Stay Fresh long-listed for Scotland’s festival of the year

The much-loved Stay Fresh Music Festival has been longlisted as Scotland’s festival of the year.
The nomination has absolutely thrilled the organisers of the Dunoon event, who say it is a great recognition for the town’s music scene.
From its initial concept by Callum Newall and Kenny McLay of the local band SOAP in 2018, the event has gone from strength to strength.
Callum told this newspaper the longlisting is great, but shortlisting would be something else: It would be huge for the Dunoon and Argyll music scene. We’re joined on the long list by notable festivals that have over five times the daily attendance than we do the population in Dunoon.
Stay Fresh Music Festival has made the long list, featuring many prestigious names such as Belladrum, Eden, Heartland, Tenement Trail, Tiree Music Festival and TRNSMT.
Our small event goes a long way, fuelled by our passion for music, community and charity, said Callum.
And it is part of that charitable approach that has enabled the Stay Fresh Music Festival to raise more than £44.5m for charity.
The small team of organisers consists of Callum Newall, Kenny McLay, Helena McLay, Jake McLay, Paul Walker and Mark Borland.
Together, they plan Stay Fresh Music Festival by meeting on some Sundays, through video calls or by group chat.
Days, weeks and months of planning go into this, while the team is all working full-time jobs and juggling very busy lives.
Callum said: The selfless devotion of the team is the backbone of what we do. It’s a team I’m incredibly proud of. We’re also very lucky to have the backing of many local businesses.
The selfless group acknowledges the benefit of being longlisted, but to be shortlisted is the next big step. What if Stay Fresh wins?
Back to Callum: If we did actually win against all the odds, it would be because of the support that the people of Dunoon show year after year, making our dream come true. This year, we had a sold-out event and raised £9.5k.
A win would definitely raise the profile of the festival and show that Dunoon is the place to be for live music.
He added: We’d love the support to help Stay Fresh Music Festival grow.
We’re so glad it’s become one of the main dates in the Dunoon events calendar.
If you’ve been along to the event, volunteered, played at or supported it, then a vote for our festival is a vote for the community.
The public vote is open until January 1, after which the shortlist will be announced and judged by industry professionals.
You can vote online at scottishlivemusicawards.co.uk.