MugStock, the charity behind the festival, is set to open The MugShack in Cumbernauld, with the Utah Saints headlining the launch.
Early bird tickets are now available at www.mugstock.org.
Located on the third floor of The Centre Cumbernauld, The MugShack was originally Cumbernauld’s town hall, serving as a hub for community events and gatherings.
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The building, once a celebrated example of brutalist modernism, has been a topic of much debate in Scotland.
After being abandoned for two decades, MugStock began refurbishing the venue on the day the UK’s first lockdown measures were announced in March 2020.
Now, five years later, the venue is set to officially open on Friday, May 9.
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Utah Saints will be joined by party band Colonel Mustard and The Dijon Five for the launch.
Colonel Mustard described Utah Saints as “legends,” saying it would be an honour to support them.
The full weekend line-up is yet to be announced, but organisers promise 12 hours of free, all-ages daytime fun, along with two more nights of ticketed 18+ gigs.
So far, MugStock has raised over £43,000 to transform The MugShack from a derelict shell into a revitalised not-for-profit venue.
The venue has also facilitated the formation of two other non-profits—TRASH Music Projects and Cumbernauld Alternative Network CIC.
These organisations run music workshops for young people and sewing, mending, and upcycling projects, all at no cost.
The MugShack features a 300-capacity main auditorium with a stage, a second hall, and a catering kitchen.
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MugStock director Alan Govan expressed excitement for the launch, saying: “With over two million record sales and a 33-year career at the forefront of dance music, there’s no doubt that Utah Saints are going to light a fire in the heart of our dear venue.
“These guys have run nights, venues, and festivals.
“They are the real deal, completely inspirational, and we couldn’t think of a better act to help us warm up our unique venue.
“Our special guests Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 have been with MugStock since the start, since co-presenting The Yellow Movement stage at the first MugStock in 2015.
“Three of the band are Cumbernauld residents and a further three, including the Colonel himself, went to school here, so this is a homecoming show for them.”
