‘Best small festival in the world’ kicks off in Aberdour

Visitors will be treated to art exhibitions, live music, a comedy night and activities for children

The bunting is in place for Aberdour Festival, which gets under way today.

Art exhibitions around the village will be open from 6pm and later events in the marquee kick off with music from the Jennifer Ewan Band.

Tomorrow morning the “royal” party will lead the parade to the Black Sands for the start of beach day including sandcastle competitions, stalls and a barbecue.

This year, to mark the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth, youngsters are being encouraged to dress up as the author’s characters for the parade.

Festival chairwoman Philomena Oldfield said: “I am excited to present a wonderful, energetic and diverse programme that hopefully will leave you feeling spoiled for choice.

“This is no mean feat considering the variety and high quality of the 32 previous years’ events that have led to this being possibly the best small festival in the world.

“This year is the Scottish Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design as well as the 100th anniversary of the birth of Roald Dahl and 400th of Shakespeare’s death.

“These celebrations represent foundations of our programme.”

Tickets are still available, but are selling fast for the children’s events.

Ms Oldfield added: “We’ve got an action packed weekend ahead. We’ve got a fantastic band to start things off after the art exhibitions preview.

“Then there’s the beach day on Saturday and the traditional ceilidh, which is usually packed.

“On Sunday we’ve got the Brae Run and comedy night. “It’s a really busy first weekend.” The festival programme continues throughout the week, with everything from Jo Jingles to gin tasting and football to felting workshops.

Full details are available at the festival website, aberdourfestival.org.

The event runs until Sunday August 7, when the finale will be live music in the Foresters Arms and the annual Poems and Pints open mic session in the Aberdour Hotel courtyard.

The variety and high quality of the 32 previous years’ events have led to this being possibly the best small festival in the world

the Donkey

Picture: Kim Cessford. Alice in Wonderland characters make their way along Main Street during last year’s festival parade.