BBC ALBA is launching a search for up-and-coming Highlands and Islands musical talents to open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on the main stage. Celebrating 20 years of Belladrum – and its longstanding support of Scottish artists – the TV channel’s search is open to solo artists and bands from the Highlands and Islands. To qualify for the contest, which spans all musical genres, at least 50 per cent of a band’s members have to have a Highland home address.
The talent search will showcase the top newcomer with a prime slot in the Hot House Arena on Thursday, July 25, kicking off the weekend of live music and arts. The winner will also have the opportunity to play an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio which will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the broadcaster’s festival coverage. Musicians can apply by submitting a bio and link to their music to tartanheart@bbc.
co.uk, with entries judged by a panel of experts, including representatives from Belladrum, the BBC and Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Julie Fowlis. The shortlist will then go to a public vote on the Belladrum website.
Julie Fowlis said: “The Belladrum Tartan Heart festival has become one of Scotland’s most popular and iconic music festivals, set in the most beautiful Highland surroundings. “It’s the kind of festival that every musician wants to play. “I’m honoured to be part of the judging team for this year's talent search, which affords an amazing opportu.