Midnight Sun Weekender 2023 – 25th MAY – 27th MAY at Lewis Castle, Stornoway

JOHN FOGERTY (UK FESTIVAL HEADLINE EXCLUSIVE) • THE LEWIS ALLSTARS • AWKWARD FAMILY PORTRAIT+ HEARTY HAR • ARTISTS JOIN A BRAND NEW DESTINATION FESTIVAL ALSO FEATURING… THE PRETENDERS • PRIMAL SCREAM • SPIRITUALIZED • OCEAN COLOUR SCENE • PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING • EDWYN COLLINS • HONEYBLOOD • ADO MATHESON • IZZIE YARDLEY • THE JOSHUA HOTEL • THE CHOIR + MORE 

In a UK festival exclusive, JOHN FOGERTY will take his rightful place at the top of the bill for a blockbuster Saturday night headline slot (27 May). A founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival and superstar West Coast singer-songwriter, Fogerty’s credentials as a legend of rock’n’roll are indisputable. 

Masterminding nine top-10 singles and five top-10 albums on the Billboard charts during his time in Creedence, Fogerty blazed a trail that burns as vividly now as it did when they disbanded all too soon in 1972. Formally acknowledged with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 1993, John Fogerty has also led a highly successful solo career. Releasing 11 acclaimed studio albums under his own name, including 1973’s ‘The Blue Ridge Rangers’ and most recently ‘Fogerty’s Factory’ (2020); Fogerty’s achievements have seen him recognised in both of Rolling Stone Magazine’s lists of the 100 Greatest Songwriters (at No.40) and the 100 Greatest Singers (at No.72).

His confirmation to headline Midnight Sun Weekender also follows the recent international news that Fogerty has reclaimed the global publishing rights to the entire Creedence Clearwater Revival back catalogue for the first time in 50 years. The proud owner once more of classics like “Bad Moon Rising”, “Fortunate Son”, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”, “Proud Mary” and countless others; expect a celebratory, career-spanning set for the ages.

In addition, the Midnight Sun Weekender is also delighted to announce even more names for the 2023 event. Supporting Fogerty on Saturday evening will be THE LEWIS ALLSTARS, a gloriously rag-tag supergroup of some of the Island of Lewis’ finest musicians, who will be coming together for a set of choice covers and surprises guaranteed to get the festival crowd going. More details to be announced soon.

Promising a riotous blend of Western Swing, Country, Folk, Americana, Rockabilly, Gypsy Jazz not to mention Rhythm and Blues, Scottish risers AWKWARD FAMILY PORTRAIT also stake their place on the inaugural Midnight Sun Weekender lineup. 

Plus, bringing a sprinkling of psychedelic stardust to Stornoway, LA outfit HEARTY HAR has confirmed their place at the Outer Hebrides bash. Blending modern psychedelia with vintage garage rock sounds, brothers Shane Fogerty (guitar/vocals) and Tyler Fogerty (guitar/vocals) will be helming a mesmeric mid-afternoon set to behold.

Three days of artfully curated music at one of the most idyllic locations in the UK, the Midnight Sun Weekender will be a festival of the kind dreams are made of…

Hosted on the stately grounds of Lews Castle on the remote Island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Midnight Sun is a destination festival with a difference. Inviting internationally recognised, top-line artists to the picturesque Western Isles of Scotland, many of whom for the very first time, this boutique event will also be the first festival completely powered by green energy sources.

The second wave of acts today joins a formidable roster of international artists already confirmed to be appearing at the 2023 festival. With glorious headline sets from THE PRETENDERS and PRIMAL SCREAM on the cards, a choice line-up of supporting acts across its three days will also see appearances from OCEAN COLOUR SCENE, SPIRITUALIZED, EDWYN COLLINS, PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING, HONEYBLOOD, ADO MATHESON, THE CHOIR, THE JOSHUA HOTEL, and IZZIE YARDLEY.

Extending a warm welcome to music fans in search of a getaway like no other, the Midnight Sun Weekender will take place between Thursday 25th May to Saturday 27th May next year.

Launching for the first time in 2023, The Midnight Sun Weekender this collaborative event is organised by Charlie Clark and Ian MacArthur. Founder of successful Scottish indie band Astrid, Charlie Clark was also part of the Reindeer Section (with members of Snow Patrol, Belle & Sebastian and Mogwai). Charlie worked as Music Manager for Houston Hospitality in LA and is currently the head booker for Glasgow institution Nice’n’Sleazy. His co-organiser, Ian MacArthur, is a Scottish Chartered Accountant and a Barrister. During a long career in the private sector, he has also worked for Virgin Records and later became the worldwide Group Chief Executive for The Big Issue, responsible for turning around its fortunes. Together they have also set up the Outer Hebrides-based indie label No Big Deal Music.

Speaking about what to expect from the first-ever Midnight Sun Weekender, co-founder Charlie Clark says:

“The Midnight Sun Weekender will be the first ever major pop and rock Festival to be held in the Western Isles. It will be held, annually, on Lews Castle Green, the iconic setting in front of Lews Castle and overlooking Stornoway Harbour.”

Not content to be the first festival of its kind in the Outer Hebrides and with one of the finest line-ups to boot, the Midnight Sun Weekender will also be making strides to address many of the other ethical imbalances of the wider festival industry. Eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable, the festival will be completely powered by hydrogen produced on the Isle of Lewis, leading the way to becoming one of the greenest festivals of our generation. Intending to lead by example in addressing the gender balance that has crept into more established festivals in recent times, Midnight Sun is also guaranteeing a 45% to 55% Female to male ratio of performers across the weekend. 

Promising a weekend of the finest sounds in alternative music in an awe-inspiring setting that needs to be seen to be believed, this highly prestigious, boutique festival will make its grand debut in 2023. Stay tuned for further updates from the Midnight Sun Weekender in the coming weeks…

TICKETS 

Adult Tickets
Priced at £59 (Thursday), £69 (Friday), and £99 (Saturday). 
A limited number of weekend tickets are also available, priced at £199.

14-17 Age Group
Daily tickets £42 / £49 / £65
£149 Weekend ticket

Kids (Under 14)
Daily tickets £29  / £35 / £49
£99 Weekend ticket

Tickets are on sale now:
https://skiddle.com/e/36245442