Family-friendly events at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

From drams to drama and the angels’ share to the open air there is something to suit all ages and tastes at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (Thursday 29th April to Monday, 3rd May).

Set in the north east of Scotland, the five day Festival offers a packed programme of events and activities to keep families entertained, with over 230 events – many of which are free - aimed at the non-whisky drinker as well as the casual whisky consumer and the connoisseur.

Several free events in this year’s fun packed festival programme offer the opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the culture of Scotland’s whisky country from traditional, toe-tapping ceilidhs at The Square in Aberlour and at the beautifully conserved Brodie Castle with afternoon tea* including a special whisky cake; the Benromach and Forres Theme Day when the pretty market town of Forres plays host to a collection of some of the finest vintage and classic vehicles from around Scotland; as well as kilt-making demonstrations and a selection of arts and crafts exhibitions.

Alternatively festival goers and families can enjoy a theatrical journey* through the local legends from smugglers to stills with the Grantown Players, or peruse the works of Speyside’s photographers and writers while enjoying an al fresco performance by Scottish band the Billhillies, a free event at the Craighurst Guest House in Keith.

Families may also enjoy taking to the water on a day’s canoe trip* down Scotland’s second longest river, the River Spey; or for those who prefer to stay on dry land there are other exciting outings in the area, including train journeys* serving afternoon teas on the historic 11 mile stretch of line with the Keith and Dufftown Heritage Railway.

Others may choose to follow the progress of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival flag as it journeys south from Forres to Advie, crossing the expanse of Speyside in style, starting and culminating in an impressive twenty-strong mounted cavalcade procession accompanied by a traditional pipe band through the main streets of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey respectively.

With all this on offer plus a plethora of whisky themed events and open days at Speyside’s 50+ distilleries, visitors are guaranteed a memorable stay and a wonderful taste of the Speyside spirit of hospitality.

Visit spiritofspeyside.com for further information and on-line bookings.

* Charges apply