High energy blast at the festival 16/7/11
By Annie Ferguson
The wet weather saw the wellies out in force on the penultimate night of the Hebridean Celtic Festival. However the rain failed to dampen spirits as the crowds had manifestly swelled from the previous night, Thursday.
Anticipation amid the crowd was rife for the headline act of the night, Eddi Reader. As a seasoned veteran of the festival scene with a formidable array of musical accolades, her performance was preceded by her reputation.
She did not fail to impress. Revellers were treated to a mix of contemporary pop and folk inspired songs that traversed the range of her eclectic repertoire.
Probably best known for the pop single Perfect, which proved a big hit on the night, Eddi’s hauntingly beautiful vocals proved her credentials as a one of Scotland’s most eminent folk singers.
Peatbog Faeries, a long time favourite at HebCelt arrived on the stage amid a frenzied response. Their creative adaptations of traditional Scottish music breaths fresh life into the genre. Audience participation; intentionally or otherwise, arrested those in attendance producing fevered if albeit rather questionable dance moves.
Providing the main stage with a quintessential Gaelic flavour was opening act Mànran. Their high energy performance had the crowd in the palm of their hand as they sung and danced along with great vigour and enthusiasm. The band even managed to squeeze in a rather shameless yet seamless plug for their new album.
The Scotland’s Island Stage again proved highly popular, its presence accentuating the jovial festival atmosphere of the night. Its opening act, the provocatively named Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers proved as multifaceted and inventive as their name suggests. Their inspiration of classic American country brought a vibrant sound & energy to the island’s stage
Inevitably, acoustic clashes occurred between the main and island’s tent as both could be heard from the other at times; however this failed to detract from any of the performances.
Not so bad for the louder, rockier bands but home grown act The Boy Who Trapped the Sun seemed to suffer the most from this, but his set was certainly not marred. The melodic and harmonious acoustic set provided a more subdued yet enchanting performance amid otherwise far more raucous acts.
Niall Iain Macdonald briefly took to the stage during their set in a bid to garner support for his ‘NY2SY’ Solo North Atlantic Row. He is admirably going to attempt to row solo from New York to Stornoway, a distance of over 3400 miles to raise funds for SAMH, Scotland's leading mental health charity.
Final act Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag comprises some of Shetland's top traditional musicians. Their musical credentials were evident providing a traditional rhythmic set bookending the show perfectly with an upbeat flurry.
Tonight’s closing of the festival promises to draw in the crowds with Brit Award wining K T Tunstall headlining. Don’t forget the main gate closes earlier tonight, at 10pm.