Jarad Rowan, Davy Cowan and Maria McAveety lead the build-up across three World Cup fixtures
If you’re heading to the Inverness World Cup fanzone, it won’t just be about finding your seat and waiting for kick-off.
Each of Scotland’s group games is getting its own run-up, with live music, DJs and a compere keeping things lively from the moment the doors open.
The Haiti fixture kicks things off with Glasgow street performer Maria McAveety, bringing that straight-to-the-crowd energy that doesn’t need much warming up. It should set the tone nicely for the first night.
Jarad Rowan takes on the Morocco night, and he’s got form when it comes to getting a room going. When he supported RuMac at Celtic Connections earlier this year, he kept things moving with a mix of trad favourites and a few well-placed curveballs, finishing with a crowd-pleasing spin on Toca’s Miracle. He also packed out his tent at Belladrum in 2025 and is set to return again this year, which tells you plenty about how his sets land with a Highland crowd.
For the Brazil game, Davy Cowan steps in with a set that should feel instantly familiar. He’s been part of the Highland scene for years, and his approach tends to lean into songs people actually want to hear, played loud enough and loose enough to land properly in a room like this.
Across all three games, Stuart Cassells is on compere duties. As a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Pipers, he knows exactly how to handle a big Scottish crowd, whether it’s building things up before the match or keeping the buzz going after it.
DJs Aly Ridgers and Mark Mackenzie take care of the rest, filling the gaps between sets and making sure there’s no real lull at any point. Expect a few familiar tunes, a few curveballs, and plenty for the Tartan Army to latch onto.
Match nights
- Scotland vs Haiti
14 June – 02:00 (Doors 23:30 on 13 June)
Featuring Maria McAveety - Scotland vs Morocco
19 June – 23:00 (Doors 20:30)
Featuring Jarad Rowan - Scotland vs Brazil
23 June – 23:00 (Doors 20:30)
Featuring Davy Cowan
It’s all set up as a family-friendly space, but don’t take that to mean quiet. With big screens, packed tables and Scotland on the pitch, it’s got all the ingredients for three properly lively nights in Inverness.
Tickets are already moving, especially for the Morocco match, so if you’re planning to be there, it might be worth getting in early:
