History
HISTORY
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Live at the Loch began as the Tarbert Music Festival, nestled in the beautiful Scottish hills of rural Argyll, in the picturesque village of Tarbert. The festival has been a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community since its inception in 1988.
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So, although it is perhaps less well-known than its counterpart festivals elsewhere in Scotland such as Celtic Connections and T in the Park, Tarbert Music Festival does in fact have a long history. With the village having always been a lively destination for sailors, whisky tourists and holiday makers alike since the 1970s, the instigation of a music festival in this fun-loving wee place was a foregone conclusion.
Tarbert also has other festivals taking place earlier in the year, with the music festival being celebrated at the very end of each bustling summer season, heading into the Autumn equinox in mid September (whilst the weather is still good!). What began as a simple get together of music lovers organising bills of ever-increasing profile for visiting and local audiences has since bloomed into a festival which has attracted the likes of Eddi Reader, Dougie McLean, Phil Cunningham, Ally Bain, Sanna, Skipinnish, to mention a few.
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The festival brings together a wide array of musical genres, from traditional folk to contemporary pop, with performances from talented local artists as well as internationally recognised acts. Set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Fyne and the start of the Kintyre Way, the festival has grown over the years, attracting both visitors and residents who gather to enjoy high-quality music in an intimate and welcoming environment.
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The event typically features concerts, open-air performances, crafts and workshops, making it an inclusive celebration for all ages and musical tastes. The festival has become an essential part of the Tarbert cultural calendar, showcasing not only the local talent but also the breath-taking beauty of the surrounding region.
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The success of the festival has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its organisers, volunteers, and supporters. Special thanks are due to the local community, sponsors, and artists whose involvement continues to ensure the festival's growth and sustainability. The Tarbert Music Festival remains a treasured event that brings together people from all walks of life to experience the power of music in one of Scotland’s most scenic settings. Rebranded in 2025 as “Live at The Loch - Scotland’s Most Beautiful Music Festival”
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Acknowledgements are extended to the generous sponsors, including local businesses and cultural organisations, without whom the festival could not take place. Thanks are also given to the festival’s volunteers and attendees for their unwavering support over the years.
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Barbara Johnson
Carolyn MacDonald
Catherine Blair
Chris Norris
David Gaskill
Douglas McAlpine
Duncan McGregor
Graham Scott
Janeann Reppke
Jane Cowen
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...And each and every person who has volunteered their time and effort over the years!
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PS: Please let us know if we have missed anyone and we'll add you! liveatthelochscotland@gmail.com
​Jane Elliot
Jane Johnson
Jane MacDonald
John Hardie
Jonathan Best
Laura Henderson
Les Oman
Liz Scott
Margaret Jackson
Margaret MacNeill
Marilyn McAlpine
Mary MacFarlane
Neil Anderson
Pamela Watt
Rowan Sneddon
Sarah Goldsworthy
Seona Martin
Sheena Ferguson
Sheena Callender
Sheila Campbell
Tony Jones
"Slainte Mhath"
"Good health" - or "Cheers" to all of the previous volunteers and committee members
PREVIOUS ACTS HAVE INCLUDED
WHY HAS THE NAME CHANGED?​
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​We wanted to have a new name to make the festival more appealing to external sponsors, bands and visitors. Live at the Loch (like T in the Park) is exciting and although it does not have the word ‘Tarbert’ in the name, we think it is the perfect description of what this festival is, live music, at the loch. Most people outwith our area do not associate ‘the Loch’ with ‘Lochgilphead’.
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WHO ARE THE NEW COMMITTEE?
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Since 1988 the committee has been made up of local people who live in Tarbert and who volunteer their time and efforts for free. This is still the case. This does not mean at all that the committee is a ‘secret’ but they will not be posting their names on the LATL social media or the website. Given that we live in a small community some members would prefer not to be a target for animosity, nor do they seek praise. The volunteers would prefer to get their heads down and work hard to make our festival a huge success.
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WERE THE PREVIOUS COMMITTEE GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO REMAIN INVOLVED?
Absolutely! The current committee reached out to them and do did the previous committee leaders. All declined to be on the committee and some asked instead to volunteer on the days of the festival. There is acknowledgements to them all on the history page of the website.
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IS THE FESTIVAL RAN BY AN OUTSIDE COMPANY?
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No, the festival is not run by an outside company, it is local residents of Tarbert who have volunteered their time. These volunteers simply have combined expertise in running events, working with bands, have good contacts, experience of operational development and communications and were kind enough to offer their help for free.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE ORGANISERS
Please drop us an email at liveatthelochscotland@gmail.com ​
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ARE THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS OR BAR STAFF AT THE MARQUEE PAID?
No. Everyone gives their time and effort for free.
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WHY IS THE FESTIVAL NOT ON THE FISH QUAY?
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​The previous committee decided that the seafood festival should be centred around the quay and the music festival around there harbour. This was for many reasons but mainly, to keep the two events separate and different and so we can make use of the marquee as the ‘main stage’ for the bands and the facilities at the marina.​
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WHO FUNDS THE FESTIVAL?​
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All Tarbert’s festivals sit underneath a company called TEC (Tarbert Enterprise Company). This was created to support all three festivals, the yacht race, the seafood festival and the music festival and act as a central pot of funding. All of the festivals require funding year on year and will work with the funds they can bring in annually on that particular festival.
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WILL BANDS WHO USED TO PLAY BE BOOKED?​
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​Yes! And in fact, some of them are returning to the festival this year. There was a lot of local feedback on the bands to book, kinds of music to include plus a desire to book new bands. We are trying to create a mix that will please everyone. Please bear in mind that many bands are already booked the year previous and so we cannot get some at this much notice. Some we do not yet have the budget to secure them.
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IS THERE A THEME TO THE ACTS BEING BOOKED?​
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No there is no theme. The festival features a variety of local and well-known artists.You can expect to hear some of Scotland’s finest Celtic music, both traditional & contemporary, mixed in with some good old fashioned floor-fillers and singalongs!
WILL LOCAL ACTS BE GIVEN A SPACE IN THE PROGRAMME?
Yes! The programming team are busy working away figuring out the slots for different acts. There will be open mic (and mini open mic) as well as local bands.
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WON'T OUTSIDE VENDORS TAKE BUSINESS AWAY FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES?
No we do not believe so. The vendors booked will be complementing local traders and ensuring all of the festival attendees have somewhere to dine and to allow for lots of choices and options.
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HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
We have always been open to anyone who wishes to help!
You can volunteer on the days of the festival or volunteer to help in the lead up. Maybe you have a desire to help book bands, maybe you’d like to help work on our social media posts, maybe you wish to help behind the bar or even just put up some bunting!
If you want to get involved please let us know.
Visit the volunteer page and tell us what you want to do to help.