Ullapool, 19-20 September 2008

The Family Mahone (photo - Karen Ray)

AS ULLAPOOL Pipe Band marched proudly towards the marquee, the opening afternoon of Loopallu felt more like a village games day than a festival. Beer was flowing, the craic getting going and the smell of frying burgers and onions mingled uneasily in the sea air with whiffs of smoked salmon pie.

Mops, bobs, smart, sensible cuts; dreads, flowing beards, balding pates and mullets; hoodies, beanies, Glengarries, Alice bands; the array of hairstyles and headgear reflected the range of revellers drawn to the self-proclaimed ‘family reunion you actually want to go to’.

On the campsite the mood was jovial, experienced campers smugly making cuppas in the porches of pert tents while their somewhat less seasoned neighbours stumbled over guy ropes, struggling not to spill drinks while working out how to pitch their befuddling, shiny new festival homes. Mini parties were breaking out, the tinny, clashing strains of indie, techno and cheesy dance tunes being cranked up propelling people towards the skirl of Scotland the Brave now blasting forth from the festival itself.

Being a first timer at Loopallu I was initially taken aback by how small the site itself is. A wander past the marquee (and smoked salmon bottleneck) to check out attractions on the far side led only to a barrier above the beach. But for all its diminutive size, this wee Wester Ross fest fairly packs a punch. Quality entertainment, tasty real ales, a fair array of food stalls, the fine funky beats of the Woodland Orchestra and cheery ambience – all the ingredients of a grand weekend were there.

And as Loopallu veterans gleefully pointed out, the joys weren’t restricted to the festival site alone. The village was alive with music and revelry, the fun being had in the bars, beer gardens and out and about providing a perfect complement to the action on the main stage.

Highlights onstage included Edinburgh newcomers Broken Records, who played with flourish despite taking themselves maybe just a little too seriously. Definitely not taking themselves – or anyone else – seriously were the Vatersay Boys. Their marquee performance drew the dancing hordes on Friday.

The following morning jokes, banter and tunes flowed as freely as the Strongbow when box players Andy and Michael appeared on the campsite, armed with pocketfuls of cans and a bag of Vatersay potatoes. By the time the tatties were boiled the crowds had gathered and there was a rollicking ceilidh on the go once more.

Other stars of the weekend, who proved their ceilidh credentials, were the Family Mahone, who tirelessly battered out their infectiously medleys of ‘a drinking song… and another drinking song.. . and, oh, how about a drinking song’ throughout the weekend. DJ Mahone – aka Mark Radcliffe – and his merry band were in top form; whether playing pubs, the main stage or enjoying banter around the site their popularity with the Loopallu crowd was evident.

Their rollicking main stage rendition of ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ was a personal favourite, performed with rapport and verve lacking during its performance by the Waterboys themselves during their recent Belladrum appearance.

Organisers, volunteers and locals seemed to cope admirably with the influx. Even the bursting of the village’s water main for several hours on Saturday seemed not to overly ruffle tempers. Disappointing though was the lack of recycling facilities on or near the campsite – if there were any they certainly weren’t obvious and mountains of bottles and cans ended up mixed up throughout the general rubbish.

Provide receptacles to put bottles and cans into, and people will use them, particularly at a small, good-natured event such as this. More outdoor spaces and seats in festival site would have been good too. But all in all the small town feel, quality acts, superb setting and friendly vibe make Loopallu a little gem of a festival. Slainte mhath – here’s to the fourth year!

© Catriona Ross, 2008

Links

• Loopallu