An outdoor festival on one of Scotland's islands generated more than £1m for the local community and surrounding area.
Fresh figures show that 2024s Tiree Music Festival (TMF) delivered a £1.3m economic boost for the Inner Hebridean island and local region – with the success of the event recognised with two national award nominations.
The economic impact of the TMF for the island has been estimated to be around £9.4m in the 13 years since it began, with 24,000 people attending the much-loved celebration of Scottish music, culture and outdoor activity on Tiree's white-sand shores.
Analysis of the 2024 edition also showed that the beachside event, located in one of the world’s most remote and stunning festival locations, continues to attract growing numbers of visitors from outside of Scotland, with nearly a fifth making the journey to Tiree from other parts of the UK, Europe and further afield.
The festival was a huge hit with attendees, with 80 per cent rating it as ‘excellent’ — and not one attendee noting it as ‘average’ or ‘disappointing’ in a survey compiled after the event.
TMF has now been shortlisted for Festival of the Year 2024 at the Scottish Live Music Awards, and Small Event of the Year at the National Outdoor Events Association Awards 2024.
The festival’s two stages – The Big Top and Elevate Stage – along with its acoustic tent known as The Wee Top, will welcome Scottish and international artists spanning Celtic, folk, acoustic and pop music. The first names on the bill will be unveiled in the coming months.
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In 2025 visitors can also expect new art installations on site and, building on the popularity of this year’s beach yoga sessions and other additional activities around the island, an even broader fringe programme with a focus on wellness and family-friendly fun.
Organisers said next year’s festival will continue to place an emphasis on looking at new ways to reduce its carbon footprint and bring quality Scottish food and drink to the fore.
Capacity is limited to just 2,100 and each festival has been a sell-out.
“As a team we are driven by doing Tiree proud and sharing what a special place this is with others. To hear that so many people loved their time at the festival and on the island this summer only inspires us to continue delivering the very best small festival experience for all.”
He added: “We are incredibly proud to be nominated for two national awards this year – this recognition means a great deal to our small team who work tirelessly to make TMF what it is.
“For 2025 we’re looking to build on this success and explore new ways that we can put a smile on people’s faces and create unforgettable memories.”
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