Black Isle festival issues tongue-in-cheek invite to ex-Oasis star

The announcement last week that Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds will take to the stage in Inverness on June 8 was greeted with delight by fans of the multimillion-selling star who shot to fame as the creative force behind Oasis.

Less thrilled about the timing of the Bught Park gig, organised by Live in the City and boasting support from Razorlight and Neon Waltz, were the organisers of the Black Isle-based Woodzstock, scheduled to take place on the same date in an outdoor adventure park near Tore, just a few miles from Gallagher's headline-grabbing gig.

Woodzstock organisers Charlotte and Dave Elliott admit they were rocked – and not in a good way – when they learned of the clash. Within hours they rallied with a defiant 'show must go on' plan – to invite Gallagher to perform at their intimate venue ahead of his own show in the Highland capital.

Charlotte said: "We're excited that big names like Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are coming to the Highlands and if we weren't holding our festival on the same day we would have loved to see them play. We didn't want to miss him so we're inviting Noel to come along and play a few tunes at Woodzstock before his gig in Inverness."

She added: "We know it a long shot! We're asking the public to help us by posting online sharing the hashtag #GetNoeltoWoodz"

Now entering its third year, Woodzstock has grown year on year with more bands, festival-goers and local businesses, including food producers, artists and performers, sound engineers and local charities, benefiting.

Charlotte said: "This year promises to the best Woodzstock yet, we have some fantastic bands already booked, amazing locally sourced food and drink and activities running for the kids. An appearance from Noel would be amazing. We hope our invitation reaches him and he knows our stage will be ready for him".

No one from Live in the City was available for comment on the fixture clash. Mr Gallagher could not be reached for comment.

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