We have a chat with MacMorayfest supremo, Andy MacDonald ahead of the forthcoming event in April.
MacMorayfest has been a triumph both locally and across Scotland. How do you explain its success?
In my personal opinion, there are a few important factors. My event is independently owned, and this works in my favour because I’m not greedy—I do all I can to keep it affordable, and I always listen to my MacMorians. I like to take gambles and really mix up the line-up so there is something for everyone, and I keep my stages close to each other so the music doesn’t stop, and people don’t need to move at all.
You have curated an eclectic mix of music over the years. Where does your own musical taste lie, and what would be your five-song playlist?
I don’t have a specific music taste. I literally like all types of music as long as it has a decent beat and catchy chorus. My Spotify playlist is whatever is upcoming in MacMoray. I listen on repeat to MacMoray’s upcoming artists to get me in the mood and inspire whatever silly video I’m going to do next.
Are there any behind-the-scenes stories from previous festivals that stand out as particularly memorable?
Yeah, there are a few—haha! During the first year, the Boomtown Rats were fuming that Vengaboys were on before them and performing past 9 pm, which was Bob Geldof’s stage time. This led to a big fallout backstage between Vengaboys and Boomtown Rats. Vengaboys were going to finish four minutes past 9 pm. So, I took the decision to change the stage manager’s watch by four minutes, pretending that Vengaboys were cutting their set short to finish at 9. Everyone was happy!
What are the biggest lessons you have learned over the years of running the festival?
It doesn’t matter what you do—you will always have a Karen complaining.
Which act (or acts) are we most likely to find you dancing to at MacMorayfest this year?
I’ll be jumping up and down to the Vengaboys, Torridon, and Showaddywaddy.
Which acts have eluded you when trying to sign them for MacMorayfest events?
Scooter. I came close. Lewis Capaldi too. Both ‘tie themselves down’ to the big boys like Live Nation, and I can’t seem to shake them free—haha!
With the emphasis on new and local music, the second stage has just been announced. How are you feeling about the acts announced?
Yeah, I’m really happy. I love that we have some of our favourites like Macta and Tweed returning, plus brand-new local artists making their debut. Very exciting times!
What would it take for you to continue running MacMorayfest?
A crystal ball would be nice
The final MacMorayfest will see the likes of Ultrabeat, 911, The Bay City Rollers, Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx, Lasgo, The Vengaboys, Showaddywaddy, N-Trance, Baccara, Black Lace and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers play Elgin’s Cooper Park on the 19th and 20th of April, 2025.
Our fearless photographer has caught many of the MacMorayfest events, see them here.
