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"This is the best moment of my life" – Organiser Andy Macdonald delighted with MacMoray Festival in Elgin


By Jonathan Clark

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ORGANISER Andy Macdonald has described Saturday's MacMoray Family Easter Festival in Elgin as the best moment of his life.

Andy and Malcolm MacDonald (organiser and event manager) at the MacMoray Festival held at Cooper Park, Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Andy and Malcolm MacDonald (organiser and event manager) at the MacMoray Festival held at Cooper Park, Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

For Mr Macdonald, originally from Lossiemouth, the all-day festival – attended by 7500 people – has been a dream turning into reality for three years.

But he could scarcely have imagined it going as well as it did, with the sell-out crowd loving every second of the eight bands.

"I'm over the moon," he said towards the end of the night. "I just love seeing everyone have fun because it has not been easy to put this festival on. It's been so hard.

"I've forgotten what it's like to sleep but it's all been worth it in the end – I've absolutely loved it. To have this many people turn up and have a good time – I'm absolutely buzzing.

Crowds enjoying the first MacMoray Festival held at Cooper Park. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Crowds enjoying the first MacMoray Festival held at Cooper Park. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

"It's the best feeling in the world, this is the best moment of my life – having 7500 people singing along and dancing having a good time.

"The feeling... I can't explain it. It will probably sink in later because I'm in a bit of shock still."

There are, of course, hopes that this festival will become an annual event – becoming bigger and bigger year on year.

A capacity crowd enjoyed the show at Cooper Park in Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
A capacity crowd enjoyed the show at Cooper Park in Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

The prospect of getting as big a band as possible to play in Elgin is one that excites Andy.

He added: "I'm hoping and praying that the response is positive and we can do this every year

"With everyone having such a good time, and the artists having such a good time, it's only going to get better.

"I want to see who we can get to come to Cooper Park in Moray and perform. I want to know how far I can push and who I can get.

"There are already a few bands I've spoken to for next year."

The Vengaboys were the highlight of the day – with the crowd going ballistic for the Dutch Europop group. The Boomtown Rats were popular as well, with Sir Bob Geldof's group – who came on stage close to 10pm – getting the crowd going one last time.

Bob Geldof performs with the Boomtown Rats as they headline the inaugural MacMoray Festival. ..The first MacMoray Festival held at Cooper Park, Elgin on Saturday 16th April 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Bob Geldof performs with the Boomtown Rats as they headline the inaugural MacMoray Festival. ..The first MacMoray Festival held at Cooper Park, Elgin on Saturday 16th April 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

MORE: Boomtown Rats Bob Geldof praises MacMoray Festival.

Away from the music, there were some small issues that will need to be ironed out in future.

Andy added: "There were a few teething issues, which I learned pretty much straight away.

"I wish I had a bigger bar and I wish I had more toilets – but these are all things I can go away and learn from to make it bigger, better and more efficient as the years go on."



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