Montrose Music Festival or MoFest as it has become affectionately known as takes place at the end of May each year in Montrose, Angus. It has become a much anticipated, annual event across Scotland. The festival committee is a non-profit, volunteer run organisation, dedicated to promoting free live music of all styles and genres, and at all levels, in Montrose and surrounding areas. The festival actively promotes local acts as well as hosting musicians from across the United Kingdom. It has become successful locally, winning the Pride of Angus Award in 2008.
The first MoFest took place in 2008 and was an overwhelming success, bringing thousands of visitors to the town. The main attraction at the inaugural festival was the Friday night opening concert by the legendary Average White Band, who was regarded by many as the perfect band to open the first festival given the original AWB saxophonist Malcolm Duncan’s connection with the town.
Each year, MoFest opens with a Headliner concert on the Friday night which is the only ticketed event of the festival. The rest of the weekend is entirely free to the public. To mark the tenth year of the festival, the committee secured two Headline acts; one on Friday night and the second on Sunday evening to bring the festival to a close.
Saturday and Sunday is when attendees have the chance to pick from around 150 gigs in over 20 venues across the town. Saturday & Sunday also sees the “Big Stage” situated on Montrose’s Historic High Street where you will see a showcase performance from a variety of acts that are also appearing in other venues around the town. This is always hugely popular with families of all ages coming out to enjoy the music and the many stalls and activities that are situated along the closed roads.
As the venues wind down on Sunday evening, we host a “Survivors Night” where people can enjoy a well earned rest (if they have made it through the weekend) and enjoy some impromptu music, laughs and socialising at the end of the festival weekend.
Montrose’s unique urban layout makes its busy town centre an ideal place for this type of event. Most of the venues are within walking distance with the exception of two which are easily accessible by car, bus or taxi… and if you get lost, just look for the Montrose’s imposing 75m high steeple which is the perfect meeting place next to our “Big Stage” with its dominating spire that can be seen all over the town.
Past Headliners
2008 May – Average White Band
2009 May – Deacon Blue
2010 Feb – Ocean Colour Scene, May – The Fortunate Sons, June – The Proclaimers
2011 April – Dr Feelgood, May– Skerryvore
2012 May – Eddi Reader
2013 May – Toploader, Nov – Eddi Reader
2014 May – Status Quo, Nov – Amelia Lily, Stooshe & The Loveable Rogues
2015 May – Ash, July – Madness
2016 May – Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Band, Aug – Bryan Adams
2017 May – Deacon Blue, The Beach Boys