Belladrum announce full line-up for beloved Verb Garden
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has revealed the 2025 line-up for its beloved spoken word tent, the Verb Garden.
Running from July 31 to August 2, the Verb Garden will transform a quiet corner of the festival site into a space for creativity, conversation and spoken word, with appearances from celebrated musicians, poets, and authors.
Among this year’s most anticipated sessions is a special appearance from Stuart Murdoch, frontman of Scottish indie icons Belle & Sebastian who will read from his novel ‘Nobody’s Empire’ and perform a selection of songs in an intimate set on Saturday afternoon.
The ‘Up Close and Personal’ series also returns, with 2025 artists Tide Lines set to take the stage for an exclusive live conversation.
The festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices continues with the return of The Saturday Slam, a fast-paced live poetry competition that has become a highlight of the weekend throughout the years.
Previous Belladrum slams have seen winners go on to national and international success, and this year’s event promises to be no different.
A panel and discussion session on the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport aims to demystify the Freeport, with audiences having the opportunity to learn more about the development and its potential to bring fair-paid, long-term jobs to the region.
Representatives from across the Freeport partnership will discuss its economic and environmental goals, including renewable energy and workforce regeneration.
Other programme highlights include appearances from viral loopstation artist JJ Bull, children’s author Maura McRobbie will offer an interactive storytelling session for families, while daily mindfulness and poetry workshops will provide a moment of calm amid the festivities.
Visitors can also join a topical panel hosted by Scottish Women’s Football, with chief executive Aileen Campbell and players from the ScottishPower Highlands and Islands League discussing the rise of the women’s game and its impact across Scotland.
Also joining the Verb Garden this year are long-standing festival collaborators Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre.
Based in the Highlands, Moniack Mhor offers residencies, courses and opportunities for writers of all levels.
At Belladrum 2025, they’ll present a special Writers' Workshop led by Boo Hewerdine and Michelle Stodart of The Magic Numbers, as well as a Songwriters’ Showcase, both designed to inspire creativity and celebrate the power of storytelling through words and music.
Dougie Brown, Belladrum festival producer said: “We are delighted to unveil the programme for the Verb Garden this year and once again it’s packed full of interesting conversations, incredible performances and provides a space with a change of pace, to enjoy the diverse and eclectic experiences that make Bella such a unique event in Scottish Festival calendar!”
The full line-up for the Verb Garden, including times and performers, is now live on Facebook, Instagram and the Belladrum website.