CALEDONIA FESTIVAL PRESENTER’S SCOTTISH ROAD TRIP

“Our aim is to create an annual St Andrew’s Day event that kick starts the Winter Festival scene in Scotland by working with and showcasing amazing gr

Grassroots bands, comedians and performers are among the online and offline events which will be showcased at the Caledonia Festival on St Andrew’s Day.

The newly named, Caledonia Festival will celebrate Scotland’s national holiday with music, comedy, talks, heritage and much more.

To launch the event, the two presenters, Kathryn Wilson and Fat, will be travelling around Scotland filming a series of mini-adventures based on the festival logo.

Fat is no stranger to presenting on a wide range of platforms. The Capital FM Saturday and Sunday Afternoon Shows, BBC Radio 1 Official Chart Show and STV2’s Live at Five represent just a few of Fat’s broad range of appearances.

Kathyrn, Fat’s fellow Radio 1 presenter, will be joining him for the adventure, bringing all her energy and Northern Irish charm. Kathryn’s career began in radio and she is now a regular contributor broadcasting on Live Radio & TV in both London and Northern Ireland. You might have seen her on BBC Radio 1’s, ‘Life Hacks’.

A social media campaign “Challenge Our Presenters” asked members of the general public to recommend experiences that represent everything Scotland has to offer.

Starting at the Wallace Monument (the logo L), in three whirlwind days, the presenters will explore the myths, legends and stories of Scotland.

Other stops on their travels will see them finding out how a kilt is made in Perth. They will be heading up to Loch Ness for an interview with “Keeper of Official Sightings”. Then back down to the Nevis Range for the best views of Scotland’s outdoor playground from the Ben Nevis gondola.

Along the way they’ll be perfecting their bagpipe playing and finding out why there are so many unicorns across Scotland.

The audience can watch the film as part of the Caledonia Festival, broadcasting via Vimeo on St Andrew’s Day.

Ceangail, based in Stirling, is the social enterprise behind this new venture and they continue to create projects and events that benefit more than just their social aim of providing practical learning experiences for young people.

Ceangail’s Director, Matt McGrandles, explains, “It’s been a tough couple of years for the events industry, but it has given us time to look at opportunities as well as when and where we deliver them in the events calendar.”

“Our aim is to create an annual St Andrew’s Day event that kick starts the Winter Festival scene in Scotland by working with and showcasing amazing grassroots creative art performances.”

“We are delighted to have already secured support from EventScotland however, we do need further sponsorship to be able to deliver everything planned.”

“Due to the pandemic, this year is about building from the grassroots up so we are also calling on all performers, comedians, artists and others to get in touch with us if they wish to help celebrate and be part of the festival’s events programme.”

Fat’s excitement for presenting the festival is catching;

"I’m thrilled to be part of this festival on St Andrew’s Day. It's an honour to be hosting some of Scotland's brightest music talent and performers. What an amazing opportunity to give some grassroots artists a platform to showcase their talent, I can’t wait to hear them.”

For more details on the Caledonia Festival, visit www.caledoniafest.scot