Loch and loaded: Forfar set for a week of fun

Forfar folk are gearing up for a big week of fun, as Forfar Gala Week and ForfarFest are rolled into one. Organiser Forfar Action Network (Fan) is planning to deliver an even bigger event than last year. Fan is made up of a small group of local volunteers and works with local businesses to put on the celebration. Previously, Gala Week and ForfarFest were separate events, which Fan has decided to combine into one “big week”.

The event begins on Sunday June 17 with Fun Around the Loch, where visitors can walk or cycle around the Forfar Loch, stopping at various points to enjoy activities such as crazy golf, canoeing, sailing and more.

Following this exciting start to the gala, the festivities will continue until June 24 with a truly mixed bag of events for everyone. Children can enjoy a range of fun activities including face painting, games, pony rides and bungee trampolines. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a poker night, cooking demonstrations, a crafts marquee and, of course, ForfarFest. June 23 is billed as ForfarFest’s “big Saturday”, while June 24 is Gala Day Sunday.

ForfarFest is the Angus town’s own music festival, held in venues all over town towards the end of the week. It will showcase the best in local talent and gala-goers can expect performances from acts such as country and folk band the Swizzle Sisters, acoustic cover band The Arcades and – for those inclined to perform themselves – open mic nights will also be dotted around Forfar.

The week’s entertainment won’t be limited to music acts, as there will be pipe bands, Highland dancing and even a dog show.

A highlight of the programme will be performances of play The Jurassic Parks by Forfar Dramatic Society. Originally created by Superbolt Theatre, The Jurassic Parks has been a sell-out hit at Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe and is a comedic spin on Spielberg’s classic film as well as a theatrical celebration of cinematic nostalgia.

The week has taken months of preparation and hard work from Fan and funds were raised by bag-packing in Tesco, hosting tea dances and parties. Fan’s chairman, Stuart Pirie, says of the effort that goes in to organising the gala: “This year we aim to build on the success of last year. It’s a lot of hard work but so rewarding too!”

Find out more about this year’s actionpacked programme via the Facebook page: Forfar Action Network including Forfar Gala Week.

Fun Around the Loch and a host of music events, plus all the gala activities, will be part of a big week in Forfar, left.