Celtic Connections announces Big Top on Skye

Celtic Connections has announced it will be heading to the Isle of Sky to host the Big Top music event on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th March, at Broadford, Skye as the finale to the Year of Scotland's Islands.

The line-up will showcase the sounds of Nashville, Tennessee, with Grammy Award winner Rosanne Cash the daughter of Johnny Cash, and folk-country-Americana duo The Civil Wars.

Also confirmed are The Michael McGoldrick Band, Aoife O'Donovan, Daimh, The Deadly Gentlemen, Manran, and more including special guests to be announced.

Up to 4,000 residents and visitors are expected to attend the event which will feature a two-day line-up of traditional music, arts experiences and workshops on a local and international scale, showcasing local talent alongside international artists.

There will also be the chance to get a snapshot of Island life with local stalls celebrating the produce and textiles of the island.

Donald Shaw, the Celtic Connections Artistic Director, said, "We're thrilled to bring a taste of Celtic Connections to the people of Skye. The Big Top is set to highlight the rich tapestry of musical traditions from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Ireland, along with the very best of Americana for concerts typical of the festival experience."

Murdo Mackay, a project leader for the Year of Scotland's Islands and Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar added, "We're really looking forward to seeing new audiences as well as loyal folk and world music fans journey to Skye in Spring 2012. The Big Top is the perfect finale to The Year of Scotland's Islands, which has had over 500 fantastic events take place across 42 islands since its launch last April.

"The Year of Scotland's Islands has showcased and celebrated the music, arts, food and history of the islands as well as highlighting their unique beauty as visitor destinations too. The Big Top captures this spirit perfectly."

A weekend ticket is priced at £40 or day tickets are available at £25. To buy tickets, click here.

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