Some news from the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon Series which might be of interest for all the music and biking lovers out there. After weeks of intense negotiations from the guys behind ‘the Outsider’ festival, some of the artists have finally been confirmed.

The Outsider event and line-up
For everybody who hasn’t yet heard about ‘The Outsider’ it is a cool new music and activity festival that takes place in Aviemore, Scotland from the 22 – 24th June 2007. Sporty headliner of the event is the Aviemore round of the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon series taking place on Saturday the 23rd June. But there is more than ‘just’ a mountain bike marathon. Besides three challenging courses on some of the most beautiful trails the series has to offer there is a great line-up of international music and comedy acts.

For the main stage on Saturday evening we will have KT Tunstall in her first major UK show ahead of her second album and following her triumphant tour of America. On Sunday, Crowded House the legendary and recently reformed New Zealand band are performing in their only Scottish appearance this year.

As well as the main stage, the event arena will include a massive Party Tent featuring Scottish and Indie bands and DJ’s with bars and dancing. These will include King Creosote, Salsa Celtica and Shooglenifty, Blazin’ Fiddles, Peatbog Faeries and DJ Fred Deakin of Lemon Jelly.

Craig Hill will be part of strong line-up of well known comedians who will take part each evening in the Outsider Comedy Show in the Theatre Tent.

To find out more about this unique mountain biking and music event check out the details on the ‘Aviemore’ event page (http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/aviemore.php).

Further artists will be announced in the days to come. To check the development of the line-up and to book some ‘early bird’ tickets (!!! Runs out on the 31st March !!!) go to www.outsiderfestival.co.uk.

Ticket price structure (per person):
Early bird prices available to 31 March 2007
Weekend pass (Friday-Sunday) £50, Friday night only £15, Saturday only £25, Sunday only £25
Prices after 31 March 2007
Weekend pass (Friday-Sunday) £65, Friday night only £20, Saturday only £35, Sunday only £35

Please note that these prices DO NOT include the mountain bike event or the run. You need at least a Saturday only ticket to take part in the event. Merida marathon riders will get the Friday night added for free.
Children under the age of 12 go for free if accompanied by an adult. Up to three children per adult. Camping is free for under 12’s too. You may be asked for ID if your kids look a bit too grown up!

To enter ‘The Outsider’ marathon and any of the other events of the series please go to our entry page http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php and either download an entry form or make use of our online entry facilities.