THE line up for an exciting new Ayr music festival has been announced.

Fresh Ayr, the brand-new folk festival taking place in Ayr’s Rozelle Park between August 11 and 13, 2023, has announced a three day event with more than 25 artists featuring on the lineup of entertainment, as well as family-friendly activities, ceilidhs, food and drink, and camping facilities.

One of the new acts added to the bill is Irish fiddle player Grainne Brady. The Glasgow-based artist has toured Ireland and Scotland to promote her debut solo album "The Road Across the Hills" with her second record "Newcomer" released in 2021.

Another new act on the lineup is the Laura Cortese Band, fronted by American singer, songwriter and fiddler Laura Cortese.

Alongside them on the bill is the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards Best Gaelic Singer of the Year, Maggie MacInnes, joined by guitarist Anna Massie.

Maggie has released six solo records and performs regularly in the UK and abroad.

Anna is known for her work with Blazin’ Fiddles, Mairearad Green and RANT, and is a three-time nominee for Best Instrumentalist at the Scots Trad Music Awards.

Nati Dreddd will also take to the stage at Rozelle Park. The Scottish TikTok sensation, who has nearly two million followers across social media platforms, has supported Tidelines, Newton Faulkner and Simply Red and sold out solo shows across Scotland.

The Paul McKenna Band, named by The New York Times as “the best folk band to have come out of Scotland in the last twenty years” will perform for audiences with their original and traditional material.

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Project Smok will also bring their Scottish traditional music to Ayr this summer. 

Blair Parham, director of Fresh Ayr Folk Fest, said: “It is a pleasure to announce such a brilliant string of talented musicians to add to our bill.

"We have more than 25 world-class acts performing across the three days – it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend and I can’t wait to welcome audiences to Rozelle Park this summer.

"We hope it will become a staple event in the calendar of folk fans across the country for years to come. Our early bird tickets are available for a limited time – fans have one more week to get the best possible deal on their passes so we would encourage people to move fast.”

Local talent also features on the original lineup as Ayr’s Alistair McCulloch and his trio will take to the stage with Mark Duff (formerly of Capercaillie) on whistles. Fiddle player Lauren Collier, who is originally from Irvine, will also perform alongside her band, showcasing material from her new album, set for release this year.

The festival, which is supported by South Ayrshire Council, has a limited number of reduced price early bird tickets available to buy until Monday 6 February.

General release tickets at an increased price of £140 will go on sale on Tuesday, February 7.

Those aged 12 years and under can attend the festival for free, there are discounted tickets available for 13–17-year-olds and day tickets are also available.

For more information visit and for tickets visit www.freshayrfolkfest.com