Levellers headline opening day of this lovely festival in the middle of nowhere
Loopallu 2008 review
Thursday 25th September 2008
Where do I start when it comes to try and describe what an excellent festival this was again? Well, how about the breathtaking journey which took me north to the village of Ullapool once more.
I took the train to Inverness which is a magnificent journey that snakes up along the A9 and then the bus along the A835 which takes you the 60 miles west to the village where Loopallu is held. To any newcomers to the area, you just know when you are out in the middle of nowhere and as far north as you have probably been before when you notice the road signs are primarily in Gaelic, the fields are full of Heilan Coos and the local football pitch is actually a Shinty pitch!
So back to the festival, now in its fourth year and this year the main headliners were Levellers and Echo & The Bunnymen. When I wrote the review for this festival after returning home last year, I was giving this festival a glowing report... so how do I top it this year? Well that's easy, as this year it was probably the best festival out of the 9 I have went to this summer, and when that includes many other excellent events such as Glastonbury, Bestival and Bearded Theory you just know how highly I rate this one.
Again I decided to venture up on the Thursday so after checking into the Broomfield Campsite, it was a quick trip to the local supermarket to stock up on supplies. Anyone who read my review last year will know how well situated this festival is right in the town with all the local pubs getting involved too with the Fringe events. You also have some lovely local shops and fine restaurants for everything you need for the weekend. There was even a farmers market which we went to on the Saturday and purchased some Salmon quiche and Oak Smoked Campbelltown Cheddar.. delicious!
Music wise the line up was great value for money, considering this festival is £50 plus another £15 if you want to camp. With only the one stage, there is no issue with having to decide who to go and see as it is all in the Big Top.
First up to open the stage was a band from Alness called The Side who put on a great show and I would like to give a special mention to Muff the Drummer who was camped with people right next to us.
Then we caught some of the Ullapool Pipe Band who play this festival almost as regularly as The Family Mahone. With them starting by coming right through the arena and as they march towards the tent, the crowd line the path and give them a warm Loopally welcome and they do likewise after their set.
Next up was a band that seems to be playing every festival in Scotland this year, and it was the superb Broken Records who hail from Edinburgh. They give a fantastic set and they remind me of Arcade Fire meets Sigur Ros as they blast out the fans favourites of 'If The News Makes You Sad Don't Watch It' and the soon to be released single, 'Lies'.
One of the highlights for me was King Creosote who comes from my homeland in Fife, and they have the huge crowd eating out of their hands, particularly when they do a cover of 'The Happy Song' by Kenny's brothers band The Aliens. It was probably the best sing along of the weekend!
Levellers brought the tent to a close on the Friday and put in an amazing set as they always do, playing a great selection of their hits from over the years.
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