PAVILION FESTIVAL IS BACK – BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER!
Gill Sherry
When Ewan McVicar spoke exclusively to Ayrshire Magazine back in 2023, he was excited to be bringing Pavilion Festival to his hometown for the first time. His motivation back then was to push the economy in Ayr, to do good by the town and to lift its spirits. Well, he certainly achieved that!
“It’s definitely helping the town,” he declares. “Last year the hotels sold out, the shops were buzzing… and that’s pretty much what it’s all about.”
The festival is returning to Low Green for the third consecutive year in May and Ewan is just as excited, if not more so, than he was when it all began.
“The line-ups have always included some of my favourite artists… but I think it’s a level up this year. Plus the fact we get to cater for a different demographic and a different clientele on the Friday, so it’s actually become more exciting!”
I can hear that excitement in his voice. The novelty of arranging his very own electronic music festival has clearly not worn off. In fact, taking place over three days, this year it’s more ambitious than ever, and no longer considered just an electronic festival.
“We’re trying to do something that will appeal to everyone, but we still want our own identity. There are so many festivals now, but I think we have something unique down in Ayr. The location is unique. The demographic over the three days is going to be unique. There will be folk from different backgrounds and having different tastes in music. So, yes, we’re definitely more ambitious about what we’re doing at Pavilion.”
That ambition is reflected in the new team behind Pavilion Festival.
“We brought in some folk with expertise in festivals and I think it’s showing now… with the rebrand and the line-ups we’re pulling in.”
Absolutely! With big names like James, Happy Mondays and Annie Mac – not forgetting Ewan himself – Pavilion Festival is a big deal! So, what can we expect this year, starting with Ayr Beach Live on Friday 2nd May?
“The Friday is primarily rock. Pavilion, the old club, used to be a rock venue. I never got to go to the club, I was too young. In fact, I wasn’t even born! But I’ve always been a fan of the history of music. When I first put up Pavilion as a dance music festival, I got a bit of stick from the folk who used to go to the club back in the day. So I’m expecting the crowd to be more rock orientated on the Friday, with loads of local bands playing.”
And on the Saturday?
“The Saturday will be the young team… my crowd, my fans. Also Annie Mac fans and Ben Hemsley fans. There’s loads going on there!”
Indeed there is. It’s also the first time fans will get to see a special back-to-back set by Ewan McVicar & Pals.
“Everyone on the bill I met through music. We’re colleagues, if you can call it that. And my little brother as well, he’s also my tour manager. He plays at one set a year and it’s at Pavilion. I thought it would be fun if me and him started the day off together, and then it’s over to my friends Sally C and DJ Seinfield… with the main back-to-back being me and Ben Hemsley.”
Both Ewan and Ben made a name for themselves during lockdown when music fans spent most of their time at home listening to the radio or streaming their favourite tracks.
“We were on Radio 1 a lot back then. We came through with the new generation of dance music fans and they’ve always wanted us to play back-to-back. We’ve never officially done it, so this is a big one for them. It’s the main event.”
Which just leaves Sunday’s STREETrave: Ayr Beach…
“The Sunday will be the old ravers,” he laughs.
With so many acts performing over the three days, I dare to ask which one he’s looking forward to the most.
“I wanted Annie Mac the first year,” he says. “I’ve met her and played with her a few times. I just love her and everything she stands for. So I’m excited for her to close the Saturday and go on the mic with her iconic voice. If you’d told me when I was younger that Annie Mac would be playing in Low Green I would’ve said you were absolutely nuts! But I’m excited for it all, to be fair. I’m excited to see how it all pans out.”
Ewan’s enthusiasm seems to have increased each year, just as the festival has grown. Proof, should we need it, that his vision isn’t just short-term.
“I’ve always wanted it to be something that goes on for longer than me. I want it to be something for Ayr. It’s not necessarily seen from a selfish point of view any more, it’s more than that.”
Judging by the popularity of the festival and the commitment of those involved, there’s no reason why it can’t continue to be a regular fixture on the Ayrshire calendar. But regardless of its longevity, the former Belmont Academy student can be very proud of what he’s done, and continues to do, for both his hometown and his fans.
Speaking of which, does he have a message for those fans ahead of this year’s festival?
“This one will be the best by a mile!”
You can purchase tickets for Pavilion Festival at www.pavilionfestival.com/tickets
