Inverness Chamber of Commerce has announced Dougie Brown, Festival Producer of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, as the guest speaker at its annual Charity Christmas Lunch on Thursday 3 December at Ness Walk, Inverness.
With more than 20 years’ experience across live music, festivals and artist management, Dougie will join Inverness Chamber Chief Executive, Colin Marr, for a relaxed fireside chat. They’ll explore his career, the people and decisions behind some of Scotland’s best-known music events, and the challenges and highlights of bringing major festivals to life. From his early days working at Belladrum and the acquisition of Kilimanjaro Group in 2018, to booking high-profile artists and launching new events, the conversation will offer an insight into the business and hard work behind the Tartan Heart Festival.
Dougie first began working with Belladrum in 2005 in a freelance capacity before taking up the role of Festival Producer in 2018. Today, alongside his work at Belladrum, he is a director and producer of The Gathering Festival in Inverness, runs artist management company Into the Light Management and sits on the board of the Scottish Music Industry Association. Belladrum has also become an active member of Inverness Chamber, joining just over a year ago and embracing opportunities to connect with the Highland business community, working with a wide range of local businesses and organisations to help deliver the festival experience.
Colin Marr said, “Belladrum is a fantastic example of a Highland success story, bringing people together through music and culture while creating opportunities for businesses and communities across the region. Since joining the Chamber, Dougie and the Belladrum team have really embraced the value of being part of our business network.
“I’m looking forward to hearing more about the work that goes into bringing this enormous festival together every year, as well as some of the memorable moments and lessons learned along the way. It promises to be a lively and insightful conversation.”
Dougie Brown said, “Belladrum has been a huge part of my working life for more than 20 years, and it’s been incredible to see how it has grown while staying true to what makes it special.
“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to bring a festival of this scale to life, from working with artists and suppliers to building relationships with the local community. I’m looking forward to chatting with Colin about the journey so far, the amazing people I work with who make it happen and some of the stories you don’t always get to hear.”
The Charity Christmas Lunch is a highlight of the Chamber’s events calendar, bringing members together to celebrate the festive season, strengthen business connections and reflect on the year. Guests will enjoy a festive lunch at Ness Walk, with a charity raffle in support of this year’s chosen charity, The Oxygen Works, which supports people living with long-term and complex health conditions and their families.
The event takes place on Thursday 3 December, with arrival from 12 noon for a 12.15pm start, concluding at 2pm. Chamber members and their colleagues are invited to join the celebrations and hear from one of the Highlands’ leading figures in the live events industry.