Background to the Festival:The festival is held in the idyllic village of Guildtown in rural Perthshire – the scenic heartland of Scotland, six miles from the historic city of Perth - an ancient Roman settlement named Bertha, and early Scottish capital known then as St John’s Toun, where the Kings of Scotland were crowned at Scone Palace. The whole area is a haven for visitors catering for every aspect of tourism including  all aspects of History, Whisky, Golf, Music & Poetry. Late summer, when the festival is held, is renowned for good harvest time weather. Edinburgh the nation’s capital, and seat of the new Scottish Parliament, lies 40 miles to the south and at that time of year the capital with its famed castle, is vibrant on the run up to its Festival of Arts.

Guildtown Bluegrass festival is hosted in the Village Hall and is sponsored by The Anglers Inn & Restaurant – the delightful and hospitable village Pub. Festival attendees camp on the village green and enjoy the facilities in the village hall, which includes washing, cooking and toilet facilities. A local village shop sells provisions and groceries and the City of Perth has every possible facility including tourist accommodation and information. www.visitscotland.com

The festival is famed for its informal, friendly and exciting atmosphere. It incorporates great music, both in concerts and in informal sessions; good ale at the Anglers Inn with its great Scottish hospitality, and the wonderful location in the Scottish heartland.

John Sheldon founded the festival in 1987 with the support of Bluegrass aficionados. Its successful principles are those of a non-profit making team effort by the SBA committee. It is a showcase and focus for Bluegrass in Scotland and welcomes European and overseas visitors for a relaxing and exciting Bluegrass experience.

Each year the festival welcomes a small but growing number to a very special event. The festival has been likened to attending a reunion with lifelong friends and featuring the renowned atmosphere of the ‘kerosene circuit’ of early Bluegrass pioneering days.

We would love to welcome you to our national Bluegrass festival at the invitation of the Scottish Bluegrass Association. The success of Guildtown over the years proves beyond doubt that Bluegrass has made the long journey home and, that as Bill Monroe requested to the organisers, the Celtic connections and roots are secure and growing.

Check out Joe Ross' Bluegrass Unlimited article "Scotland: A bonny place for Bluegrass".