Although live music is on the cards for Friday evening, Saturday is the big day, with non-stop music, on two stages, from 1pm right through to 1am the following morning.

Bootstock started back in 2002 when one of the current Bootstock Association members, who had experience of overseas charity work, decided to hold a garage party and raise some money to help youngsters in the most remote regions of Nepal. The event was so successful that by 2005 the Bootstock Association was formally registered as a Scottish charity and the festival venue shifted to the larger East Grange Loft, where it has grown steadily over the past two years.

Raising money for the Nepal charity is still the top priority for Bootstock 2007, but money is also being raised through the event for Moray children's charities.

"This is very much a charity event," said Mr Grigor Butler of the Loft. "All the money raised will be going to charity. None will be used for administration purposes.

"Most of the top bands playing have agreed to play for nothing for the charity, as have the many local bands taking part.

"Last year, we raised £4,000 with an attendance of around 200 people. This year we hope to attract nearer 500 people and raise much more."

The event has also received financial backing from Highland 2007, the Highland year of culture.

"We want to develop the profile of Bootstock and this assistance from Highland 2007 will help do that," said Grigor.

Tickets for the event are £20 for Saturday only in advance, and £25 for Friday and Saturday, again booked in advance.

"It is also a fun weekend," said Grigor, "and people can camp in the area for £5 for the whole weekend. In addition to the money raised from ticket sales and T-shirts, there will also be a raffle and auction of donated prizes from generous businesses and private supporters. Along with the music, there are also a range of activities to keep all ages entertained throughout the day."

Children under 12 go free.

The doors will open at 9pm for a 9.30 start on Friday and noon for a 1pm start on Saturday.

All set for their top of the bill gig at Bootstock 2007 at The Loft are three members of Fourgoodmen, Ian Donaldson (ex-H20), Mick MacNeil (ex-Simple Minds), and Graeme Duffin (Wet Wet Wet).

Bands will be coming from across the UK now with lots of different styles on offer, including traditional, blues, ceilidh and rock.

The bill for the 12-hour concert features lots of well-known bands, such as headliners Fourgoodmen, who are expected to play a sensational set. The band comprise Derek Forbes (Simple Minds/Propaganda), Ian Donaldson (H20), Mick MacNeil (Simple Minds), Smiley (Joe Strummer and The Mescalero's) and Graeme Duffin (Wet Wet Wet).

Long-time Bootstock supporter and former Runrig frontman, Donnie Munro, needs little introduction to Highland Festival-goers, while The Inspiral Carpets ex-frontman Tom Hingley is a regular performer in the North.

Great new Scottish talent Esther O'Connor, who has been compared with such illustrious artists as Shania Twain and Sheryl Crow, will be appearing. Esther, daughter of Wet Wet Wet's Graeme Duffin, made her entrance to the music scene in 2000 as a 17-year-old. Her current UK tour is promoting her album "The Place Where We Are" which is available from a host of internet sites.

Friday night's action will be headlined by up and coming Glasgow rockers Darkwater, who are touring UK-wide.

Making their Bootstock debut will be Celtic rock band Sons O' the Soil, while many of the usual Bootstock favourites from other years will also be performing.

Confirmed so far are: AROARA, Clachan Yell, Andy Cullen, Far Beyond Trust, Ewan Reid, F-Jams, Livestrong, Mama's Brand New Bag, Naftubas, Nelsons Mandola, Soulmates, Tarka Groove Experiment, Tempus, Vegas Hed Thug and Wounded Knee.

Bootstock has gone from strength to strength since it was launched, with more than £10,000 already raised, and this sum is making a significant difference to the lives of large number of people.

The Bootstock Association's objectives are to create educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in Nepal.

Tickets are available from The Loft 01343 850111, The Music Centre, Forres, Sound and Vision, Elgin and online at The Booth www.thebooth.co.uk.

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