Jess says yes to Belladrum
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BELLADRUM’S much-trumpeted headline act will definitely be appearing as planned, according to organisers.
There had been speculation online over whether controversial star Jess Glynne would turn up for her Saturday slot at the festival after she took to social media to confirm a planned appearance in Darlington on Friday would go ahead, but a date in Carlisle originally scheduled for Sunday had been postponed.
She failed to mention Belladrum at all, leading to fears that date could also be in jeopardy.
The chart-topping singer has cancelled a number of gigs in recent months as she battles an ongoing throat problem, but also has a reputation as a no-show for other reasons.
She received a lifetime ban from the Isle of Wight festival last month after cancelling there at the last minute – initially blaming anxiety and exhaustion but later admitting she had been partying with the Spice Girls the night before.
As part of her statement this week she said she had been advised to perform no more than two gigs back-to-back as her throat recovers, suggesting Belladrum could still be on but failing to make that plain.
Yesterday event producer Dougie Brown confirmed that, as far as he is concerned, it is still all systems go for her appearance.
“I believe Jess has postponed the Carlisle date, but she is still doing us,” he said.
“We have everything sorted with Jess – we had emails this morning from them, so it all looks fine for us.
“I believe she is not doing any shows she doesn’t have to and has been told to leave bigger gaps between them.”
As the festival near Beauly gets under way today police have also issued travel advice for revellers making their way there.
Heavy traffic is expected as the Black Isle Show also takes place outside Muir of Ord.
A Police Scotland spokesman said the organisers of both events had been working with officers to make sure thousands attending both events can enjoy themselves safely.
“Well-established traffic management plans are in place for the events and our advice is to follow the instructions of stewards and police officers to help keep traffic moving,” he said.
“Please watch out for event signage and follow this rather than relying on your sat nav.
“The roads are naturally busier than normal so please be patient and leave extra time for your journey.”
The organisers of Belladrum have announced that next year’s event will take place a week earlier – Thursday, July 30 to Saturday, August 1 – to avoid clashing with the Black Isle Show.
