The Shipping Forecast Garden Party

[Little Pebble]

Relying on the Scottish weather is usually an act of sheer folly. But, for Shipping Forecast Garden Party (SFGP) organiser Dav MacNaughton, it’s integral to the success of his monthly music gathering.

“This is only our second show - another one we had planned was cancelled due to poor weather,” says McNaughton. “We had to cancel one show we were putting on with FOUND, Rozi Plain and We See Lights which was a bit gutting so lets pray for the sun.”

Based in the outdoor courtyard of Edinburgh’s Pear Tree bar, SFGP is a novel Sunday afternoon jamboree of music, barbecue and - luck prevailing - sunshine.

With a roster containing Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers, Zoey Van Goey, The Stormy Seas, Come In Tokyo, Ben TD and Ardent John, this month’s SFGP offers up a vibrant aural boost to the dissipating Fringe festivities.

“I'd love it if people did come down not only to support the band but also the event, that would make me chuffed to bits,” says McNaughton. “I think the fact it's an outdoor daytime event it should be a pretty chilled out fun day, I can't think of a better way so spend a Sunday than in a beer garden having a few beers with my pals and listening to some good music.”

And the shipping forecast for the day?

MacNaughton deadpans: “Hopefully pretty damned stormy.”

Words: Billy Hamilton

The Shipping Forecast Garden Party starts at 1pm on Sunday 30 August in the Pear Tree courtyard, Edinburgh. Admission is diddly-squat.