Yee-hah!

Preparations are under way for the revamped Country and Western Festival in Millport, including exciting new events and bands.

There will be the traditional parade through town, boosted by a bonanza of wild west events, including a shoot-out, horse and lasso show, and street theatre from Mischief Las Bas.

Over the course of the popular weekend, from 4-6 September, there will be a total of four venues with bands, DJs and dance classes including a new dance class.

The following artists will be playing: Paul Taylor, Ellis County, Stillwater Paul Taylor, Stillwater Western Express, Peter Shaw Clay County, Smokin’ Gunns, Carson City, Donna Wylde and McKenzie.

Festival organisers are excited to announce that ‘Shiverin’ Sheiks’ will be playing the festival for the first time, fresh from appearing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The band completed a high profile nationwide UK tour last year with Glasvegas, introducing mainstream audiences to their sound.

After this successful trip ‘The Sheiks’ released their 1st single on Brewdog Records. The record label has been started to bring recognition and support to The Shiverin’ Sheiks and other underground bands with a cult following who have so far escaped mainstream notoriety.

They completed a successful year by being asked to be the house band on BBC Radio Scotland’s Hogmanay show. The band made their TV debut when they were chosen to help launch STV’s Riverside show and have been regularly featured on the show in the past year.

Their debut album ‘A Curious Case Of The Shiverin’ Sheiks’ was released on Holy Smokes Records and has been receiving airplay on national and regional radio in the UK and overseas.

In the last few years, the campsite has been free to campers visiting the event. However this year, the festival campsite and marquee are subject to the rules of the Garrison House grounds, in which they are situated.

In order to comply with these rules, and to improve the festival experience for everyone, the organisers are providing portaloo toilets at the campsite, and extra security at both the campsite and the marquee.

To assist with the added cost that this will incur, the organisers would expect and appreciate a suggested £10 donation from each tent, camper van and motorhome.

Please be aware that the campsite is only available from Thursday 3 September until noon on Tuesday 8 September.

For more details about the festival, go to their page at www.facebook.com/millportcountryandwestern