Scottish Weekender CANCELLED.

Organiser Mary Kiani contact Anglo&Celtic with an update on the Scottish Weekender, (which is the cover story in January’s Anglo&Celtic magazine):

Mary said: “I’m writing to share some heartfelt news about The Scottish Weekender, which was scheduled for 17/18/19th January 2025. After months of planning, countless hours of work, and a lot of hope, I’ve had to make the incredibly difficult decision to cancel 2025 year’s event.

“This is not a decision I’ve made lightly. I’ve been working tirelessly to make this year’s event a success, but due to unforeseen challenges — including rising venue and suppliers costs and not reaching the ticket sales we needed — it’s simply not possible to move forward as planned. I also applied for a grant to help bridge the gap, but unfortunately, that didn’t come through.

“To everyone who has purchased tickets: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. I will be issuing full refunds and will reach out to you directly with details in the coming days.

“While this news is heartbreaking, I want you to know that this is not the end for The Scottish Weekender. I am committed to coming back next year, bigger and better than ever. Your support and encouragement over the past few years mean the world to me, and I hope you’ll join me again when the time is right.

“Thank you for believing in this event and in me. I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful community of supporters, and I can’t wait to bring this vision to life again in the future.”

Thank you to the wonderful Mary Kiani for all the hard work she puts into organising The Scottish Weekender, it really is a wonderful event and we look forward to supporting it again next year.

Plans for the festival included a Scottish gathering in the stunning Glenworth Valley/Peats Ridge, New South Wales. Organised by Scottish singer Mary Kiani, the event was set to feature an array of experiences celebrating Scotland’s rich culture and traditions.

Anthony Field, the blue Wiggle who has Scottish heritage, made an appearance at last year’s event, and this third edition was shaping up to be the biggest yet. Attendees were invited to bring kids, family, and friends for a weekend of Scottish fare, fun, and flings in one of the most picturesque spots on the Central Coast.

Mary Kiani first gained prominence as the lead singer for Scottish electronic dance music group The Time Frequency during the early 1990s. Their single Real Love was one of the rave anthems of the Nineties. Mary’s soaring and captivating vocals contributed to the success of the band’s hit songs. 

Prior to her time with The Time Frequency, Mary had a career as a session and backing vocalist. She toured alongside renowned artists like Donny Osmond, John Reid, The Nightcrawlers, Paul Young, Hue & Cry, China Crisis, and even lent her vocals to The Simpsons’ The Yellow Album. She also had the honour of supporting the legendary Prince during a UK tour.

Mary runs many events throughout the year. A passionate Scot from Glasgow, she loves belting out Flower of Scotland and getting folk together.

Fans of Mary will undoubtedly be keeping an eye out for her future projects and events.

Pictures: Mary Kiani with special guest Anthony Field of The Wiggles at last year’s Scottish Weekender. Credit: The Scottish Weekender