Knockengorroch Festival makes its long-awaited return this week.
The site in the hills above Carsphairn opens today with the festival proper kicking off tomorrow.
It’s the first time the popular music gathering has been held since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many artists lined-up for 2020 will be performing, along with some new additions.
Friday will see Afro Celt Sound System finally take to the Bo Airigh stage after being scheduled to appear two years ago. Founded in the 90s by Simon Emmerson, the band was one of the first to bring together African, South Asian and Celtic melodies
and beats.
Also on Friday and brand new for 2022 is the 13 piece Chilean orchestra Newen Afrobeat - the first Afrobeat band in Chile. There will be plenty more happening across the site including 2020 Scottish Album of the Year award winner Nova; modern electronic Romani club music and rural folk traditions from Don Kipper; tropical grooves from Samedia Shebeen; and the return of Maddie’s Dance Tent after a four year break.
The party will continue on Saturday with the comeback of elders of traditional sound system and vinyl culture, enigmatic French duo L’Entourloop, aka Sir James and King Johnny. The Knockengorroch meadows will be rocked to the core by the desert blues of Kel Assouf; hip hop artist and political campaigner Lowkey and award winning nu-folk, from Galloway born and bred singer/songwriter and musician Zoë Bestel.
The festival shows no signs of slowing down on Sunday as two of Scotland’s most acclaimed musicians, and no strangers to Knockengorroch’s stages, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton perform original compositions, ranging from high octane jigs and reels to beautifully melodic slow airs to brings things to a close on Sunday evening.
A thrillingly original, intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances, Moishe’s Bagel perform one of their final sets at Knockengorroch; a charismatic voice and positive abundance of energy from Mungos Hi Fi Sound System feat. MC Sun of Selah; honest song writing, and warm cello and mellow vocals from Ceitidh Mac. Sunday is takeovers night with Leeds posse Mood Swings taking over the Maddie’s ‘wolf’ dance tent and Glasgow’s Sub Club inclusive club night Jaiva partnering with The Skinny for a Taigh Tent takeover.
Away from the stages and there’s yet more to uncover at the Deughside village with the relaxing yurt village and sauna; the River Deugh stone stackers, creating beautiful balance with fire cairns to be lit over the weekend; stories and tea with storyteller Owen Pilgrim at the Telltale Tea Tent; pond dipping with Tilly back by popular demand; the craft village behind the Longhouse; and the Tigtri Kids’ Tent for fun and games throughout the weekend including the kids procession on Sunday.
The full programme and tickets can be found at www.knockengorroch.org.uk.
