Graham Galloway, recalling the first discussion of a Scott statue. “In 2008 Bon’s Australian home
town, Fremantle, unveiled a bronze statue of him. At that point we started thinking it might be good to have one where Bon started his life. “Te unveiling of our statue will
take place on Saturday 30th April, and will be carried out by some very special guests: Mark Evans, bass player on four of the Bon era albums; Tony Currentti, drummer on AC/DC’s first album; and Mary Renshaw, Bon’s seamstress and ‘soul mate’.”
THE VERY FIRST Bonfest came about in a similar fashion, staged in 2006 as an afternoon of music to celebrate the unveiling of Scott’s memorial plaque. Owing to the worldwide admiration Scott earned during his music career and ever since, the festival now attracts inter- national visitors for a full three-day programme. While maintaining the aspiration
of creating an intimate experi- ence enjoyed by returning friends and one that warmly embraces first-time visitors and fellow Bon Scott aficionados, EventScotland
support has allowed organisers to double the capacity of the festival’s headline event in this special year. Trough the erection of a big top festival site, Kirriemuir will come alive with music and celebration as up to 4,000 enthusiasts celebrate the life and music of their hero. Quite a departure from the normal tranquillity of the ‘wee red toon’ but, nonetheless, fully supported by residents and businesses. While the unveiling of the statue
is likely to take centre stage, an epic weekend lies in store, with a huge street party planned and the best AC/DC tribute acts from all over Europe set to play live. Already bands from Spain, Switzerland and Germany are scheduled to take to the stage for what is certainly one of Scotland’s more unusual music festival experiences. “Over the course of the weekend
we are looking at a total attendance of 3,700 and are expecting fans from all over the world to travel to the festival,” added Galloway. “So far we’ve confirmed travellers from the USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, Norway, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. “Te funding we got from
“IT CAME ABOUT THROUGH AN ORGANIC PROCESS WHERE WE LISTENED TO THE FANS ATTENDING BONFEST OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS ASKING WHY WE DIDN’T HAVE A STATUE OF BON”
Organiser Graham Galloway
EventScotland has been absolutely essential in allowing the festival to grow. We knew we would be guaranteed a huge turnout for the unveiling of the statue this year, but to increase the size of the festival, including the street party for the statue and the new big top festival site, we needed an extra boost to cover the increased costs. “Te funding has given us a solid
base for our continued growth over the next few years. Ticket sales have been great, with Saturday and weekend tickets sold out, and Friday and Sunday tickets on course for our projected figures. All in all it’s shaping up to be an amazing weekend.”
Scott Peddie, Events PR & Media Manager, EventScotland
What: Bonfest Where: Kirriemuir, Angus When: Saturday, April 30
EVENTSBASE | MARCH 2016 | 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48