge
Verity White
Victorius
White Raven Down
