Author Ian Rankin praises 'dream line-up' of local arts festival.

Novelist Ian Rankin, author of the best-selling Inspector Rebus series, claimed the Aberfeldy Festival (4-5 Nov 2011) had his dream line-up of Scottish music. Rankin says, 'I think my original wish-list had ten names on it, but only six would be needed. The first six we asked all said yes'.

The acts, including Star Wheel Press, James Yorkston, John Hunt and Admiral Fallow, were all chosen by Rankin, who was the guest curator of this year's festival.

The festival, now in its second year, was a sell out and saw the local community pulling together to ensure its great success and mark it as a permanent annual fixture on the town's calendar.

It kicked off in Aberfeldy Town Hall on Friday evening, hosted by Ian Rankin who introduced the bands who were playing. Rankin, a confessed music lover, had worked closely with local artist and musician Ryan Hannigan, to put together a lineup of his favourite bands to entertain the bigger than expected crowd that attended over the two nights of the festival.

On Saturday visitors were able to sample a gourmet breakfast at local Café D'Amour Bistro; listen to Ian Rankin, who further supported the weekend's festivities by giving a talk and signing copies of his latest book 'The Impossible Dead', in the Watermill Bookshop. A special festival market had an array of crafts, gifts and local produce, while live music from the fantastic Second Hand Marching Band and local band Sandstorm entertained on stage in the Town Square. Children's entertainment was provided, and market shoppers were further entertained by the skills of street performer Tam Baker, and a spectacular firework display.

Saturday night brought more great music from the bands Ballboy, A Band called Quinn and Admiral Fallow, who all received a great reception from a warm and appreciative festival audience. Festival goers were also treated to some really great food over the two nights provided by local chef Steven Dow. The festivities continued well into the early hours with the After Party at the Courtyard Kenmore.

'Aberfeldy has a thriving artists' community, and it has a terrific bookshop. It's the perfect location for something that involves writers, musicians and artists,' Rankin says.

Ellen McBride of the festival committee adds, 'The Aberfeldy Festival was a huge success, bringing visitors into the town at a usually quiet time of year. We are so grateful to our headline sponsors Dewar's and all the local businesses that have supported us; and particularly to everyone who attended for making it such an amazing festival.'