Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival superfan lets us in on the secrets for having the best time ever at the event
Bella superfan Imogen James lets us in on the secrets for having the best time ever at the event.
This is the 20th anniversary of Belladrum, many people will have grown up in parallel to the event, I know you're a huge fan of the event. How many times have you been?
My first Bella was in 2013 and I’ve only missed two since then! It just gets better and better.
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You're more than qualified to tell us all the secrets to have the best time. So let's start with the music. If your favourite band are due to perform, how do you get the best seat in the house?
It’s a tricky one! I think it’s always good to turn up for whoever is on before because you get to see someone you might not know, and then can move forward when you’re waiting for the act you want to see.
But, as I’ve grown up, I honestly prefer being in the middle of a crowd. At the barrier is fun, but jumping around with everyone else in the middle is even more fun! Don’t be afraid to get into the action and dance.
What about with other acts on other stages?
One of my favourite things about Belladrum is the amount of stages! I love just wondering around and popping into different tents and just discovering new music. I’ve found some of my favourite bands from doing this, so if you have a quiet minute, don’t waste it! There’s so many incredible acts to discover, and all the stages are so unique.
People love Bella because it's about more than music, what do you never want to miss when you go?
I’ve been going to the same noodle place since 2013 - they never disappoint. I literally crave those noodles all year round. But on a more serious note, the Walled Garden! It’s so peaceful and offers a mix of shops, coffee and spaces to chill and catch a poetry performance or two. The perfect place to rest the weary legs for a bit.
What strategy do you have when it comes to food and drink?
I always pack loads of breakfast bars for when I’m peckish. You can pop them in your bag and they’re easy to get through. Food is expensive at festivals, so it’s about spending it on what you can’t do yourself I say. Have a couple tinnies in your tent and pace yourself, and then treat yourself to a nice dinner and drink later on.
Camping is massive for a lot of people, if you don't have a campervan and you're in a wee tent, what are the five top items to bring with you and how do you get through it all when it comes to the potential lack of sleep and shared toilets.
I have had a fair few rough times in the Bella camping fields. Firstly, make sure you get a good tent. A £25 pop-up from Tesco may seem like a bargain until it typically rains and floods your sleeping area! Trust me.
Comfort is key - make sure you’re warm enough and have a good pillow.
If you’re a light sleeper I recommend earplugs to block out the late-night revellers.
After a few days it can get sticky, bring some wipes for a ‘shower’ to freshen up.
Toilets are also a danger zone - I bring my own toilet roll and wipes to clean the seats.
Sometimes I have treated myself though and bought the VIP upgrade. It’s a godsend having lights, clean loos, and no queues.
Looking back, what's your favourite Bella memory?
It has to be working there for The Inverness Courier in 2022. It felt so full circle for me, reporting on the event I was raised on. Me and Rachel Smart (a colleague and incredible writer) had a blast running round and interviewing everyone we could, from a newly married couple to Emeli Sande. But we ended the weekend by meeting Gok Wan, and dancing behind his set as he closed the festival. We just had the best time, definitely a pinch-me moment.
What's the best act you've seen at Bella?
This is such a tough question. I think it would have to be Catfish and the Bottlemen in 2014. It was before they were big so they were in a smaller stage, and I was such a big fan. I’ve seen them so many times since, at arenas and festivals, but nothing is as good as seeing them on that tiny stage.
Who would be your must-see this time around?
Again, tough one. I think the Sugababes need credit where it’s due. They’ve been around since I was a wee girl, you’ve got to see them at least once!
And if you like a bit of folky, singer-songwriter stuff, Rosie H Sullivan is perfect. I stumbled across her in 2022, and she’s a permanent fixture in my playlist now.
Finally, any last tips or advice?
Enjoy every minute. Belladrum is so special - it has something for everyone. From being 11 years old to 22 now, I’ve always found something else that I cherish there. Find new stages, go into the comedy tents, sample different vendors, and say ‘hi’ to your tent neighbours. Throw yourself into it, and don’t over plan.
Imogen James is a London-based BBC journalist, who started her career at The Inverness Courier.
