Islay Festival of Music, Malt, and Magic
As the intoxicating atmosphere of Fèis Ìle
Islay Whisky Festival, sweeps the island along on a vibrant journey of music, malt, and more than a little ‘magic’.
It is Islay’s charm and ‘magic’ that really makes the Islay whisky festival so incredibly special. From the very start, enveloping you in a warm, welcoming hug, as Distilleries host open days filled with live music and entertainment. There are master classes, tours and tastings, food stalls and craft fairs. Following on with Village halls hosting ceilidhs, as highland dancers and pipers lead festival goers on exciting adventures showcasing the island’s talent and heritage.
Islay Festival of Music and Malt offers a truly immersive journey
with options to cruise across those turquoise seas on the Calmac Ferries. Alternatively enjoy flying across huge blue skies with Loganair. As planes and ferries transport visitors and guests over to share in this exciting adventure.
The ‘magic’ of that warm Islay welcome
Smiles and waves as you meander through journeys across the island. Each twist and bend on the roads revealing yet more scenic panoramas as the colours of landscapes and seascapes pull on the heart strings.
The stunning variety and warmth of the island’s welcoming accommodation
from the boutique hotels, to white washed self-catering cottages, tucked in beside the shore. The bespoke bed and breakfast apartments. Each option encapsulating that unique hospitality and charm of the Hebrides.
There is always a huge buzz in the air at whisky festival time
Behind the scenes there has been months of meticulous planning. A festival of Music and Malt, but also a festival of huge creativity, as each Distillery celebrates and shares their own unique character and charm. From ‘Rockn’daal’ at Bruichladdich Distillery, a ‘rock fest’ of fabulous fun on the shores of Lochindaal, to the ‘Ardcore’ workers of Ardbeg, who threw a ‘peaty punky’ party. From that ‘First Fling’ to the ‘Final Fling’, as bagpipes and drums stir the soul. The accordions and fiddles, the singers and dancers, the world class entertainers, Following those live performances, all set against the refreshing salty breeze, cloudless blue skies, and sparkling seas. As the island atmosphere ignites with contagious, happy, energy. Those islanders, those festival visitors, that huge community from around the globe, come together to celebrate and make Fèis Ìle into one happy, spirited party. One vibrant, engaging community.
From the tastings of fine malts, bespoke gins, rums, and beers, as the island’s produce is celebrated and sampled, to the tours and bottlings, as cocktails and mocktails have been shaken, not stirred. As, all the while, the sun bursts across magnificent blue skies.
Then, away from the hurly burly dance of the festival, when time allowed, we headed for the shores of Machir Bay. The warm golden sands of a deserted beach. Waves breaking gently on the shore. A soothing dip in deep, crystal clear rock pools at the far end, refreshing the soul, as the sun setting in the skies bathed the island in a sun-kissed pink glow.
Come and visit soon, a warm Islay welcome awaits…
Until next time.
