THE largest annual celebration of Scottish culture in New York has announced it will hold its first-ever Mòd this year to mark its 25th anniversary.
Singers from across North America and Scotland are being invited to take part in the NYC Tartan Week event, which will include workshops as well as a Gaelic song contest.
It is being held in association with An Comunn Gàidhealach, which organises the Royal National Mòd in Scotland, and will be hosted by BBC Alba presenter Joy Dunlop.
She said: “The tradition of the Mòd is one we’ve enjoyed in Scotland for more than 100 years, and we are so proud to bring this event to NYC for the first time.
“It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our community and our history and keep this important part of our culture thriving on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The event will get under way on Wednesday April 12 with a series of workshops in Scottish Gaelic, and on Gaelic song, and Scottish step and cèilidh dancing.
A competition will be held the next day to showcase singers performing Gaelic songs before a panel of judges.
The winner will be crowned NYC Tartan Week Mòd Champion 2023 with a cash prize and be invited to perform later during Tartan Week.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The Royal National Mòd is the biggest celebration of Gaelic language so it felt only fitting that we partnered up with North America’s largest annual Scottish cultural gathering.
“It’s wonderful to see NYC Tartan Week bring its own mòd to life across the Atlantic for what will be a fantastic opportunity for Gaelic speakers across the pond to take part in a Gaelic singing competition.
“This pilot project has so much potential, and we look forward to continue growing this friendship in years to come.”
New York Tartan week closes with a traditional parade through the city, which in the past has been led by famous names including comedian Billy Connolly and actors Karen Gillan and Brian Cox.
This year TV presenter and actor Gail Porter will be taking on the role of Grand Marshal of the event.
Kyle Dawson, president of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Gail Porter as this year’s NYC Tartan Day Parade Grand Marshal.
“She joins a growing lineup of Scottish women representing NYC Tartan Week, and we couldn’t imagine a better representative for Scottish culture to kick off our 25th-anniversary parade.”
