Celebrating all things local on 'God's Isle' at Sound of Gigha
Replacing the retired Isle of Gigha Music Festival, the Sound of Gigha was created to celebrate more than just music, with arts, heritage, food and drink featuring in the inaugural weekend line-up.
Held last weekend, there was something for all the family with a classical concert, a disco club night, a makers' market with children’s activities, workshops and a heritage walk.
The fun kicked off with music from James Gray and the Tropos Ensemble, followed by a disco.
On Saturday afternoon, there was free activities including music making, comic drawing, Gaelic speaking and flower crown making workshops, storytelling for children and adults, belly dancing, face painting and fortune telling.
Visitors perused market stalls with exhibitors from the island and across the water including Uariadh Flowers, Flye, The Anchorage, Shellfield Farm and Kintyre Weavers.
Glasgow-based trad fusion band DLÙ and self-described “acid-croft, hypno-folkadelic, ambient trad band” Shooglenifty played to a soldout village hall audience on Saturday evening, followed by a ceilidh.
There was wine and cheese to enjoy on the shore at Minister's Beach at Sunday afternoon's survivors' picnic which also featured a mindful walk and forest bathing. The Sound of Gigha has the full support of the former Isle of Gigha Music Festival and the committee has some of the former music festival members as well as new island residents.
A spokesperson said: “This was the first Sound of Gigha weekend and, thanks to all our volunteers, supporters and the community, it was a fantastic celebration of everything local.
“Thanks to our sponsors: Argyll and Bute Council Strategic Events and Festivals Fund, Gigha Community Fund, CalMac, Bakkafrost, National Lottery Community Fund, Achamore Lodge B&B and Achamore House B&B.”