Midge Ure, Elkie Brooks, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and jazz icon Chris Barber are among the top music acts lined up to play this year’s Byre in the Botanics in St Andrews.
From opera to street dance, jazz to pop music, this year’s Byre in the Botanics offers a season of spectacular outdoor performances and big screen films programmed by the Byre Theatre.
Set in St Andrews Botanic Gardens, with a fully-seated and covered performance area and licensed bar, the 2017 programme is packed full of events including concerts from Midge Ure and India Electric Co, Elkie Brooks, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, Gallagher & Lyle and jazz legend Chris Barber.
There’s also a stunning new production of Puccini’s La Bohème, the Scottish debut of jaw-dropping Dutch street dance crew The Ruggeds, and the chance to show off your best Strip the Willow at a series of ceilidhs.
This year’s festival follows on from its phenomenally successful debut year, and runs every Thursday to Saturday from June 29 to July 29.
Liam Sinclair, the Byre’s artistic director, says this year’s festival promises some “hidden gems”, as well as big names.
“It’s amazing to have the likes of Midge Ure and the Elkie Brooks concert has already sold out,” he says.
“But there are also some hidden gems, such as The Ruggeds, a street dance crew who’ve appeared in Justin Bieber and Rita Ora videos.
“The idea of the venture is to create a summer season that has something for everybody – family audiences, non-family audiences – and to tap into both resident audiences and tourist audiences.”
Last year’s festival drew just under 5,000 people, says Liam, and he hopes this year will attract even higher numbers.
If it rains, visitors will be well protected, as the venue is under cover.
“The Scottish weather can be very varied so one of the things we’ve tried to build on is how weather-proofed we’ve made the site,” says Liam.
“The marquee is very translucent so you still get a sense of being outdoors, even though you’re under cover. If it rains, you’ll be comfortable.”
Midge Ure performs on July 22 while “Queen of British Blues” Elkie Brooks is on July 15.
Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham’s show is on June 29, Chris Barber performs with his big band on July 27 and there’s a rare live set from songwriting legends Gallagher & Lyle on July 29.
Making a welcome return are last year’s runaway favourites, the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys who will bring their authentic Louisiana party sounds to St Andrews on July 20, with other live music highlights including the toe-tapping Glenn Miller Orchestra UK led by Ray McVay on July 8 and dynamic Celtic beats from Mànran on July 7.
This year’s event will host the only Scottish performances of OperaUpClose’s Olivier Award-winning production of the classic romantic opera La Boheme on July 13 and 14, with a fresh new English language translation.
Those wanting to show off their moves can practice their best Virginia Reels and Strip The Willows at two Grand St Andrews Ceilidhs on July 6 and 28, with a live band led by top broadcaster and musician Billy Anderson.
The Byre In The Botanics big screen will show a host of favourite family movies including Frozen, The Secret Life of Pets and Up, with fun activities before films ranging from Gruffalo Trails around the gardens to plant potting workshops.
Fife street food company Screaming Peacock will fire up the on-site BBQ to serve local wild venison burgers whilst the bar will be stocked with locally brewed ales alongside wines, fizz and cocktails.
Byre In The Botanics runs every Thursday to Saturday from Thursday June 29 to Saturday July 29.
For more info, see www.bitb17.com
