CONNECT FESTIVAL managed to stand out from the crowd for its first ever appearance and prove it was no ordinary music festival.
By mixing up the best in live music; from grassroot headliners, to up-and-comers, with everything from comedy and spoken word at the Speakeasy, culinary sensation, immaculate vibes in the ‘X Lounge’, to therapeutic treatments from leading experts in the field of Yoga, sound therapy and breathwork it proved to be a unique experience that theshowbizlion.com looks forward to attending next year.
The Connect Event Team were ecstatic at the response, with Event Manager, Katt Lingard saying: “After many months of planning, we’re so glad to have finally relaunched Connect Festival and what an incredible comeback weekend we’ve had. With a fantastic line-up of over 80 artists across six stages and thousands of incredible fans every day - it’s been special”.
“We’ve created something truly unique at the Royal Highland Centre site. Connect is about music, discovery, experiences and memories - showcasing an eclectic line up of comedy, spoken word, wellness and grassroots talent in a dazzling collection of intimate settings. It was just as special for the artists as it was for the fans, with some of the most positive feedback we've ever heard from across the line up.
“We’re so grateful to fans for their passion and commitment to live music, allowing us to bring Connect Festival back in 2023. We’re already thinking of ways to make it even better and I’d like to thank the artists, the fans and everyone who has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to make this festival happen. I can’t wait for next year already.”
Here’s the top ten moments from this year:
THE SMALL, MAGICAL ONES
“I love these ones, the small, magical ones when we’re in each other’s laps”, Jessie Buckley proclaimed at the Tiny Changes X Gardeners Cottage, an intimate crowd, Jessie beamed with the kind of joy only a Scottish audience can induce as she broke into a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Just Like A Woman’, accompanied by Bernard Butler of Suede fame, the stars truly aligned as this duo created soul bearing folk magic.
TAKE A DIP
For those early morning Connect campers brave enough, cold water therapy got their day started off right, albeit chilly. Immersing themselves neck deep in a 6ft long steel ice bath, revellers reconnected with themselves.
With afternoon showers pouring, TAAHLIAH made her way to the Unknown Pleasures tent. A leading figure in Glasgow and Berlin’s underground LGBT+ dance scenes’, she harnessed raw, electronica and sickly sweet hyper-pop beats to dazzle the crowd; who took no notice of the drizzle as they partied into the afternoon.
IT WON’T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME
Walking out to thunderous bass and roaring cheers, The Twilight Sad, lead singer James Graham’s signature twangy Glaswegian vocals permeated into the very heart of The Grand Parade crowd on Friday night. Accompanied by Frightened Rabbit drummer Grant Hutchinson, they dedicated their cover of ‘Keep Yourself Warm’ to anyone struggling with mental health.
TAKE A SEAT AT THE CHEF’S TABLE
Chef Barry Bryson invited Connect fans to a special pop-up dining experience, as he masterfully took restaurant concepts and fine dining triumph to an event level - pairing classic Scottish flavours with contemporary flare - for those who enjoy the finer things, it was not to be missed as he served up apple smoked sea trout, fish cakes and locally produced strawberries and milk chocolate.
“OH GOOD LORD”
The modest Speakeasy tent was spilling out on Sunday afternoon as comedian Troy Hawke made his debut. Strutting on stage, he was adorned in a purple silk smoking jacket, saying “Something you’ll notice about me is that I have the ability to blend in seamlessly to my environment”, admiring his attire he grins - the crowd hanging onto every word of his uniquely bonkers routine.
PRIORITISE PLEASURE
“You have been f*****g lovely Connect”, screamed pop sensation Self Esteem. Recently shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize for her acclaimed album ‘Prioritise Pleasure’, she cut across the main stage with razor sharp precision, infusing edgy choreography with powerhouse vocals and tongue in cheek lyrics - there may just be a new Pop Queen on the horizon.
FIND YOUR INNER ZEN
When not singing along to your favourite band, or discovering an up-and-comer sure to make their way to your playlist, Connect fans were transported into a journey of calm and personal wellness as leading expert Cat Boyle, brought her expertise, offering vinyasa yoga at the Rest & Be Thankful tent.
CRAWLER
Celebrated post-punk legends, IDLES served a searing, white hot energy on Connect’s opening night. In colossal fashion, the band brought their brutal post-hardcore sound and, shaking with energy, lead singer Joe Talbot commanded The Grand Parade as revellers descended into a glorious chaos of sound.
A TINY CHANGE, ONE BIG MOMENT
Mid-day struck and the cryptic announcement was out, ‘Secret Set Added - 7:45pm at the Tiny Changes x Gardener’s Cottage’. Rumours swirled as alt.rock heroes, The National took to the intimate stage for a performance of cult classic’ About Today’ and ‘This Isn’t Helping’. With roaring applause, The National’s Aaron Dressner said “It’s a pleasure to support Tiny Changes… this charity is amazing and any awareness we can raise for mental health, we want to do that because we all struggle with it.” What a way to see out Connect 2022.
LET’S RECONNECT SUMMER 2023
Connect Festival will return in 2023 from 25th-27th August. Pre-sale is available to past buyers and those on the Connect mailing list from 9am Wednesday 31st August and general sale will commence 9am Friday 2nd September. Tickets available to purchase via WWW.CONNECTFEST.COM
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