The Loopalu festival takes up less than half a football pitch, and is one of the smallest festivals. But there are no self-esteem issues, often associated with smallness, here, as the Loop hosts some of the biggest names in the business -- Paolo Nutini, Mumford & Sons, The View and Idlewild.
Taking place each year in the in the small fishing port of Ullapool, there’s just one road in so you can’t really miss it. The festival site clings to a small stretch of grassland – in what is normally a campsite – with the main stage tent pegs dipping their toes into the chilly waters of Loch Broom.
Although this is the main site, gigging happens in the bars and hotels dotted throughout Ullapool. Often, a band will finish on the main stage only to do an acoustic set in a steamy wee bar with room for just eight 8 people.
Film buffs can enjoy open-air screenings on an end terrace cottage wall. But we’re not talking Cineworld Blockbusters here…more fun-filled Gaelic flicks. And this is not for the feint hearted; chances are you’ll be clinging to an umbrella, lashed by a gale and suffering from hypothermia. But It all adds to the atmos!
Tradition dictates the festival kicks off with the local junior pipe band. Pipers battle stoically against a force eight head wind as they march though the town and into shelter of the main Tent.