Picture special: Be in Beltane music festival 2012

Aug 22 2012 By Graham Miller

SATURDAY’S Be in Beltane music festival has been described as “the best yet” by organisers and visitors alike.

Music lovers turned out in their thousands to appreciate the fantastic sounds provided by a host of talented bands and enjoy some fun in the sun.

Organiser Helen Keenan was extremely happy with this year’s event, which had to change venues at short notice because of the ongoing town centre streetscape work.

Helen said: “It went really smoothly and I was delighted everyone seemed to have a great time. I have received some very positive feedback from a host of people who attended the event. It really couldn’t have gone any better.

“After an early rain shower the weather was fantastic too. I even managed to get sunburn on my neck!

“All the bands were awesome and every one of them told me how much they enjoyed playing the event.”

The chosen charity for this year’s festival was Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy for Scotland.

Helen continued: “As far as money raised for Nordoff Robbins goes, we haven’t got a total yet but I’m told it’ll be the most we’ve ever raised, which is fantastic news. I haven’t had final confirmation of the total number of visitors we received but again I understand it’s the biggest turnout yet, which is brilliant.

“Among the many people I’d like to say a big thanks to are Steve Graham from the Commercial Hotel for all of his hard work. Also, thanks to North Lanarkshire Council for all their support financially and in kind, Jim Weir from the parks department and Ted and company at The Foundry Music Lab, sound engineer Simon Palin for his sterling work, Strathclyde Police and St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association.

“In addition, thanks to my dear mum Nanette, not only for the tireless work she does on behalf of the committee but for propping me up when the going gets tough.

“And finally, thanks to everyone who volunteered their time throughout the day with buckets and face painting and everyone who contributed towards such a worthy cause.”

The huge number of visitors were in good spirits and the event received the thumbs up from Wishaw’s top cop.

Chief Inspector Glen Bland said: “The event was policed by our community policing teams and both Sgt Park and Sgt McCarron were delighted by the public enjoyment of the event and the co-operation of partners in making the day pass without incident. Be in Beltane has been a great success this year.”

Hotly-tipped local rockers The LaFontaines headlined the event and pulled out all the stops with a brilliantly energetic performance.

Lead singer Kerr Okan said: “It was a great gig. Every time we play this festival it’s amazing. The crowd was really receptive and the weather was great.
“What more could you ask for?”

Included among the eclectic mix of acts that wowed the audience were Kilmarnock’s Fatherson and Mary Jean Lewis and the Starlight Boys – a roots-rocking act fronted by the neice of rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis.