Stramash in Stornoway

A large crowd is expected at the Peat and Diesel gig at the Stramash music festival in Stornoway this weekend.

The high energy musicians are one of many bands on the bill at the local event which kicks off this (Fri) evening and runs all day Saturday.

The annual event is pitching up on the old football pitch in Willowglen this year as their usual site on the castle green is water-logged due to drainage problems.

Organisers got a bigger tent just in time for the increased audience expected from the Peatleamania phenomenon thanks to a five-year sponsorship deal from community wind farm Point and Sandwick Trust.

The trust is giving £7,000 to Stramash- £2,000 towards an extension to their marquee and another £1,000 every year for five years towards running costs.

The main aim of Stramash is to provide a platform for local musicians and artists to showcase their own material.

Entry is free. Voluntary donations are welcomed and will support Macaulay College.

Paul Matheson, chairman of the Stramash Stornoway Community Group, said the Stornoway Trust “pulled out all the stops” and were absolutely amazing” to help after the extent of drainage issues on the castle green became clear two weeks ago.

Paul Matheson, chairman of the Stramash Stornoway Community Group, said police, fire, council, and licensing department were all supportive in getting permissions and licences for the new venue.

Paul said: “So it’s gone from the initial disaster of being told we couldn’t use the castle green to turning into something that looks really good. Willowglen could be our new permanent base if it all goes well.”

Donald John MacSween of Point and Sandwick Trust, said: “Stramash is now an important part of the summer event scene in the islands and we’re delighted to be supporting them.

“We’re sure they will go from strength to strength and it’s important to remember they have raised a lot of money for good causes over the years. Long may they rock on!”

Musically, the event has broadened out and lightened up.

This year’s line-up is the strongest ever.

Distinct events at the festival on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening have a specific themes.

Tonight Friday night is the local showcase night and is headlined by Astrid with support from Neosa.

Saturday afternoon is family focused and includes a performance from Peat and Diesel.

Saturday night remains Stramash Rocks, headlined by Twister - described as “instantly likeable with a feelgood factor” - including support from Anchor Lane, who played Download last year.

Doors open at 7pm this (Fri) evening. The tent opens on Saturday afternoon at 1pm and can only hold a few hundred people. Once maximum numbers are reached, a ‘one in, one out’ system is in operation.

Friday 9th August - 7pm

Features Astrid, Neosa and Band, Rosie Sullivan

Saturday 10th August - 1pm - 5pm

Features Peat and Diesel, Dun Ringles, Heisker, Nicolson Band Project, Niamh Smith

Saturday 10th August - 7pm

Featuring Twister, Anchor Lane, Rafiki’s Well

Licensed bar, soft drinks, hot drinks, baking, hot meals, burger van, toilets (including baby changing and disabled facilities) all available. On Saturday afternoon there will also be a limited supply of free goodie bags for children attending the festival.

Peat and Diesel headline Stramash in Stornoway

9 August 2019

Peat and Diesel

This year’s tent has a larger capacity