For Argyll

Geoff Ellis, organiser of the 2008 Hydro Connect Festival in Inveraray, reports that over 15,000 fans were at the Festival on each of the three days of ‘a magical weekend’, with ‘an atmosphere on site that was incredibly laid back’. Artists and fans alike have told the organisers that the location is the most beautiful festival site in Europe. John Fyfe Patrick, ‘For Argyll’s’ Connect photographer, has taken over 2,000 photographs to share with For Argyll’s fanbase. Enjoy the browse.

Mr Ellis paid tribute to ‘the incredible Foods From Argyll Tent’,which was ‘one of the busiest places over the weekend with music fans enjoying oysters, roast salmon rolls, organic lamb kebabs and delicious Bumble sticky toffee puddings’.

Unsurprisingly, the Red Bull Hellfire Club, the Kopparberg Big Tree, The Speakeasy Cafe and the late night cabaret by Vegas! and Club Noir are seen as making a great contribution to the fun social life of the festival.

Another unique feature of the festival - and one brought about by the specific business of its first-time sponsors, Scottish Hydro was the provision of solar-bike pedalled showers at the campsite - a huge and memorable plus for campers. And, thanks to the sponsors again, another novel introduction saw the Hydro Connect rickshaws - which have travelled more than 2000 miles carrying music fans across the site as well as some of the artists - as seen in our own first photo from the event - with Amy MacDonald on her way from dressing room to the stage.

Scottish Hydro too seem well pleased with their involvement in the event. Anna Crampin, their Sponsorship Manager, says that ‘Hydro Connect has offered music fans the best of everything – music, food and atmosphere. Plus everyone has enjoyed things in a way that befits the beautiful environment’.

Fans were very well behaved, from the onsite Emergency services’ point of view. There were only four arrests and 219 people coming into the hospital tent over the weekend mainly for minor ailments.

If you were there and you;ve lost any property, phone 01546 702 200 from Tuesday 2nd September and ask for Lochgilphead Police Station. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm.

Photos are by John Fyfe Patrick ‘For Argyll’s Connect photographer. The top photo here is of The Whip, onstage at the 2008 Hydro Connect Festival.