About Big Top

Celtic Connections Heads Skye-Wards

Celtic Connections – Glasgow's internationally renowned folk, roots and world music festival – will stage a first-of-its-kind, two-day music festival on the Isle of Skye as a finale to the Year of Scotland’s Islands. Taking place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th March 2012 at the Broadford Airfield, the Big Top will feature a line-up of traditional music, show-stopping arts experiences and action-packed workshops on a local and international scale, showcasing local talent alongside top international artists.

Celtic Connections Big Top will showcase the sounds of Nashville, Tennessee, with Grammy Award winner Rosanne Cash, and The Civil Wars. Rosanne, daughter of Johnny Cash, will deliver a selection of her biggest hits, including some of her 11 number one singles from her 30-year career. The Civil Wars – a folk-country-Americana duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White – will be performing songs from their Grammy nominated debut album Barton Hollow which debuted at number one in the Billboard Digital Albums chart.

The self-titled Michael McGoldrick Band will also take to the stage with their show stopping big-band line-up showcasing their uniquely compelling, cutting edge Celtic sounds.

Aoife O’Donovan of Crooked Still fame will perform her own special brand of bluegrass and Americana folk. 

Highland favourites Dàimh with special guest Karen Matheson will also be performing alongside The Deadly Gentlemen, five of contemporary Americana’s greatest talents.

Mànran, who recently won the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award for Album of the Year, are set to bring a taste of traditional, Gaelic and folk rock to the Big Top line-up.

Skye favourites Niteworks will bring their new wave of Celtic dancefloor sounds to the Big Top. The electronic Celtic fusion band have a range of influences from Shooglenifty to Apparat and Kollectiv.

It’s not just about the performances on the stage at the Big Top; together with Fèis Rois we’ve put together some free workshops where you can improve your skills and have fun.

Plus many more, see all the artists so far…

Celtic Connections Big Top is organised in association with Beyond.

The Artists

Rosanne Cash (Sat 24th)

The last couple of years have been a period of intensely fruitful retrospection for Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash. The 2010 publication of her bestselling memoir, Composed, was preceded by the first-ever covers album of her 30-year career, The List. Encompassing all strands and eras of southern US roots music, these songs have always implicitly informed her finely-poised course between country, rock, traditional and pop sounds, while The List's eloquent interpretations saw it named Album of the Year at the 2010 Americana Music Awards. Tonight she will be accompanied by husband and Grammy Award winning musician, producer, songwriter, and recording engineer John Leventhal (guitar/vocals).

rosannecash.com

The Civil Wars (Sat 24th)

The Civil Wars are the acclaimed folk-country-Americana duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White. They will be performing songs from their Grammy nominated debut album Barton Hollow which debuted at number one in the Billboard Digital Albums chart. In Barton Hollow the raw live arrangements that fans hear on the road are fleshed out with just the barest of acoustic accoutrements. Their performance tonight will comprise exclusively of the duo without any back-up band. The stripped down and organic element to their performance is to convey more emotion and tell the story more effectively.

On the other hand, there's been something distinctly loud about the duo's introduction to the world, even prior to Barton Hollow's release. Their signature song "Poison & Wine" was heard on Grey's Anatomy in its entirety over a key climactic montage, prompting hundreds of thousands of viewers to Google the mystery music. At last count, the official video for "Poison & Wine" had been viewed 400,000 times.

thecivilwars.com

Raul Malo (Fri 23rd)

Raul Malo enjoyed grammy-winning, platinum-selling success as frontman of The Mavericks and has now successfully emerged as a hugely compelling solo artist. Raul is famous for his gloriously operatic, Orbison-esque voice but is also becoming increasingly well known for his gifted song-writing. His 2010 album Sinners & Saints was a deeply soulful distillation of his Latin heritage with a wide-ranging love of country, blues, jazz and vintage rock ‘n’ roll. He is playing at Celtic Connections Big Top ahead of the Mavericks’ recently-announced reunion tour which is kicking off at California’s Stagecoach festival in April.

raulmalo.com

Michael McGoldrick band (Fri 23rd)

Fusing his astonishing natural ability for traditional music along with irresistable trance and jazz grooves has led Mancunian flute/whistle player Michael McGoldrick to be heralded as one of the greatest flautists of all time. Prepare to be blown away by his mighty big-band line-up performing from the uniquely compelling, cutting edge Celtic sounds of his acclaimed solo albums Fused (2000), Wired (2005) and Aurora (2010). Along with his own Uillean pipes, flute and whistles will be Dezi Donnelly (fiddle), Jon Joe Kelly (bodhran), Ed Boyd (guitar), Neil Yates (trumpet) and full band with special guests for his appearance on Skye. He was named BBC Radio 2 folk musician of the year in 2006 and regularly tours with Capercaillie and the Mark Knopfler band.

