Glusstonberry: stomping, ‘slamping’ and sunshine
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Who’d have believed that Shetland’s first ever outdoor music festival would be basking in glorious sunshine? Indeed, the many sun-scorched faces that made their way up the lengthy slope on Sunday night on their way home were a testament to just how hot it was.
Glusstonberry, in Gluss, Ollaberry, was a fundraising extravaganza laid on by Northmavine Community Development Company (NCDC). With 28 bands over two days on two stages, it promised to be a musical feast as well as having a great area for entertaining the kids making it a great weekend out for all the family and it did not disappoint.
There wasn’t a festival-goer around who wasn’t in awe of the organisational skill and volunteer commitment on display throughout the weekend. From the transport network to the food stalls, the bars and the sheer number of bands it was truly impressive and made it the huge success that it was (with a little help from the sun).
Camping was perhaps the biggest challenge, ‘affectionately’ named ‘slamping’ by a group of residents, as tents were pitched on a fairly steep slope, it did however make for spectacular views over the festival site.
Aestawest kicked off proceedings on the Saturday in their usual flamboyant style and were followed by a constant stream of Shetland’s best musicians taking to the stage as well as a few visiting bands such as the Birsay Boys from Orkney.
The Dirty Lemons and the First Foot Soldiers definitely kept the neighbours awake late into Saturday night and were obviously appreciated by the rapturous crowd, a ground-stomping finale for the first night.
Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag played out the festival on Sunday, an upbeat selection of both old and new songs though it got almost too hot to even tap a toe let alone take to the dance floor.
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You can be sure that all those who were there would love to see it again next year, though let’s face it, if the gutter prediction had come true, would it have been just quite so much fun?
Chloe Mackie
All photos by Austin Taylor Photography: More of his photos at: http://www.austintaylorphotography.com/galleries/eventspeople/2013-07-20_21-glusstonberry/index.html
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.