2012

Showcasing more even more local talent than ever before, this year's 5th annual Kintyre Songwriters Festival promises to be the best yet. With last year's Sunday headliner Amber Wilson going on to join chart stars Bombay Bicyle Club and regular performer Iain Taylor appearing at this summer's T in the Park, the Kintyre Songwriters Festival is gaining a reputation as a chance to see the stars of tomorrow in an intimate setting on your doorstep.

Friday night from 8pm is rock night with 8 local bands all playing original material in Whisky Macs and some great one-off promos available in the bar

Saturday afternoon is the acoustic open stage in the White Hart, open to all performers and featuring many of the festival artists. The Saturday showcase from 7pm features reknowned singer-songwriter Duncan McCrone, formerly of The Clydesiders (playing with long-time collaborator Cy Jack), and Glasgow's Billy Bates, who has performed around Europe and at T in the Park.

Also appearing are popular local bands A New Hope, Violent Echo, Gullion and Kenny Gilchrist tribute band The Gilchristians.

The Saturday lineup is completed by seasoned local performers Adam Fortune, Les Oman, Craig Bedson, Ross Macinnes, Neil Duncan, Megan Hill and making his festival debut, Jamie Titterton.

Sunday afternoon will see a seminar on songwriting royalties and publishing from Duncan McCrone of the MCPS who is an expert in the field. On Sunday night from 7pm, top Fife alternative artist Panda Su will be returning to Campbeltown following her much talked about performance at the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival last summer and a live show at Edinburgh Zoo to welcome her namesakes to the country. STV recently made a documentary on Panda Su and her music featured prominently in popular teen drama Skins on Channel 4.

Macanta bring a taste of the Glasgow underground folk scene via the Isle of Harris, while the soulful Erin Todd also makes her festival debut. Amsterdam-based Pol Stevenson brings laid back good vibes and Iain Taylor will be warming up for his upcoming T in the Park performance with Randolph's Leap by performing a unique solo set.

The Sunday showcase will feature emerging local talent such as Medium High, Silence Is Not A Sound, The Shift and the Bob Ross Appreciation Society who will rub shoulders with more experienced local performers like The Twisted Melons, David Fee, and the inimitable iamiamles, fresh from a show at Glasgow's legendary King Tuts Wah Wah Hut venue.

The weekend will be rounded off by a mass singalong with the now-legendary Tales From Space.