Rockness Wins Event Management Grand Prix

Loch Ness based music festival Rockness has won the Event Management Grand Prix at the Scottish Event Awards 2012, while the Event Services Grand Prix was handed to Diamond Event Services.

The awards, which were handed out at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow last night, also saw the Edinburgh Corn Exchange win Best Large Venue/Hotel while freshnlo Pedal for Scotland 2011 by Cycling Scotland was named the Best Sports Event.

(The Drum)

End of Festival Fireworks

As usual, come the end of the Edinburgh festival I was preparing to watch The Fireworks perched on top of a hill with a good view of the castle, photographing the amazing pyrotechnics from afar. However a couple of days before the event I received an email from the guys at Blipfoto saying that I (and one other Bliper, SlyBaconshots ) had won a photo competition and would receive free passes from the Edinburgh International Festival to the firework display. Not only that but we would be able to visit the castle for a behind the scene look at the firework set up. How cool is that?

Anyway Sunday arrived and no sooner, after meeting Brian the EIF press officer at the Hub, we were stood on the Castle ramparts surrounded by tons of high explosives, which was slightly unnerving to say the least !  We were introduced to Keith Webb, Pyrotechnics Designer at Pyrovision and given a guide tour of the site. For added safety we had to remove any spare camera batteries we had and leave them in a safe place as they do not mix well with electronic fuses. 

The amount of fireworks on the site was just hair raising with huge crates of mortars and wires running in every direction. I can now understand why the cost of these displays is so high especially when you see the amount of work that's involved. Pyrovision had crew of 15 working flat out for a week to put the site together and before that months of planning down to the finest detail: the guys at Pyrovision do an amazing job.

Sadly the only thing we did not see was a big red FIRE! button or one of those cartoon plungers that sends it all up. Apparently it's done with a mouse click these days.

You do get a great view from the Castle - I'm sure they had tourists in mind when it was built

A large fan ready to blow

Words about safety and things that go bang in the night

Just a few more fireworks

Fellow Bliper Graeme (SlyBaconshots) getting in a few shots

A tourist unaware of the rather large amount of explosives laying around.

Many thanks to Blipfoto, the EIF press office and the guys at Pyrovision for showing us around and letting us take lots of shots of their firework setup.

The fireworks
The atmosphere beforehand was amazing as people filed in to Princes Street Gardens to get the best view. It was a great night for it as the weather was truly kind so it was picnics as far as the eye could see. There was even a wedding party on the go. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra provided the music with a Shakespearean theme hence the music of William Walton and his Orb and Sceptre piece. The William Walton material continued in the programme from the film Henry V. Other Shakespearian faves included Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet featuring the Dance of the Knights.

So my fellow Bliper Graeme (SlyBaconshots) and I took our places along with all the press photographers and film crews. We were feeling slightly intimidated as we where the only Nikon shooters in the media group. I was using a D4 with 14-24mm F2.8 which was probably a bit too fast for fireworks. I also had my beaten up old D700 with a 24-70mm F2.8 for hand held stuff. I even had a small Nikon 1 V1 lashed to a railing for video.

Well, no sooner had it all kicked off than it was over - with some frantic shooting inbetween: 45mins never went so fast. So here are some of the images.

The Happy Couple

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS JOIN LOOPALLU 2012

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS JOIN LOOPALLU 2012

We are delighted to announce Scouting for Girls as the 2^nd headliner for this years 8^th outing of Loopallu. They join previously announced and recently reformed headliners The Fratellis who have chosen Loopallu as their first live outing since reforming earlier this year.

Scouting for Girls have been noimated for 4 Brits and an Ivor Novello award, with a string of hits in their back catalogue including 'She's So Lovely', 'Hearbeat', 'This Ain't a Love Song' along with current single ' Summertime in the City' Scouting for Girls are set to bring to biggest singalong Loopallu has ever seen.

Kassidy, 2012 Belladrum Festival

Back by phenomenal demand Scottish rockers Kassidy make a very welcome return and will guantee to get the party in full swing having spent the summer playing stornming sets at festivals up and down the country.

Also added to the line-up is fast rising Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni fresh from her much talked about BBC Introducing Reading and Leeds Festival appearances and coinciding with the week of release of her much awaited debut album 'Under Mountains' which is released on the 17^th September. 

Rachel Sermanni, Wickerman festival 2012

Acoustic folk trio The Staves who's debut album 'Dead & Born & Grown' is also out
imminently (Oct 22^nd) is also the first album where production credits have been shared between legendary producer Glyn Johns (Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Clash) and his son Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, The Vaccines).