Dàimh with special guest Karen Matheson (Sat 24th)

Formerly something of a well-kept Highland secret, Dàimh are nowadays widely rated among Scotland's top traditional bands, particularly since adding Calum Alex MacMillan's eloquent Gaelic vocals to their original line-up of bagpipes, whistles, fiddle, banjo, mandola, guitar and bodhran. From pyrotechnic jigs and reels to achingly poignant ballads, they run the full expressive gamut of folk music at its best and are justly renowned for their thrilling live shows.

daimh.net

Deadly Gentlemen (Fri 23rd)

The alt-bluegrass band for the 21st century. Five of contemporary Americana's boldest young brainiacs. Greg Liszt (Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions band, Crooked Still) on banjo and vocals, Michael Barnett on fiddle, Stash Wyslouch on guitar, Dominic Leslie on mandolin and Sam Grisman on double bass. They will take you on a journey from Old time Americana songs to epic punk blue-grass workouts!

deadlygentlemen.com

Mànran (Fri 23rd)

Winners of this year's MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award for Album of the Year Mànran are fast becoming the must-see highland band of these times. Following last January's phenomenally successful launch of their debut Gaelic single they have notched up triumphant appearances at festivals throughout Europe and released a stunning debut album. Featuring Scottish and Irish bagpipes, fiddle, flute and the stunning gaelic vocals of Norrie MacIver they've been hailed by the Herald for their "top-drawer technical prowess and wealth of distinctive flourishes", while the Irish World called them "one of Scotland's most fascinating new musical forces".

manran.co.uk

Aoife O’Donovan (FRI 23RD)

Aoife O'Donovan is one of the great rising vocal stars of the new americana scene. Her last project was guesting with probably the world's greatest individual performers of their chosen instruments; Yo-Yo Ma on cello, Edgar Meyer on bass, Chris Thile on mandolin and Stuart Duncan on fiddle, which gives an idea of the respect she is shown by her peers! She is no stranger to Celtic Connections' audiences - last year's show in Glasgow by her alt-bluegrass/string band Crooked Still band was one of the highlights.

Her natural talent for songwriting recently came to the attention of Alison Krauss, who recorded Aoife's song Lay My Burden Down, which is included on Alison's album Paper Airplane (2011 Rounder Records) and can also be heard in the film Get Low (2010 Sony Pictures). Aoife's crystalline voice has also been heard on True Blood (HBO) and Private Practice (ABC). In June 2010, Aoife released her first solo recording in the form of a limited edition 7" vinyl. Featuring two original tracks, it garnered rave reviews from audiophiles worldwide.

aoifeodonovan.com

Fèis Rois (Sat 24th)

Fèis Rois will be performing on Saturday 24th March at the Big Top. Fèis Rois celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011. It has taught thousands of budding singers and instrumentalists at its weekly classes and residential courses around the Highlands. Many Celtic Connections performers have also been taught by the Fèis so this will be a great chance to spot their successors on this prodigiously talented bill.

feisrois.org

Niteworks (Sat 24th)

Niteworks have an array of influences from Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries to Apparat and Kollektiv. They reflect their Skye heritage in live Gaelic vocals, pipes and whistles, while drawing on the dynamic electronic music scene of their adopted Glasgow. Niteworks are spearheading today's new wave of Celtic dancefloor sounds.

niteworksband.com

Workshops

It’s not just about the performances on the stage at the Big Top; together with Fèis Rois we’ve put together some free workshops where you can improve your skills and have fun.

Workshops available are as follows:

10am - 11.30am	Fiddle
12noon - 1.30pm	Pipes
2pm - 3.30pm	Gaelic Song
4pm - 5.30pm	Group Music Making (a mixed instrument workshop for intermediate and players)

Please note that for the fiddle, pipes and group music making, attenders should be of an intermediate plus level.  However, the Gaelic Song will be open for all.

They will take place at:

Broadford Hotel
Torrin Road
Broadford
Isle of Skye, IV49 9AB
www.broadfordhotel.co.uk

All workshops are free but are limited in capacity so places must be booked in advance. 
Please telephone 01349 862600 or email fios@feisrois.org

Remember that Fèis Rois will be performing at the Big Top on Saturday 24th March at 6.30pm.

About Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland, and for good reason: people come for the wildlife, history, geology, mind-blowing scenery, hill-walking and a variety of other outdoor activities.

Portree, the island capital, has a picturesque, pastel cottage-lined harbour, overlooked by 'The Lump'. To the north is the Trotternish peninsula, home to startling geological features such as the Quirang, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. However, it is the Cuillin that is the most outstanding feature on Skye, the peaks visible from all over the island, one of the most impressive sights in Scotland. With 20 Munros in the Red and Black Cuillin, they are a paradise for walkers and climbers.

The influence of the sea is also never far away with sea fishing and a wide range of other watersports being catered for on Skye. Wildlife cruises sail from various locations from which you might be able to spot seals, lovable otters, great golden eagles or the even bigger sea eagles.

Bonnie Prince Charlie fled over the sea to Skye with the help of Flora MacDonald. You can take the bridge now, as well as the ferry, but the romance embodied by the flight of 'The Young Pretender' still lingers. There's just something about Skye that will stay with you forever.

Sleat in the south of the Isle of Skye is the peninsula closest to Ashaig and is proud to have a fantastic choice of places to eat, drink and stay. For more information on activities, accommodation & things to do in the Sleat peninsula log on to www.visitsleat.org

Travel Info

Traveling to Skye

Skye is joined to the mainland by the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh and it also has two mainland ferry connections from Mallaig and Glenelg, the latter summer only.

By train:
Trains run from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh where you can either walk or get the bus across the Skye Bridge to Kyleakin.

Trains also run from Fort William to Mallaig where you can take the ferry over to Armadale. This is recognised as being the most scenic railway line in the country.

A daily service is operated by First Scotrail - timetables and booking are available online.

By Bus:
Citylink operate long distance buses going from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Fort William to Skye on a daily basis. To find out about times and online booking visit www.citylink.co.uk

By vehicle ferry from Mallaig to Armadale:
The summer ferry runs 6 or 7 times a day (including some Sundays at the height of the season) between Mallaig and Armadale on the Isle of Skye. The winter service is limited to 2 journeys a day (Monday to Friday only). Journey time: 25 minutes. Vehicle reservation required. Bikes are carried free of charge.

The Caledonian Macbrayne website lists the current timetables and prices in detail. Tel: 01475 650 100 / fax: 01475 635 235 or for vehicle reservations telephone 08705 650000.

Traveling Around Skye

Buses on Skye:
Various local bus services operate on the island.

• The main roads are covered by the Citylink services between Kyleakin, Broadford, Portree and Uig.
• Stagecoach Buses operate many other local routes including Armadale-Kyleakin, Portree-Dunvegan, etc.
• Also visit travelinescotland.com which is the official public transport guide with online timetables and a journey planner.

Car Hire:

• M2 Motors - car sales and car hire with a wide range of vehicles (large and small, manual and automatic) including minibus and vans. Based in Portree. Drop off / pick up elsewhere can be arranged. Tel: 01478 613344.
• Jans has cars and vans to hire from 6 Broom Place on the Portree Industrial Estate. Tel: 01478 612087.
• Car hire on Skye is available from Portree Coachworks. Tel: 01478 612688.
• Self drive vehicles are also available from the Kyle Taxi Company. Range of vehicles from cars and vans to motorhomes available for hire from Kyle of Lochalsh. Can arrange delivery to Portree, Uig, Armadale, Plockton or even Inverness. Telephone: 01599 534323.

Bike Hire:

• Fairwinds in Broadford on Elgol Road (4th house after the Broadford Hotel) - phone: 01471 822 270. They also offer B&B accommodation.
• Island Cycles, The Green, Portree (near the long stay car park) - telephone: 01478 613 121. Mountain bikes, touring and sport cycles available. Also repairs and spares.
• Kyle Taxi Company also has mountain bikes for hire. Telephone: 01599 534323.

Big Top Bus

Due to popular demand we have organised bus travel to and from the event to key destinations in the local area on both evenings.

You can buy a return journey for £5 on one of two routes:

• Bus 1 – departing from Portree at 5.15pm, with a stop at Broadford at 5.45pm, arriving at Broadford airfield by 6pm. Returning at the end of the event at 11.30pm going to Portree via Broadford.

