Festival team expands after cash boost

The 35th Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival, set this year for May 3 to 6, is advertising a new PR post thanks to £6,800 funding from Event Scotland, writes Aidan Donaghy.

Organisers say this year’s festival will be ‘bigger and better than ever’ due to the extra cash, which will help to recruit a marketing and development officer.

Festival chairwoman Breege Smyth said: ‘The continued success of the festival depends on growth in participation, especially in the music sections. The appointment of a marketing and development person recognises this importance and we are delighted Event Scotland supported our plans.’

All smiles at the latest funding are, left to right, Riona MacCormick (music convener), Breege Smyth (chairwoman) and Caroline Boyle, secretary.

Anyone interested in the job should contact Breege via breege@ journalist.com by February 3.

This year the festival is celebrating the Year of Youth, an initiative aiming to provide young performers with a platform to entertain audiences through music, song and dance.

Any young musician or performer who wishes to be involved should contact info@obanfestival.com. FÈIS MHUILE returns this year with another feast of traditional music and Gaelic tuition and fringe events for children and adults alike, writes Harry McArthur.

The main Fèis event brings two full days of music, Gaelic song, and sport to children aged eight to 18. Music and games activities will also be run in the Fèis Bheag and a Cròileagan (nursery) for children aged three to four.

There will also be a separate programme of events for adults, including Gaelic singing classes and step dancing. Starting on Saturday February 10, the adult singing classes will take place in Bunessan School, 4-5pm, and the step-dancing class will follow in Bunessan Hall from 5.15pm6.15pm. The classes cost £8.50 for one class or £15 for two.

The Fèis are also preparing a busy weekend of social events, including a tutors’ cèilidh at the Argyll Arms Hotel from 8.30pm on the Friday night and the annual Fèis dance at Bunessan Hall from 8pm the following evening.

The Fèis will conclude with the participants’ concert at 2pm on Sunday at Bunessan Hall. All these activities are open to the public.

Last year’s Fèis saw around 50 children from across Mull and Iona being tutored by top-flight musicians from Mull and Argyll.

This year, a number of tutors are returning, including BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist, Hannah MacRae, pictured, of Fort William.

Jennifer Johnston, Fèis Mhuile chairperson, said: ‘We’re lucky to have another fantastic line-up of tutors from Mull and across Argyll and the Highlands and Islands at the Fèis who will provide fantastic support to the participants as well as superb entertainment at our tutors’ cèilidh and Fèis dance.’

The Fèis Mhuile will take place from February 9 to 11 in Bunessan Hall, Mull, and at other satellite destinations around the village.