Fèis Rois and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival have agreed that the 2005 Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail will climax on 13th August with a set by Fèis musicians at the festival.

During July and the first two weeks of August, young Fèis Rois instrumentalists and singers between the ages of 16 and 22 will be playing a succession of concerts throughout Ross-shire. The Ceilidh Trail is designed to give them experience of playing to live audiences.

“We are really pleased to be able to offer a last night platform for these talented youngsters at an event which will expose them to an even wider audience and will bring a strong traditional music element to the event which already includes rock, blues, country and world genres,” said festival organiser Joe Gibbs

“In the run up to Highland Year of Culture in 2007, it is important that alongside contemporary music styles, events such as ours should showcase musical talent rooted in traditional Highland culture.”

Fèis Rois Manager Rita Hunter said: “We are thrilled with this invitation. It will be the perfect climax to an exciting summer for the Ceilidh Trail.  After our recent sell-out concert at Celtic Connections, I know that our young folk rise to the special occasion and they will love to hear the other artists.”

The Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail begins on 18th July with a rehearsal week, and continues with three weeks of performance in East and West coasts.

Belladrum Festival will run over two days and on two stages at Belladrum Italian Gardens, near Beauly with camping, theatre, stalls and other attractions available. Following its sell-out success last year, the festival will again be supporting Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre in Inverness.

For further information on the festival see the festival web site www.belladrum.co.uk or call 01463 741366