Kirriemuir rocked over a weekend that saw Angus once again seal its place in the heart of AC/DC fans from across the globe.
An influx of hundreds for the annual Bonfest commemoration of baker’s son Bon Scott who went on to become the dynamic front man of the legendary rock group, before his untimely death in 1980 aged just 33 saw pubs and shops in the town enjoying bumper trade as the community welcomed visitors from as far afield as Moscow.
The main sell-out concerts took place in Kirriemuir Town Hall, with ex-AC/DC drummer Chris Slade among those on stage.
Bon Fest organiser Graham Galloway said the event had once again been a massive hit.
Dedication to the band and enthusiasm for the Angus event are typified by German fans Melanie Zilch and Melanie Pfueffer, making their latest pilgrimage to Angus in a growing love affair with the wee red town.
They have been coming to Kirriemuir for several years, the first time on a tour bus from Frankfurt, and said the welcome was one of the main attractions of Bonfest.
“One part of it is obviously Bonfest, because we love the music, but the other part is definitely the people who live here and the AC/DC family from all over the world who come to this,” they said.
“Everyone is so welcoming and when you come here each year you meet new friends.”
This year’s event was extra special for the women after a chance conversation in 2013 led to them being able to stay in a house on Bon Scott Place a development in the town named in honour of the musician.
“Where better to stay for Bonfest?” Melanie Zilch said.
Bon Scott Place is also the home to the new Kirrie Ales micro-brewery run by local man Colin McIlraith, whose range of special ales produced for the event proved a huge hit.
Stocks of the Fruity Wee Blonde, Bon’s Best and Big Rosie Lager that were on offer at a pop-up shop on Bank Street, set up with Peel Farm at Lintrathen, went down a treat with the fans of the band.
“We didn’t know how things would go but we’ve been really pleased with the response,” Colin said as the last of his stocks flew off the shelves.
“It’s been an opportunity to let people taste our beers and hopefully enjoy what Kirrie Ales produces.
“We’re quite new and at the moment it’s a small sideline alongside my full-time day job. But it’s been a great weekend.”