‘We’re so pleased to have a secured a long overdue return to the North of Scouting For Girls who we know will bring the festival to a rousing, loud, singalong finale. Rachel Sermanni will be a highlight, having watched her career blossom over the past two years now to return on the week of her debut album release will be quite something. Then also The Staves. Simply wonderful. We can’t wait.’ Robert Hicks

Final additions for the moment are London's Public Service Broadcasting who use samples from old Public Information Films mixed with samples, drums, guitars and 'teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future', goNORTH acts, Dundee's Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher, pop-rockers Minarture Dinosaurs, rising scottish three piece Brown Bear and the Bandits, and Ullapool local legends Naked Strangers.


Jake Bug, Wickerman Festival 2012

Also appearing over the weekend are, Radio One favourite and act of the moment Jake Bugg, festival favourites The Dangleberries, Lilygreen and McGuire and Celtic/Gaelic cross-over act Manran.

Loopallu takes place in the west coast village of Ullapool on Friday 21^st and Saturday 22^nd of September 2012 and doubles the population of the village for the weekend. As well as the usual eclectic line up of acts appearing at the festival big top and the fringe events after hours in the villages pubs, the festival will again provide a selection of fine food and drink from around the Highlands as well as the usual warm Ullapool welcome. 

Tickets for this year are priced at £60 for weekend tickets and £75 for weekend and camping. Weekend and Camping ticket holders wishing to bring campervans and caravans will be charged £25 per vehicle. As, since the beginning, tickets for children 12 & under will be free (though need to be accompanied by an adult)

Tickets, available in person from Northwest Outdoors (Ullapool), Mania & Ironworks (Inverness); Online from www.ticketmaster.co.ukwww.skiddle.com ; 24 hr Tel 08444 999 990 

The Gilded Balloon Festival Highlights

The Gilded Balloon is one of Scotland’s leading entertainment venues with the best of live entertainment. As one of the four largest venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Gilded Balloon is respected internationally for presenting a stunning annual showcase of theatre, comedy and cabaret.

Jarred Christmas, Gilded Balloon 2012 Fringe

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Dining Room

Jarred Christmas: Let's Go MoFo

An electric hour of arse-kicking comedy. You’ve seen him on Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Argumental, Dave’s One Night Stand, and dancing a Madonna on Let’s Dance For Comic Relief. He’s the guy with the sideburns and the glasses...That’s right, it’s Jarred Christmas.. Fast, funny and in-demand. Let’s Go MoFo!

Lady Sings it Better, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Wine Bar

Lady Sings it Better

Smashing expectations one soaring harmony at a time, these women reinvent tunes from the greatest male musicians. Soulful, sassy and surprising, the Ladies romp through popular culture, with stellar vocals and a little ridiculous dancing.

Age Category: PG

Show Duration: 1hr





Doug Segal, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Dining Room

Doug Segal: How to Read Minds and Influence People

Imagine if Derren Brown was funny. Last year's sell out hit returns! A mind reading show unlike any other! Learn to read minds, detect lies & more. With laughs & rakish charm. Seen on BBC1 and BBC3. ***** What's On Stage, Skinny







Celia Pacquola, Gilded Balloon, 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Sportsmans

Celia Pacquola - Delayed

The smallest thing can change a life. In 2010, the award-winning Aussie comic moved to London and learned the word ‘bellend’. This and other stories. As seen on the Rob Brydon Show and Russell Howard’s Good News. **** from Scotsman, Daily Telegraph The Guardian, Time Out, Chortle.







Simple Matters, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Debating Hall

Simple Matters

In times of social upheaval, when faced with economic, political, and spiritual uncertainty, historically society has always turned to the clown for perspective. Well... here we are ! Sorry if we’re a little late. Without red noses, five clowns from four countries take you on a journey through the miraculous unraveling of everyday life, dancing on the ridge between the absurdity of our current reality and a really good time. Ensemble created and directed by alumni from Cirque Du Soleil, Dell’ Arte School, and The San Francisco Clown Conservatory. This surreal refined ridiculousness is beyond a theater show, this is live action cartoon. A must see for all those that love to laugh and created for those that need to most.







Blanks, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Debating Hall

The Blanks' Big Break

The Blanks aka ‘Ted’s Band’ from the hit TV show “Scrubs”, make their Edinburgh Festival debut. They mix a cappella, a knock about comic tale and sketches into an unashamedly feel good show. They have an eclectic mix of styles from The Marx Brothers through to Spamalot. Blessed with the vocal powers of "Glee" and the silliness of "TV Burp" giving them a universal appeal which has generated over 8 million YouTube views and hit shows from Melbourne to Montana. To avoid disappointment book now.






