Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival breaks with tradition with Aviemore launch
Aviemore will be the toast of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as organisers break with tradition.
The gathering has established itself as one of the world’s largest with more than 500 events across 89 venues in six days kicking off this year from next Wednesday (April 30).
The festival will be officially declared open in Aviemore by Henry Angus, incoming chair at the launch dinner co-hosted by Speyside Distillers that night and will be followed by the annual ceilidh on Friday May 2 for visitors to the festival.
Both events will take place for the first time at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort - in the Osprey Arena - with the hotel group joining the event as a platinum partner this year.
Until now, the festival launch has always been held at a Speyside distillery.
Mr Angus said last year’s festival was a record-breaker and they hope to exceed visitor numbers again this time out.
He said: “This is the most populous whisky region with the greatest array of distilleries at any festival globally.
“It brings together whisky fans, distillers and visitors that love this beautiful part of the world.
“From masterclasses to music, from quizzes to fireside gatherings, from culture to history the calendar is full of opportunities to share the water of life with fellow whisky lovers, aficionados and people that just enjoy a dram.
“We are excited to take our events to Aviemore for the first time and it has been a privilege to work with the teams at Speyside Distillers and the Macdonald Aviemore Resort preparing for what will be two exceptional nights.”
Speyside Distillers chief John McDonough said: “We are honoured to have been chosen by the festival organisers as co-hosts.
“As a local boutique distillery, we are delighted to be able to share with the festival guests and the local community our exciting future plans at the opening dinner.”
A 10 per cent discount for ceilidh tickets is being offered to Strathy readers by quoting RESIDENT at the check out.
Click here to book tickets for the festival’s big ceilidh
Visit https://spiritofspeyside.citizenticket.com/events/spirit-of-speyside/spirit-of-speyside-ceilidh-and-2-course-buffet-supper-with-speyside-hosts/
