The JC Gig Guide

on follow up to my last thread

LIVE ON THE LAWN

The National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with Dick Tee, producer of the main stage at Glastonbury, to launch a mega-festival of outdoor rock, pop, opera and jazz. The legendary impresario, has been lured north of the border by the prospect of organising gigs at some of Scotland’s most stunning castles.

Starting on 29th July, Ocean Colour Scene will kick of the series surrounded by the magnificent 16th Century splendour of Crathes Castle in Banchory, Aberdeenshire. The following night, Status Quo will rock all over Crathes with their brilliantly executed set of head-banging classics. The focus then turns to Edinburgh, with three very different musical treats. Newhailes, the 17th Century masterpiece that features in the Scottish Enlightenment, plays host to Fun Lovin’ Criminals on the 5th August, the Rat Pack (Live from Las Vegas) on 6th August and Amici Forever with the Scottish Opera Orchestra on 7th August. As if that wasn’t enough, the spectacular Robert Adam designed Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, will host 80’s legends The Stranglers, Kim Wilde, T’Pau and Toyah on 12th August. To round off, chart toppers Girls Aloud and Glasgow’s finest, Darius will share the bill on 13th August.

Commenting on the extravaganza, Ian Preece, Head of Marketing at the National Trust for Scotland said: “The Trust is guardian of some of Scotland’s finest houses, castles, gardens and wildland. The history, stories, significance and settings make these properties ideal venues for music of all kinds. We are keenly aware that these properties acted as a focal point for their local communities and indeed the nation. We are therefore ensuring that this role continues through an array of exciting events, not least of which is the musical feast that we describe as Scotland’s national prom.”

Tickets for the gigs can be obtained from today through the National Trust for Scotland website http://www.nts.org.uk or via the dedicated booking line 0870 1181931. A £3 booking fee applies.

Summing up, Dick Tee said: “These shows are massive and exemplify the scale and scope of the Trust’s ambition to make its properties accessible to as wide an audience as possible. This has been a major undertaking over many months, lining up the headline acts, and we are also talking to some fantastic support bands too. It’s going to be a hot summer in many ways.”