Edinburgh’s Connect Music Festival is returning to the city later this year, after a successful relaunch in 2022.
The event, which comes from the organisers of T in the Park and TRNSMT, will kick off on August 25 at the Royal Highland Showgrounds. Lasting the whole weekend, the ‘boutique’ festival celebrates music, comedy, spoken word and wellness.
A variety of new additions have been made following last year's event, including extra camping options and children’s tickets. This includes an expansion to the camping area, allowing festival-goers to bring their own tent, along with boutique and pre-pitched tents plus an area for live-in vehicles.
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Headlining the opening night of Connect will be Scottish rock legends Primal Scream, joined by Franz Ferdinand, indie-pop group Confidence Man, Glasgow punks Humour, and Irish selector David Holmes.
Grammy and Brit Award nominee Fred again… will be performing on August 26, joined by Edinburgh band Young Fathers, Irish singer Róisín Murphy, indie-pop band MUNA, electronic musician Kelly Lee Owens, and others.
On Sunday, indie-rock group boygenius featuring Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus will be closing up the festival - amongst many others. As well as musical acts, festival go-ers can expect top quality food from some of Edinburgh’s finest traders thanks to Neighbourgood Market.
People looking for something more zen can enjoy the Rest & Be Thankful wellness programme, including space to relax with workshops including Soul Water Sauna, breath work, sound healing and yoga.
Katt Lingard, Festival Manager, said: “We’re delighted to announce our lineup for Connect 2023. After such a fantastic festival in 2022, we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to an even bigger and bolder edition this summer.
“We have an unrivalled programme of music, acclaimed comedy and an expanded wellbeing schedule. We're opening our doors to families, with dedicated entertainment for children of all ages, and adding a fantastic artisan food destination. Connect really is a unique event in Scotland, bringing together everything that’s great about live music, being outdoors and I really feel we’ve created something so much bigger than the sum of its parts.
Speaking ahead of the event, Franz Ferdinand said: “We’re looking forward to returning to Connect in it’s new home in Edinburgh and being reminded again why Scottish festival crowds are some of the best in the world.”
Connect Music Festival originally took place on the grounds of Inveraray Castle, and headliners included the Beastie Boys, Björk and Franz Ferdinand. It was held in 2007 and 2008, before organisers put a stop to it citing the financial crash of 2007-2010 as the final straw.
You can find out more about the 2023 event here, with tickets due to be released on March 3.
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