Bjork and Franz Ferdinand have both graced the stage at Hydro Connect
sound strategy
As the economy heads south, Anna Millar asks what the future holds for Scotland’s music festivals Words: Anna Millar
he law of averages suggests that
what goes up must come down. And
so it seems that. while the Scottish tnusic scene is generally enjoying rude health. some of its more innovative offshoots are heading for troubled times.
This month brought news that boutique music festival Hydro Connect will not return this year. with organisers citing the ‘high infrastructure and servicing costs incurred' by staging the festival in Argyll as one of the key reasons. The festival had previously enjoyed two successful years. with the likes of Bjork and Fram. Ferdinand taking to the main stage. and the festival‘s engagement with local producers and the beautiful surroundings creating a refreshing altemative to the usual festival shindig.
Festival promoter Geoff Ellis. who is also responsible for T in the Park. has said of the decision: ‘We've been taking a look at things. including bringing the costs down. which is not really possible to do while maintaining the quality.
‘ln a rural location. it costs a lot more to do the event because it’s smaller than something like T in the Park. Although it doesn‘t cost as much as T. the equipment costs are higher on a like-for-like comparison.‘
Ellis will use the coming year to reshape the event to accommodate the current climate. with hopes high that the festival
will return in 20“).
The (‘onnect announcement follows the news that Live: At Loch Lotnond won’t be going ahead in 2009 either. and that Tennent‘s Lager have dropped the internet- based Tennent‘s Mutual.
But all is far frotn lost. lillis‘s view that it is better to play it safe than risk losing the festival entirely is being mirrored internationally. with Langerado Music Festival in Miami also falling victim to the credit crunch this year and taking the time to reconfigure their remit.
‘The economy just really took us for a hit.‘ Langerado co-promoter lithan Schwartz has said. ‘The entertainment dollar is stretched thin for people right now.‘
We at The List look forward to seeing the festival back in 2010.
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Celtic Connections have reported ‘an extremely successful’ year, with ticket sales reportedly on a par with 2008. Festival heads also announced that they had secured sponsorship for another year.
THE GREEK FILM FESTIVAL returns to the Edinburgh Filmhouse this fortnight showcasing, among others, the genius of Greek- Cypriot filmmaker Michael Cacoyannis. Check out a documentary of his life and Euripides trilogy Eleklra, The Trojan Women and Iphigenia. The festival runs from Fri 20 Feb-Sun 1 Mar. See www.filmhousecin ema.com for more details.
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Coconut Grove has launched an art space in a bid to support emerging artists. The project will boast a 0% commission policy. Interested artists should email Sarah at mailOwakefordstu dios.com
COMEDY FESTIVAL UPDATE
I Magner’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced a second night for Gavin and Stacey’s Rob Brydon, rescheduled from Sat 14 to Wed 25 Mar. Ed Byrne has also added a second night of his show Different Class due to popular demand. Meanwhile, Jim Jeffries’ fans will have to wait until October to see the funnyman, due to clashing commitments in the States, including an hour-long stand up special for HBO.
SCOTLAND'S NEXT TOP MODEL? It’s all oin a bit Gok ant is fortnight as Company magazine scours a Glasgow River Island store for young women to appear in their May issue. The Company Casting Call, for women of all shapes and sizes, will be held at the shop’s Ar le Street branch on u 26 Feb.
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19 Feb—5 Mar 2009 THE LIST 7