WinterStorm

Since 2016 it has been held in Troon Town Hall,{{Cite web|title=Band Line Up {{!}} Winterstorm Rock Festival {{!}} Troon {{!}} Scotland|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/the-story-so-far/2016-archive|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}} a location that overlooks the beach and the Firth of Clyde. The event is split over two stages, the Main Stage hosts the headline acts in the Concert Hall, it has a capacity of 600 standing plus 250 seated upstairs.{{Cite web|title=Troon Concert Hall, Troon|url=https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Kilmarnock/Troon-Concert-Hall/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Skiddle.com|language=en}} The second stage, known as the Sessions Stage, has a capacity of 160{{Cite web|title=South Beach Sessions - Troon {{!}} Live Music Venue|url=https://yellow.place/en/south-beach-sessions-troon-britain|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Yellow.Place|language=en}} and hosts up and coming bands and artists as well as an acoustic event on the Sunday following WinterStorm; known as After the 'Storm. StormBreakers, a Battle of the Bands type event, has been held to give acts a chance to win a place on the Sessions Stage.{{Cite web|title=StormBreakers {{!}} WinterStorm supported Live Music Events|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/stormbreakers|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}

WinterStorm was conceived by Ian McCaig{{Cite web|title=New Troon Winter Storm event approved|url=https://www.ayradvertiser.com/news/14834181.new-troon-winter-storm-event-approved/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Ayr Advertiser|language=en}} who is also the Festival Director and promoter of South Beach Sessions. South Beach Sessions is an ongoing programme of live music events which have included bands such as Rhino's Revenge, Pat McManus, Big Country, Stiff Little Fingers, Snakecharmer as well as a number of tribute acts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/ayrshire-post/20180509/283077004883817|title=Musical Sessions are Back on Main Beach|via=PressReader|accessdate=6 March 2023}}

The volunteer staff that run the event are known as 'StormTroopers. The main stage event is compared by Tom Russell, with Pete K Mally comparing the Sessions Stage.

WinterStorm branded merchandise and catering includes-

• WinterStormer Ayrshire Pie - Brownings the Bakers based in Kilmarnock.{{Cite web|title=Introducing The WinterStormer Pie|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/introducing-the-winterstormer-pie|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}
• WinterStormin Ices - Ayrshire Ice Cream makers The Forum Cafe.{{Cite web|title=WinterStormin Ices|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/winterstormin-ices|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}
• Strathaven Ales WinterStorm Ale Cask Beer.{{Cite web|title=Strathaven Ales behind WinterStorm Cask Beer|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/strathaven-ales-behind-winterstorm-cask-beer|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}
• Winterstorm stick of rock.

The Arran Mountains (Goat Fell) that can be seen from the Troon venue are the inspiration behind the WinterStorm logo.

Regular features of WinterStorm include-

• The WinterStorm Deckchair - a giant 6-foot deckchair available for bands and festival goers to have their photograph taken on.{{Cite web|title=WinterStorm Deck Chair {{!}} Rock Fan Selfies {{!}} #RockingChair|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/deckchair|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}
• The WinterStorm Beach Clean - volunteers clean Troon Beach on the morning of the second day. For their efforts they receive a goody bag and a wee dram of whisky.{{Cite web|title=WinterStorm {{!}} Reduce Single Use {{!}} Rock Fans {{!}} Beach Clean {{!}} Troon|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/home/storm-beach-clean|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}

In November 2019, The Temple of the King Bench was unveiled. It was an original design iron-worked bench installed on the beach promenade. It acts as a memorial for lost musicians and absent friends. The dedication was supported by the Troon Blackrock Pipe Band and Doogie White who played an acoustic version of "The Temple of the King" (by Rainbow) - whose lyrics are inscribed on the bench "With just one wave of his strong right hand – he's gone to the Temple of the King".{{Cite web|title=Saturday Planner|url=https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/2019-archive/saturday-planner|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Winterstorm.co.uk|language=en}}

In 2018, WinterStorm launched a charity single. It is a cover of AC/DC’s "It's A Long Way to the Top" featuring 1st Troon Boys Brigade Pipe Band. Side B has a cover "Bad Motor Scooter" a song by Montrose. Musicians that played on the single were Chris Glen (Sensational Alex Harvey Band), Doogie White (Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group) and Paul Mcmanus (GUN). The organizations to benefit from the single are dementia-based charity Playlist For Life and the See Me project aimed at reducing the stigma of mental health in youths.{{Cite web|date=2018-11-19|title=WINTERSTORM TO LAUNCH CHARITY SINGLE • TotalRock|url=https://totalrock.com/winterstorm-to-launch-charity-single/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=TotalRock.com|language=en-GB}}

At WinterStorm V the Main Stage was officially renamed to the Steve Strange Stage in memory of the Northern Irish music agent, who died on 25 September 2021.{{Cite news|title=Steve Strange: Music stars lead tributes after death of NI agent who was industry 'titan'|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/steve-strange-music-stars-lead-tributes-after-death-of-ni-agent-who-was-industry-titan-40887312.html|access-date=2022-02-25|issn=0307-1235}}

WinterStorm V was due to take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28 November 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announced lineup at the time of postponement was: -

In a change to the usual Friday and Saturday festival format, and After the 'Storm on Sunday, The Legends and Legacies of WinterStorm features the addition of a Thursday night line-up, and will touch on the best of the past seven years.

Bernie Marsden was on the original Saturday line-up, but sadly passed in August 2023. He was replaced by Graham Bonnet and Tyketto.

• Hammerfest
• Hard Rock Hell
• Ramblin' Man Fair
• Download Festival

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.winterstorm.co.uk/ Official website]

{{Rock festival}}

{{Major British Music Festivals}}

Category:Heavy metal festivals in the United Kingdom

Category:Rock festivals in the United Kingdom

Category:Annual events in the United Kingdom

Category:Rock festivals in Scotland

Category:Tourist attractions in Scotland

Category:2016 establishments in Scotland