Over 200 musicians set to light up the Highlands as Blas Festival kicks off this weekend
The Highlands will come alive with traditional music as one of Scotland’s top festivals kicks off with over 200 musicians, of all ages, taking to the stage across the Highlands from Friday (5 September).
Running from 5th- 13th September, the 21st Blas Festival will feature some of the finest traditional musicians from Scotland and Ireland, including acclaimed artists Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Norrie MacIver, Flook and many others, alongside the future of traditional music.
Talented young musicians will take centre stage alongside the big names and demonstrate the future of traditional music and Gaelic language is in safe hands.
Organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council, Blas, now a cornerstone of the Highland cultural calendar, is a dynamic celebration of Gaelic culture in local venues across the region.
Calum Alex Macmillan, Chief Executive, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, commented: “At the heart of Blas is the ambition of bringing world-class performances to every corner of the Highlands and this year is no exception.
"We have a strong focus on collaboration and partnerships with small venues and grassroots organisations such as Croy Live, The Ceilidh Place, and SEALL, strengthening cultural life across the Highlands.”
“Giving a platform to our next generation of traditional musicians is crucial in supporting, and celebrating, Gaelic language and music, and we are delighted to have over 80 young musicians taking part from various fèisean.”
Kiltearn Fiddlers, a Ross-shire group of young fiddle players, which was founded in 1990 by Alpha Munro and Fèis Rois, will help kick off the festival by providing the support for Lewis piper and composer, James Duncan Mackenzie, and Irish musicians, Bláithínn MhicCanna, Piaras O Lorcain & Lauren Ni Nèill, in Ardross on 5th September, whilst young Skye musicians will perform in Dunvegan alongside Black Isle fiddler and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, and current leader of Kiltearn Fiddlers, Lauren MacColl, on 8th September.
Young musicians, and the not so young, will be the centre of celebrations for Fèis Air an Oir, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in style at Strathy Village Hall on 13th September, with participants past and present celebrating the success and growth of the Fèis.
They’ll be joined by Fèis tutors, and members of the popular band, Trail West, who have been a huge inspiration to the young Fèis participants.
The 21st Blas Festival will be wrapped up with a spectacular celebration of Gaelic music, song, and heritage in the Highland capital’s largest arts venue, along with a world-first for Gaelic language.
The finale, at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on 13th September, will feature renowned Gaelic singer Arthur Cormack, performing with his sons Ruairidh and Iain, alongside vocalists Jenna Cumming, Alice Macmillan and Ruairidh Gray.
Accompanied by a stellar house band led by Musical Director Ingrid Henderson, the singers will also be joined by a string quartet led by Lochaber’s Helena Rose.
Opening the evening will be Aon Ghuth / One Voice, the world’s first Gaelic Makaton choir, blending Gaelic song with Makaton signs to empower individuals with additional needs through music.
The impressive final concert will also feature the first live performance of Mike Vass’s 2020 Blas Festival commission, Air Falbh ann am Bàta, originally created during lockdown and now brought to life by a group of young Fèis musicians, using material from the Tobar an Dualchais archives.
Cllr Drew Millar, Chair of Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, said: “The Blas Festival is now well-established as a highlight of the cultural calendar.
"Highland Council is delighted to continue supporting these events which make such a tremendous social, cultural and economic contribution to our communities.
“With Gaelic playing a prominent part at every event, Blas continues to support Highland Council’s commitments to language and culture. I am sure audiences across the area will enjoy a superb programme of events which showcase and celebrate the very best of our traditional music.
"I wish all involved every success.”
Calum Alex continues: “We are grateful to our funders and supporters including The Highland Council, Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and Fèisean nan Gàidheal, for supporting Blas Festival once again; without their support we would not be able to provide audiences with these world-class musical performances and would not be able to support as many musicians as we do.”
The full programme of events can be found at www.blas.scot along with details of how to purchase tickets.
PR issued by Fèisean nan Gàidheal