All set for Ardnamurchan Fèis
Almost 100 youngsters from across Lochaber and further afield got into the musical spirit at Acharacle last week for three days of fèis action.
Fèis nan Garbh Chrìochan once again proved to be one of the premier traditional music festivals in Lochaber as budding young musicians from primary and secondary schools in the area were given the opportunity to hone their skills or try out a new instrument for the first time.
From clarsach and fiddle to drumming and shinty, there was plenty to keep the children busy, with loads of new activities for them to try out.
Sixty-four children between P4 and S4 attended the main fèis, while Fèis Bheag, for P1 to P4 pupils, had more than 30 participants and an experienced team of traditional music tutors held classes from Wednesday to Friday, July 11 to 13.
Although most of the students hailed from Lochaber, a number had travelled from further afield to take part in the fèis, including one youngster from Cyprus who, while visiting family in the Acharacle area, made the most of the opportunity to try out some traditional music.
Organiser Amie MacMaster said: ‘It’s been a cracking week. There’s been almost 100 children taking part, mostly local, which has been great.
‘In particular, the clarsach classes were really popular this year compared to last year and the shinty sessions, taken by Sean Cameron from Fort William Shinty Club, once again proved very popular.
‘Everyone has been having a great time. It’s been really fun to do and it’s always a pleasure.’
Away from the teaching, the tutors were able to showcase their talents at Wednesday night’s concert and for the family dance on Thursday. The concert on Friday afternoon was time for the students to shine, as fèis participants put what they had been learning through the week into practice in front of an eager audience. A family ceilidh and finale dance rounded things off on Friday night.
‘We’ve got really talented and well-travelled musicians as tutors so it’s great for the kids to see what they can work towards,’ Amie added.
‘Thanks to the community for the support, all the local businesses who donate, and our committee and volunteers. Without them it all could not have been done.’
Fèis nan Garbh Chrìochan is a charitable group which has promoted traditional music and language in west Lochaber, through ongoing tuition and its annual Fèis week, since 1990.