Britpop legends Ash set to headline Shetland music festival

The Rising North music festival is currently underway in Shetland, marking a significant cultural event for the UK’s northernmost alternative music scene. Spanning several venues across Lerwick, the festival is set to run through Sunday, featuring a diverse lineup that includes prominent acts such as Britpop pioneers Ash and indie pop sensation Pale Waves.

Established in 2024, Rising North aims to bridge the geographic gap between Shetland and the wider UK music circuit by attracting touring artists and providing a prominent stage for local talent. The festival’s organizers anticipate a crowd of roughly 1,000 attendees for the headline performances scheduled at the repurposed Clickimin leisure complex, which has undergone extensive transformation to accommodate live music.

Friday night’s spotlight will fall on Pale Waves, a Manchester-based band known for their energetic rock anthems, while the festival will culminate on Saturday with a comprehensive set by Ash, celebrating their enduring influence since the mid-1990s Britpop movement. Ash’s repertoire includes notable hits like "Girl from Mars," a track that helped define their early success and continues to resonate with audiences decades later.

Frontman Tim Wheeler expressed enthusiasm about performing in Shetland for the first time, noting the unpredictability and charm of festival settings that vary from intimate marquees to expansive outdoor stages. The band’s journey to the festival is marked by logistical challenges, including transporting equipment on an overnight ferry from Aberdeen, underscoring the remote location’s impact on event planning.

The festival’s director, David Bisset, highlighted the considerable effort involved in bringing a wide spectrum of artists to the archipelago. With Shetland located approximately 216 miles from Aberdeen and accessible via both ferry and flights to Sumburgh airport, logistical complexities are a defining feature of Rising North’s operations. Bisset emphasized the festival’s role in fostering local musicians’ growth by offering opportunities to perform alongside established headliners.

Out of the 41 acts scheduled to perform, the majority represent the local music community, spanning genres from folk and metal to funk and pop. This diversity reflects Rising North’s commitment to showcasing a broad array of musical styles while supporting regional artistry.

The physical setup of the festival venues has also been a focal point of preparation. Neil Moncrieff, assistant manager of the Clickimin leisure centre, described the extensive work undertaken to convert a sports complex into a fully functional music venue. This included installing a temporary floor in the main hall, erecting a stage equipped with professional sound systems, and adapting the indoor bowls hall to serve as a secondary performance space.

Beyond the headline concerts, Rising North offers a variety of events designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, further enhancing its community appeal. Official after-parties featuring sets by Scottish DJs such as Franck and Saul Hardie complement the live performances, rounding out the festival experience.

Looking ahead, Ash is commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, 1977, and has planned tours in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan later in the year. Their appearance at Rising North not only underscores their lasting relevance but also brings an international dimension to the Shetland festival.

As Rising North continues through the weekend, it stands as a testament to the island’s growing cultural footprint and the dedication of organizers, artists, and local supporters in creating an alternative music hub at the edge of the UK.