AROUND 8,000 music lovers from across the world attended an inaugural folk festival in East Renfrewshire at the weekend.
The first ever Reeling Festival at Rouken Glen Park has been voted a resounding success by the organisers with plans already being made for a second event at the same time and place next year.
There were 30 live performances on two stages on Saturday and Sunday from some of Scotland’s best traditional music talent, including Britain's Got Talent contestant Cameron Barnes.
With tickets costing £55 for one day and £95 for two, it's thought the festival could have generated more than £400,000 from sales alone.
Michael Pellegrotti, Reeling Festival director, said: “We couldn’t have asked for more from the first-ever edition of The Reeling.
"It’s been absolutely incredible to see so many people joining us across the weekend.
"We wanted to create an event that shone a light on the diversity and richness of the Scottish music scene while filling the trad music festival-shaped gap in Glasgow’s summer calendar.
"It’s been amazing to see the event go down so well with those who attended and to see so many happy faces in the crowd. The glorious sunshine was just the icing on the cake."
Pellegrotti confirmed they are now planning a second summer festival at Rouken Glen Park in 2024.
He added: “Thank you so much to everyone who worked, performed, catered, crafted and supported us over the weekend, and of course to all those who bought tickets; we hope to see you all next year for round two!”
Music lovers travelled from as far afield as the USA and New Zealand to be at Rouken Glen.
Anthony Marcella, 29, who flew in from New York, said: "I’ve fallen in love with the trad music scene and it was a great excuse to come to Scotland.
"It’s my first time in Glasgow and the people and crowd are just amazing. My friends think it’s wild I would come all this way for a Scottish festival but I just couldn’t miss it and would love another chance to come back.”
The performance by Cameron Barnes was his first personal appearance since BGT ended last week.
Other perfomers included Electro-trad duo Valtos, Folk Band of the Year Breabach, Gaelic supergroup Dàimhand, RURA, the Peatbog Faeries, Blazin’ Fiddles, Face The West, Skerrryvore and Hò-Rò.
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