Fatboy Slim in the Highlands? This is Belladrum!

Sally-Ann is the musical one in our household, although I’m quite happy listening too, and Belladrum’s programme usually has a few names I recognise. I haven’t attended the festival myself, so I can’t tell you what it’s like to be in the crowd. My experience has been on the roads outside, where I’ve had plenty of opportunity to appreciate just how many people want to get in. Held on an estate near Beauly, west of Inverness, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival brings three days of music and arts to a part of the Highlands that visitors might otherwise know for its scenery.

The Proclaimers, Texas and Supergrass have appeared in previous years, while James, Fatboy Slim and Amy Macdonald headline the next edition, from 29 to 31 July 2027. There’s a fair spread of musical tastes in those three names alone, and I can see the attraction of coming for somebody you know, then spending the rest of the weekend finding people you’ve never heard of. The main stage is at Hot House, but the Garden Stage sits within the estate’s Italian Gardens, where you can watch from the grassy banks. You could make a fairly enjoyable afternoon of that before the evening’s headliner has even appeared.

If folk or acoustic music is more your thing, there’s Grassroots, while Seedlings gives emerging performers a chance to find an audience. That choice seems particularly useful if you’re coming with people whose tastes don’t entirely match your own, especially as there’s comedy, cabaret and children’s entertainment to fill the gaps between the music. There are food stalls too, and family and quieter camping areas for those who want a little more say in how their weekend ends once they leave the stages.

I’d arrange tickets, somewhere to sleep and transport well ahead, then check the festival’s travel guidance before setting off. If you’re touring the area and have no intention of attending, I’d still check the dates and try to keep clear of the busiest arrival and departure periods. Having spent time in that traffic, I can recommend a little planning. For those going through the gates, though, Belladrum offers a good reason to put a few days of music into a Highland holiday, with enough happening around the headline acts to make the journey worthwhile.

To learn more, book one of our North Coast Explorer private tours.