St Andrew’s Day preparations are well underway at Bannockburn House, near Stirling.
The community-owned historic 17th mansion is preparing to host a virtual fundraising gig on Monday 30 November featuring some of Scotland’s best-known bands, including Wet, Wet, Wet, Bay City Rollers and Hue & Cry.
Organised by Ceangail, the Frontline Festival aims to inject some life back into the creative industry by supporting Scottish artists, whilst raising funds for Scotland’s frontline charities.
As well as big household names, there’ll be over 30 performances by up and coming Scottish musicians such as Ocean of You and Primes, all in aid of:
- Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance
- Scottish Police Benevolent Fund
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust
- Scottish Ambulance Endowment Charity
Radio 1 chart show DJs Fat and Kathryn will present the festival, broadcasting live from Bannockburn to the world. They’ll be introducing the bands and interviewing some of the artists, with the impressive backdrop of Bannockburn House’s Grand Entrance Hall. The delivery crew is being kept to a minimum, to adhere to government guidelines, but there’s no limit to the number who can join in virtually.
Penny Ellis, Bannockburn House Trust Chair, shared her enthusiasm for the event:
“Over the past few years, we’ve promoted and hosted many wonderful events and activities at the House. These have varied from community events and Open Doors activities to providing film locations for Netflix and Channel 5. However, the Frontline Scotland Festival is our first ever music festival! We’re delighted to be working with Ceangail to provide a stunning virtual venue for this wonderful festival. The band line-up is phenomenal and we’ll all be tuning in on St Andrew’s Day along with tens of thousands of other music fans.”
Frontline Festival Organiser Matt McGrandles of Ceangail said: “The gig is free to view, but our hope is that fans will make a donation before or during the gig to the Frontline Festival Scotland charities and give these worthy causes a real boost. Many of the bands have posted video messages on the Frontline Festivals Facebook page, encouraging music fans to support the event. Donations are received via the Just Giving page and text donations.”