Plans for first Covid-compliant festival unveiled

As Scotland marks the anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown, plans have been unveiled for the first Covid-compliant festival.

A stunning Highland glen will be the backdrop to a series of eight weekend music and glamping events from the end of May.

A host of popular Scottish bands including Horo and Colonel Mustard & the Dijon 5 are lined up to perform at ‘Capers In Cannich’.

Festival goers will have pre-pitched, furnished bell tents. The nine-acre site will offer showers and toilet facilities.

For health and safety reasons, there will be a 200-capacity limit for each of the Capers in Cannich events, which are scheduled to run from Friday, May 28.

The organisers have promised plenty of space for two-metre social distancing.

Its director Karl Falconer said: “We can’t wait to get the event off the ground.

“It’s an exclusive glamping festival within social bubbles where people can sit back and enjoy their social space and enjoy some really good live musicians.

“Our primary concern is the safety of our guests, our staff and the artists that will be performing. We have a very good team in place that helped with risk assessments.

“We’re confident that people can enjoy a programme of unique, social, live entertainment with no need to leave their social bubble. You can order online via our app, and we’ll deliver your food and drink to your tent, to your garden area or to the front of the stage whilst you’re enjoying the music.”

Each bubble will receive a welcome pack complete with face masks, hand sanitiser, free bottled water and a guide to keeping safe at the event.

Inverness outfit Ho-ro will perform along with Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, energy-fuelled traditional band Heron Valley and Moray singer-songwriter Calum Jones.

Sean Cousins of Ho-ro said: “It’s been an extremely tough time for musicians over the last year, so seeing a new event spring up that offers the opportunity for acts to perform in front of a live audience in a safe environment is a hugely positive and exciting moment.

“They say good things come to those who wait – and we can’t wait to put on an unforgettable live show for everyone who has been missing festivals as much as we have.”

Further dates for events at Invercannich Farm, situated near Glen Affric, are still to be confirmed.