Since her first visit to Fochabers with the Strawberryhill Fiddlers in 2007, Chelsea Hadden and her family have become regular visitors. This will be Chelsea’s third trip to Scotland and her second visit to Speyfest.

This 17 year old fiddler from Poughkeepsie, in the state of New York, wowed the crowds at last year’s Festival Club with her virtuosity and we’re delighted to see her make the return trip. Chelsea is classically trained but has a massive passion for fiddling. She has taken part in many Fiddle Showdowns, Bluegrass Festivals, and Celtic Classics back in the USA. She has competed throughout the east coast, winning many fiddle competitions in a number of different divisions and holds the Michael G. Kamen Award from Opus Foundation. Currently Chelsea is the 2008 Celtic Classic Fiddle champion, an annual competition held in the state of Pennsylvania. Chelsea is an accomplished musician and a lead member to many local acts in The States, primarily as a fiddler. But she also plays keyboards, whistles, sax and a number of percussion instruments.