Frightened Rabbit guitarist to headline Selkirk music festival with new band Haiver
Harris Fest is being held at the town's rugby club on June 22nd in memory of former player
Frightened Rabbit guitarist Billy Kennedy is to headline a music festival in his hometown of Selkirk - with new band Haiver.
Harris Fest is being held at the town's rugby club on Saturday, June 22nd, in memory of former player Harris Macdonell.
It comes just weeks after the Crown Office confirmed a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held into his death.
The 19-year-old, who had autism, took his own life after being treated in an adult psychiatric ward.
The festival's being delivered in association with the Harris Trust, which was set-up to help people like him, who are neurodiverse or have mental health struggles, "access musical or sporting activities that help them build confidence and community".
Musicians from its SPaRKs (Songwriting, performance and recording Kickstarter) project will also be performing on the day.
Billy said: “We’re super excited to be headlining Harris Fest in my bonny hometown of Selkirk!
“It’s been an absolute honour to work with Harris Trust and the SPaRKs project to bring this idea to life.
"It’s the weekend after Selkirk Common Riding so save some of your shows money and come support a great cause!”
Other musical highlights include appearances from Borders punk rock band 3 out of 4, Hawick’s up and coming singer songwriter Devin Casson and electronic rock band Leatherette from North East England.
Sam Johnston, who helped deliver the SPaRKs project, said: "The event itself is really a showcase and a celebration of all the talent from around the Borders.
"There's a real melting pot of artists, and there are quite a few younger artists, who might not have been part of the project but also align with the values."
Tickets for Harris Fest are available in advance here, with all proceeds going directly to the Harris Trust, which was set-up to raise awareness and provide training around mental health and neurodiversity.
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