Andrew Bird, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Billiard Room

Andrew Bird's Global Village Fete

Following last year's critically acclaimed sell out run Andrew Bird returns to lift the gloom of the modern world with the delightful madness of the village. Expect new stories of village life, growing up moving away and then what happens when you come back. From the sleepy villages of England to the plains of Latvia - this time it's global. Total sell out 2011. There will be a raffle.

Age Category: 14+

Show Duration: 1hr






Carl-Einar Hacker, Gilded Balloon 2012 

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Nightclub

Carl-Einar Häckner: Handluggage

The man who can fill a tight white jumpsuit like no other, Carl-Einar Häckner brings his new show to Edinburgh, jam-packed with more silliness than ever before. Guaranteed to tickle you with more than just his Ikea props, marvel at this Swedish sorcerer as he performs underwhelming feats of magic, sings completely ridiculous songs and proves that foreign accents are almost always funny.








Bob Downe, Gilded Balloon 2012 

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Debating Hall

Bob Downe ... Smokin'

More Classic Hits! More Great Prizes! Same Hair! Lighter in the loafers and funnier than ever, Australia’s Clown Prince of Polyester was top of the Edinburgh pops in 2011 and now he’s back by popular demand!Direct from blitzing Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe, you’ll laugh yourself silly as you singalong with Bob.






Morgan & West, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Wee Room

Morgan & West: Lying, Cheating Scoundrels

Morgan & West invite you to join them at the card table for an intimate evening of shams, scams and good old fashioned cheating. Hear how some of the finest minds in history were swindled by the nineteenth century's greatest magical duo. Witness dastardly deceptions and staggering sleight of hand from naught but three feet away. Strictly limited capacity.






Hannah Gadsby, Gilded Balloon 2012 

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Sportsmans

Hannah Gadsby - Mary. Contrary.

She had a famous son and has been paparazzied by painters for centuries since. Comedian Hannah Gadsby takes you on an historical art tour of the many faces of everyone’s favourite virgin. She directs her wry, mordant wit to matters of serious art intellectualism (kind of).






Munfred Bernstien, Gilded Balloon 2012

Munfred Bernstein's Cabinet of Wonder

Welcome to Munfred Bernstein's Cabinet of Wonder. This hilarious musical misadventure from a man unhinged is a cabaret of wild tales, collected from the four known corners of the globe. Munfred has scoured the lengths of the earth, and from his travels this rambunctious raconteur brings back stories and songs most curious s he opens his Cabinet of Wonder for your viewing pleasure - a shrine to the truly bizarre, the beautifully wonderful and the wonderfully odd. 'Splendiforous' (RipItUp.com.au). 'Quick-witted brilliance' (Tvnz.co.nz).







Al Pitcher, Gilded Balloon, 2012




Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Sportsmans

Al Pitcher - Tiny Triumphs

Now living in Sweden and following a five year absence from Edinburgh, it’s time for the Kiwi who has won comedy awards
in Australia, the UK and Sweden to make you laugh once more. He has missed you, now don’t miss him. Come and experience
this ‘hysterical comedy force’ (Time Out) and his TALL tales of tiny TRIUMPHS





Fascinating Aida, Gilded Balloon 2012

Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot - Debating Hall

Fascinating Aida: Cheap Flights

Continuing their smash-hit sell-out tour, the Olivier Award-nominated and now a global internet sensation, Fascinating Aida is still Britain’s best comedy cabaret trio. Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pullman return to Edinburgh with several numbers hot off the press, plus a few old favourites including their infamous anthem to budget travel, Cheap Flights (nine million plus hits on YouTube) as well as the Dogging Song, a fond homage to the joys of al fresco sex.

His Hoffness Goes Tartan for the Fringe

David Hasselhoff from TV’s hugely popular Knight Rider series turned out in true Hoff style with his iconic KIT car and Bay Watch girls outside Pleasance Grand this morning to promote of a week of performances of his brand new show David Hasselhoff Live. Billed as an intimate, hilarious and fun-filled behind-the-scenes look at his amazing life through media, song, dance and audience interaction. With a Knight Ride through the 70s, 80s, 90s and today! From the Knight Rider days to Baywatch to Broadway and to the Berlin Wall. Hoff crazy? You bet it is! Come party Hoffstyle! You'll like him, he's nice! Tall but nice!

Let's hope his Hoffness has got the hang of wearing a kilt by then or it could be a bit too intimate for some.