CRYSTAL by Jannica Honey (1)

worth going out for: flying moon music & arts festival;

Summer is officially Music Festival Season or, as we have come to dub it around these parts, Moaning About the Lack of Diversity on Music Festival Line-ups Season.

And yet, every year, nothing changes.

That’s why Flying Moon, a one-day music and arts festival taking place at the Flying Duck in Glasgow on Saturday, is so refreshing. A joint venture by Glasgow-based, woman-led music promotion company Moonstruck on Clydeside, local indie folk band Flying Penguins and the Flying Duck – an ethically-run vegan venue in the heart of the city – Flying Moon was born of a desire to showcase the demand for female-led acts, as well as wanting to provide an alternative to people who can’t afford larger festivals this summer.

Says Nicole Stapinski of Moonstruck on Clydeside: “We are very pleased and excited for our festival lineup, which showcases emergent, women-focused artistry throughout Scotland, in an industry climate often criticised for doing exactly the opposite.”

CRYSTAL by Jannica Honey (1)
Iona Fyfe

Running from 4pm to midnight, Flying Moon promises two stages of music, poetry and short-form theatre, plus stalls selling vegan and cruelty-free treats and handmade arts, crafts and jewellery. I’m already a fan of Vinyl Justice‘s recycled record jewellery – but I’d also be keen to check out recycled drum cymbal jewellery from Cymbal Things; Rebel Radical DIY‘s upcycled clothes, bags and custom patches; and cross-stitch decals and patches by Basicbitch Stitching.

Oh, you want to know about the music? Co-headling the dual stages are some of my current favourite Scottish performers: the richly soulful Annie Booth and arrestingly-voiced Megan Airlie; ukulele-wielding avenging angel Zoë Bestel and MG Alba Scots Singer of the Year 2017 nominee Iona Fyfe; and rockers CRYSTAL. Also on the bill you’ll find Woodwife, Misc. Meat, Luthia and Flying Penguins, plus short-form comedy/musical theatre from Neuro Trash and poetry from Andy Edwards.

Zoe Bestel

All this for a mere £7 on the door, or £5 in advance if you’re quick. With money from ticket sales going directly to the artists, Flying Moon promises a more ethical model of music promotion as well as a damn good day/evening out. Check the Facebook event for more info and set times.

Images supplied by Flying Moon Music & Arts Festival; CRYSTAL photograph by Jannica Honey.