The village of Fochabers in Moray is normally home to around 1,700 people, but for three days each July its population swells to more than twice that size.

What brings all those visitors to the area is Speyfest, a weekend-long showcase of Celtic music. What started out as a gala day-style celebration for 300 people has become a staple event in the Scottish cultural calendar welcoming thousands.

As it continues to flourish, the festival has stuck true to its founding principles and in doing so, truly caters to music lovers of all ages, from pre-school children to senior citizens.

In today’s challenging cultural landscape, having 27 editions and year-on-year record attendances under your belt is no mean feat. This is all made possible by a committee of volunteers rooted in the local community and supported by a raft of local contractors and businesses. Together, they know how best to enhance the cultural offering and reputation of their home, nurture a passion for tradition in the next generation and create a festival for their village built on community spirit.

The village has a rich musical history. Thanks to the festival’s founder James Alexander, most have picked up a fiddle at some point, with a large portion going on to hone their skills to a professional level. This legacy is epitomised in the 30-strong Auld Fochabers Fiddlers who play at the festival every year – they are a living, breathing example of music’s power to bring communities together.

Speyfest is set up in a way that’s different to what most festival-goers might expect. A seated concert gives older attendees an opportunity to appreciate the best playing from across Scotland. This creates an intimate feel that allows performers to enjoy a two-way dialogue with audiences that is hard to imagine at larger events. Later, the chairs are cleared for the late-night standing gig and with it comes a younger crowd, ready for the more high-octane artists that play into the small hours. This distinct set up ensures the festival caters to everyone in the local community: all ages get the chance to socialise and experience the benefits of live music.

It’s not every day Fochabers welcomes talent like Tide Lines who have played at some of the biggest venues. A festival like Speyfest is able to draw world-class acts to the area for audiences who would otherwise not have a chance to see them on their doorstep. This too increases visitor numbers which has a hugely positive impact on the local economy.

Speyfest also uses some visiting talent to support local workshops, giving young people a chance to learn from acclaimed musicians. Participants then perform, giving people their first opportunity to stand on a stage – a powerful gift. This brings increased confidence, self-expression and connection to those who will go on to become the musicians, audience members and festival organisers of the future.

Festivals like Speyfest bridge the gap between local event and national extravaganza in a way that invigorates the community they are rooted in and bring boundless energy to an area. Long may that continue.

Ashleigh Macgregor is Speyfest chair

Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk