Outdoor choir performance to round off Inverness’ Royal National Mòd 2021 in style
Issued by An Comunn Gàidhealach
Special outdoor event will see choirs from across Scotland performing at Northern Meeting Park
Choirs from across Scotland will join together in song once again for an uplifting Massed Choirs performance in Inverness’ Northern Meeting Park on Saturday 16 October, bringing the Royal National Mòd 2021 to an inspirational close.
The outdoor event, which has been added to the thrilling programme of events, will see choirs from up and down the country, from Inverness to Edinburgh and Oban to Islay, take part in the amazing collaborative concert.
The performance, which is free and open to all, will take place at the end of the eight-day festival, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach and famed for its celebration of Gaelic language and cultural heritage.
Thirty years on from the very first Mòd Massed Choirs event in Dingwall, attendees will gather at the beloved Inverness park and historic Highland Games venue to enjoy impressive performances from members of the various choirs who will have performed during the week, as well as a display from City of Inverness Pipe Band.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We can’t wait to put Gaelic culture in the spotlight again with this year’s Royal National Mòd. The hybrid approach of in-person and online events means that there is something for everyone.
“We’re delighted to include the addition of an outdoor Massed Choirs performance to this year’s programme and close the event in a traditional and poignant style. It is always a joy to witness and will be extra special this year for those performing - the perfect event to finish off an incredible week. We would encourage everyone who can make it to come down and join us.”
Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, Cllr Calum Munro said: “The Massed Choirs on the final Saturday morning has become the traditional finale to the Royal National Mod. It’s a spectacular end to the week’s events and is always both a moving and uplifting experience. Hopefully we have a stunning Autumn morning in which to enjoy the event and that all participants and spectators can begin their journey home reflecting on a fantastic Royal National Mod in Inverness.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We are delighted that the Massed Choirs are returning. Over lockdown, we have recognised the huge positive impact Gaelic events and language learning have had on many people’s sense of wellbeing and connectedness in online communities. This event will bring people together again, in person and online, and promote Gaelic through the Royal National Mòd.”
Jackie Cotter, Chair of the Gaelic Choirs’ Association, said: “All of the groups involved in the Massed Choirs event are really looking forward to performing in Northern Meeting Park this October. It will be a really special performance to round off the incredible festival, especially as many of the choirs have not performed for an audience for a very long time.”
The Royal National Mòd 2021 will take place from Friday 8th - 16th October 2021. A hybrid approach will see a combination of in-person concerts and competitions at the host venue of Eden Court Theatre, as well as a dynamic schedule of online performances to be broadcast throughout the week.
A number of COVID safety measures will be in place for this year’s Mòd in line with government guidelines to keep audiences and performers safe, including extensive cleaning and ongoing COVID safety checks, enhanced hygiene measures, use of face masks and track and trace check ins.
Highlights of the celebration will include the major competitions An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal final and the Traditional Gold Medal. There will also be unmissable performances from “the new sound of a traditional Scotland” Duncan Chisholm, Fiddler Lauren MacColl, new outfit Staran, the famous Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, the legendary Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart and many more.
The prestigious festival, which was founded in 1891, is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne, The Inverness Common Good Fund and SQA.
The full programme for this year’s Royal National Mòd can be viewed at www.ancomunn.co.uk. Tickets are available to buy from Eden Court box office www.eden-court.co.uk.