Bongo Promotions aim to bring bands to the Forres area as well as host smaller events such as dinners with guest speakers.

A LOCAL music fan who has spent a lifetime travelling all over for gigs wants to bring the big acts to Moray.

Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) operations manager, Peter Mackenzie (52), is using skills and contacts he gained during time on the board at Forres Mechanics to set up new events company Bongo Promotions, aiming to bring bands to the area, as well as host smaller events such as dinners with guest speakers.

He explained: “I’ve always loved music, especially live music since my teens. My wife Morven and I have attended gigs and festivals over the years including T-in-the-Park, Rewind and Transmit. We most recently travelled to Prague to see Essex rockers Nothing but Thieves.

“I see potential for more events in the area featuring established, upcoming and tribute acts. We have amazing local talent which needs promoting too!”

In 2013, Peter joined the committee at Mosset Park, taking responsibility for the commercial side of the football club. He was responsible for organising fundraising events such as sports dinners, a Prosecco stall at the European Pipe Band Championships, beer tents at Forres Highland Games, race nights, a beer festival at Mosset Park and a comedy lunch event at Forres Town Hall.

Due to work commitments, Peter had to stand down, however, having built a list of contacts in the entertainment industry, he has decided the time is right to form Bongo Promotions.

By holding events in Forres and the surrounding area, he also sees the potential for spin-offs for local hospitality via food sales and accommodation.

The Big Country fan has seen tribute act Restless Natives several times and believes they will be ideal for Bongo Promotions’ first local gig.

He said: “When my friend bassist Chris Stones from Dunfermline joined Restless Natives last year, we got talking about how great it would be if they played up north. I discussed it with Captain’s Table owner Simon Paterson, and they played a sold-out gig in Findhorn. The band have built an international following and pride themselves on delivering an authentic performance that relives the glorious shows of the 1980’s.”

Rock band Big Country formed in Dunfermline in 1981. The height of the band's popularity was in the early to mid 1980s. The band engineered their guitar-driven sound to evoke the sound of bagpipes, fiddles, and other traditional folk instruments. Their biggest hits included ‘Fields of Fire’, ‘In a Big Country’, ‘Look Away’ and ‘Wonderland’.

Peter finished: “The Hekates style of music will compliment Restless Natives as the support act on the night.”