Search on for Highland artists to open Belladrum main stage

Celebrating 20 years of Belladrum – and its longstanding support of Scottish artists – the search brings the spirit of the family festival to life.

Open to solo artists and bands from the Highlands and Islands (where at least 50 per cent of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, the talent search will showcase the top newcomer with a prime slot in the Hot House Arena on July 25, kicking off the weekend of live music and arts.

The winner will also have the opportunity to play an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio, which will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the broadcaster’s festival coverage.

Musicians can apply by submitting a biography and link to their music to tartanheart@bbc.co.uk, with entries judged by a panel of experts, including representatives from Belladrum, the BBC and Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Julie Fowlis, before the shortlist goes to a public vote on the Belladrum website.

Ms Fowlis, pictured, said: “The Belladrum Tartan Heart festival has become one of Scotland’s most popular and iconic music festivals, set in the most beautiful Highland surroundings.

“I’m honoured to be part of the judging team for this year’s talent search, which affords an amazing opportunity to an up-and-coming artist from the Highlands and Islands to perform at the festival.”

Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: “We’re proud supporters of the arts in Scotland, and committed to bringing coverage of the likes of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to viewers across the nation through funding from MG ALBA.

“Our Belladrum festival coverage is always a highlight in the BBC ALBA summer schedule and with the winner earning a spot on the main stage, we hope this can give an emerging artist the boost to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Fatherson, Frightened Rabbit and Twin Atlantic, who all played at Belladrum early on in their careers.”