The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has established itself as one of the world's largest, with almost 500 events across 89 venues in 6 days kicking off this year from April 30th.

 A preview of all the events launched on 24th January, with tickets going on sale from 12 noon next Monday 3rd February.

Now in its 26th year, reflecting on last year's record-breaking event, sales were up 23% with just over 8,400 tickets sold and visitors coming far and wide from 39 different countries.

An economic impact assessment revealed that the 2024 Festival generated over £2.2million to the local economy during the festival and supported around 20 full-time jobs.

Henry Angus is to take over the tenure as Chair from George McNeil for this year's Festival.  A well-respected figure in Speyside, his career spans across established companies in Morayshire and Aberdeenshire.  After a long-standing relationship with the Festival, he recently joined the Board and is looking forward to taking the helm and helping further elevate its stature.

Henry said, “Last year was record-breaking and the spotlight was firmly on Speyside.  This is the most populous whisky region with the greatest array of distilleries at any festival globally.  It brings together whisky fans, distillers and visitors that love this beautiful part of the world.   From masterclasses to music, from quizzes to fireside gatherings, from culture to history the calendar is full of opportunities to share the water of life with fellow whisky lovers, aficionados and people that just enjoy a dram.”

With 28 villages and towns in Moray Speyside, many of the 51 distilleries will throw open their doors including a number that are usually closed to the public.  Characterised by rolling patchwork hills, a terrain that epitomises the whisky produced and the meandering River Spey that lends its waters to making some of the world's finest whisky, this Festival has it all. 

The event will kick off with an industry dinner on Wed 30th April, co-hosted by Speyside Distillers Ltd followed by the annual ceilidh on 2nd May for visitors to the Festival.  Both events will take place for the first time at the Macdonald Highlands Hotel, in Aviemore.  Usually pre-sold, a rare opportunity to secure a spot at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky School will launch this year, along with the ticket sales. 

A SELECTION OF EVENTS INCLUDE;

Spirit of Speyside Whisky School – a 3-and-a-half-day programme where visitors can explore the history, science, and craftsmanship behind Scotch whisky.

Whisky & Waves – join Murray McDavid at their beach huts in Findhorn where you can paint the scenery and sip on drams.

The Cabrach Land of The Wild Spirit – Speyside's newest distillery for an intimate tour.

The Malt Master Tour hosted by Brian Kinsman - tour the Glenfiddich Distillery with Brian and enjoy a tutored master class with the man himself. 

The Mastery of the Macallan – six-course tasting menu served in the new TimeSpirit restaurant and a guided production experience through the distillery with a tutored tasting.

Cask Confidential – an exclusive Glen Moray & Whisky Talks Experience – hosted by Fraser Campbell with a panel of special guest speakers.  Find out about new releases.

TICKET INFORMATION;

 Previews for ticket sales went live at 12noon on 24th January

Launch of ticket sales is live at 12noon on 3rd February

WEBSITE - https://spiritofspeyside.citizenticket.com/

ENDS