• Bus 2 – departing from Kyle of Lochalsh at 5.30pm, with a stop at Kyleakin at approximately 5.35pm, and arriving at Broadford airfield by 6pm. Returning at the end of the event at 11.30pm going to Kyle of Lochalsh via Kyleakin.

Buses will leave promptly and will not wait for latecomers.

The following pick up points will be in operation en route to the event:

Book Bus 1: Portree (Main Square) – Broadford (Hospital road end) – Big Top
Book Bus 2: Kyle of Lochalsh (Old Ferry Pier) – Kyleakin (King Haakon Bar) – Big Top

On return, it will be possible to stop at other recognised bus stops – please request this from your driver.

Please note that there will no concession tickets available and the Transport Scotland concessionary travel scheme will not be in operation for these bespoke services. No replacement tickets will be available so please make sure that you are in possession of your ticket at all times. Demand is likely to be high and a restricted number of services will be available, so please make sure that you book in advance to ensure your place on the bus. Passengers not in possession of a ticket will not be permitted access to the buses.

Where to Stay

Whether you prefer a night under canvas or 5 star luxury, Skye has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Across the island you'll find a wide range of guesthouses, inns, B&Bs, apartments, hotels, traditional croft cottages, chalets, caravans and youth hostels as well as the Ashaig campsite which is situated within walking distance of the festival venue.

Whatever your budget find your ideal place to stay in Scotland using the VisitScotland accommodation directory including an extensive range of hotels, self-catering, B&B and other accommodation types.

For more information on the Isle of Skye as well as Lochalsh and Raasay in the north west of Scotland, visit:

• www.skye.co.uk
• www.isleofskye.net
• www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye
• www.visitsleat.org
• www.visitsleat.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the inforamtion you need below call our information hotline on 0141 353 8072 Monday - Friday between 10am and 6pm.

Where is it?
The Big Top will be located at Ashaig which is the site of Broadford Airfield on the Isle of Skye. For more information on how to get there check our Travel Info.

Who is playing when?
For more information on who is playing on which date check The Artists. You’ll be able to gain access to the site from 6pm each night when the gates open.

Is it family friendly?
We’ve tried to make the event as family friendly as possible. Children under 14 go free with a paying adult – weekend and day tickets are available.

Is it pet friendly?
Guide dogs are welcome, but we’d ask that you don’t bring other animals on site.

Is there a car park and does it cost extra?
There will be a free car park on site adjacent to the Big Top.

Can I leave my car overnight?
You cannot leave your car on site. Please make other arrangements for your vehicle.

Can I pitch my tent on-site?
There is no designated camping area on site but other campsites available on the island, including one at Ashaig. www.ashaig-campsite-skye.co.uk

Can I take my caravan?
There will not be any facilities for you to park your caravan on site, however other campsites exist on the island.

Can I have a barbecue?
No barbecues are permitted on site.

Can I volunteer and how do I do this?
The Celtic Connections festival will provide a full compliment of staff for the event this year and unfortunately there will not be any opportunities to volunteer.

How do I collect my tickets?
Event tickets can be collected in advance from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, from the event on the night or at the following times from the Broadford Hotel:

Thursday 22nd March 10am-6pm
Friday 23rd March 10am-4pm
Saturday 24th March 10am-4pm

Is the event licensed?
Yes, alcohol will be available to purchase for those over the age of 18. You cannot bring your own alcohol to the site and bag searches may be in operation. Challenge 25 will be in operation at the site so you may be asked to produce identification if you appear to be under the age of twenty five to prove that you are over the age of eighteen and can lawfully purchase alcohol. See challenge25.org and drinkaware.co.uk for more information.

Is there catering on site?
Yes, there will be a range of food available for purchase from on site catering outlets.

Is it outside?
The Big Top will be taking place in a heated marquee but please do dress for the weather.

What disabled access is available and what are the wheelchair facilities?
There will be full disabled access and a wheelchair platform will be in place within the marquee.

Is there a curfew?
The music will end at 11.30pm.

Media

The Press Office will be located in the Broadford Hotel

To apply for accreditation for Celtic Connections Big Top please complete our online application form. Once we have processed your application we will get in touch to let you know if you have been accredited within three weeks. Please note that we may request a commissioning letter from your editor or producer, or copies of articles you have written.

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Contact Us

We're always interested to hear your comments about the Big Top. You can also use this form to send us any enquiries you may have.

Or give us a call...

If you would rather talk to someone you can call us on 0141 353 8072 during our normal opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm or throughout the weekend of the event.