THE Highlands and Islands will see a flurry of musical and cultural activity from this Friday until September 10, as the Blas Festival hits the road for the 18th year, visiting village halls and concert venues across the region, as well as an extensive online programme of events.
Musicians and singers including Norrie MacIver, Rachel Walker, Gillebride MacMillan, Manran, Mary Ann Kennedy, Kim Carnie, Paul McKenna and Sian will take to the stage in venues from Stornoway to Ballachulish as the Blas Festival returns with its annual celebration of Gaelic music and culture.
Highlights include Staran, a formidable collection of some of Scotland’s most sought-after artists, who will play at Sutherland’s Dornoch Cathedral on September 4. Shinty aficionados Gary Innes and Hugh Dan MacLennan will be at the Highland Cinema in Fort William September 9, and Julie Fowlis, Anna Murray, Christine Primrose, Catriona MacDonald, Allan MacDonald, Maighread and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill and many more will join forces with singer and tradition bearer Mary Smith to celebrate her 80th birthday in style at An Lanntair in Stornoway on the final night of the festival.
Nine of the concerts will also be live-streamed including Essie Stewart @ 80, Chloe Bryce’s The Summer Walkers, Tomhas, a new collection of Gaelic songs by Calum Munro performed by Kim Carnie and Norrie MacIver; Capercaillie’s Charlie McKerron with his Badenoch Suite; and Cuir Seinn Ri Seanchas (Sing Me A Story) featuring Allan Henderson, Margaret Stewart and others. On the final night of the festival, Welsh youth group, AVANC, will be joined by Ceilidh Trails from across Scotland.
With 43 concerts and ceilidhs taking place in venues across the Highlands & Islands, there is also a full programme of online workshops and live-streamed events for all members of the family.
Blas, which means taste or sample, is organised by Feisean nan Gaidheal in partnership with the Highland Council with funding from Creative Scotland, Bord na Gaidhlig and the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund.
Calum Munro, chair of the Highland Council Gaelic Committee, said: “The council is delighted that the Blas Festival is returning in full swing after the pandemic restrictions. The online programme is extremely exciting as it includes many events which will be live-streamed, workshops, and Gaelic song sessions. A number of the events will be taking place in halls and centres across the Highlands, from Kilmuir to Boat of Garten.
“It will be great to see so many talented musicians and artists performing live in venues and also virtually. I hope the performers receive warm greetings from audiences from both across the Highlands and internationally. I also look forward to seeing some of you at the festival.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard (CEO) of Bord na Gaidhlig, said: “The Blas Festival is a highlight of the Gaelic year and this year’s programme demonstrates the range and quality of musicians and artists working in Gaelic. We recognise the importance of Gaelic song and music in attracting people to the language and to increasing the use of Gaelic through enjoyable events, and the contribution that these make to people’s wellbeing after the challenges of Covid-19.
“Feisean nan Gaidheal is to be congratulated for organising such an attractive programme and for creating opportunities to participate in a packed programme.”
The full programme of events can be found here.
