Queen will shed light on festival
The countdown has begun to this year’s eagerly-anticipated Oban Winter Festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, November 15 to 24, with events also taking place on St Andrew’s Day, Saturday November 30.
Now in its ninth year, Oban Winter Festival has grown to accommodate an extensive programme of events aimed at people of all ages and to suit all tastes.
The events centre around a 10-day celebration of Oban’s unique culture and community with street parades, international and local performance acts, fire artists, crafts, pipers, parades and family fun.
Everyone is invited to follow the journey of the Winter Queen on Friday November 15, 5-6.20pm, as she travels through the town performing her magic and casting spells, making her way to the fairground at the Corran Halls on her unicorn to officially open the festival.
Royal attendants will be issuing all children with light sticks, while organisers are asking everyone to dress up brightly and ‘be seen’.
‘The winter festival has grown year on year and we are growing with it,’ said a spokesperson for the festival committee.
‘We have changed things around a little this year and added new events to make it even more magical for those in attendance.
‘We hope everyone enjoys the extensive and varied programme of events which has something to suit all tastes.’
Ballet West will be showcasing its full company, from beginners to advanced level, in the Corran Halls on the same evening when it performs Winter Wonderland. ‘It’s an annual delight,’ added the spokesperson.
Once again the Winter Woods is expected to be a popular attraction, with glistening lights adding to the enchanted walled garden and grounds of Glencruitten. This event runs for three nights and features a walking event for all ages, stories, performances, challenges, lights show and wonders. Witness characters in action and see nature like never before.
All children attending must be accompanied by an adult and entry is strictly by minibus shuttle from Shore Street. Outdoor footwear and clothing are recommended.
This is a ticketed event and onsite facilities and refreshments will be available.
Look out for the Festival Windows around the town, as each night a new window will appear, one for each day of the festival.
Santa’s post box for that important letter to Father Christmas will be sited at the Rockfield Centre over the 10 days of the festival.
For those seeking more refined entertainment, there are various literary, language, cinema, music and theatrical events throughout the festival, offering a chance to learn, participate and celebrate the area’s culture.
More details on www.obanwinterfestival.com