Scotland's largest eco festival, which last year attracted over 8000 visitors, takes place in the grounds of Falkland Palace on July 25 and 26.

Organisers, the Falkland Centre for Stewardship, are confident it will be even better than last year's phenomenally successful event which has been described as 'one of the top 10 folk festivals in the UK'.

The core of Big Tent music philosophy, given the setting of the event in the shadow of the ancient palace, is to showcase traditional music and explore the global connections and fusions with wider world music.

Organisers — who say they have already had enquiries from across the globe from artists who want to perform — have confirmed that they will soon release the details of the headliners destined to rock The Big Hullabaloo Stage and The Wee Shindig Tent.

Big Tent programme director Mike Small said: "Big Tent has travelled a long way in a short time and we are very sensitive to designing a sustainable event which is underpinned by quality.

"Our maximum audience is 6000 per day here at our site in Falkland and we make our plans remembering that our ambition is to create a perfect sized festival aimed at a family audience".

Funding from the Scottish Government's innovative Climate Challenge Fund means that a brand new Climate Champions Zone will also feature at Big Tent 2009.

This exciting addition will profile the climate challenge projects of communities and fiery spirits from Bute to Burntislandand include groups such as the Lamancha and District Community Association 'Wood and Wool' drive to cut carbon emissions by helping people insulate their homes using sheep wool.

Also new this summer will be a series of Earth Action Talks in association with WWF Scotland, a dedicated bicycle park and a brand new Wood Zone.

Plans are also afoot to host the world's first ever Climate Change Ceilidh!

The hugely successful food village and cooking demonstration tent return, boasting the very best in local produce and chef displays along with the Black Island Brewery Pavilion serving a special Big Tent Brew made from organic barley grown on the Falkland Estate.