St Andrew's celebrations
A national festival of traditional music and song
St Andrew's Day, celebrated annually on 30 November, is a day when Scots the world over can rejoice in Scots culture and heritage. Hands Up for Trad co-ordinated this nationwide series of events around St Andrew's Day to enable people to experience the riches of our traditional music and song.
In 2004, around 110 events took place throughout Scotland, and in every area.
26 - 30 November 2004
There were lots of exciting performances and community events at this year's festival.
Friday 26 November - Jock Tamson's Bairns
Saturday 27 November - Glesga Belangs tae me' with The Clutha
Sunday 28 November - The Scottish and Irish Fiddle Traditions
Monday 29 November - The Music of the Gael
Tuesday 30 November - Scottish banquet and music
Community events took place including an indoor craft fair, classes in the tin whistle and guitar, folk clubs, ceilidhs and much more...
Venue: The Annexe, 9a Stewartville Street, Partick
Tickets: from the Partick Folk Festival
Contact: Jane Cowie on 0141 357 6747
26 - 28 November 2004
Sing, listen, write, dance, play and enojy - will the creativity that flows through the Mearns move you? A wide variety of events over the festival included:
- Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust
- Songwriting workshops with Ewan McVicar
- Creative writing workshop with Brian McCabe
- Informal musical gathering for all in the Howe's community
Venues: Luthermuir Hall, The Venue, Laurencekirk Community Centre in Aberdeenshire
Contact: Aberdeenshire Council Arts Development and Cultural Co-ordinator on 01569 768353.
27 November 2004
This singing workshop was organised by Féis Rois, and was followed by an evening singaround at 7.30pm. 2004's tutors included:
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- Jen Butterworth - folk singing
- Janice Clark - harmony singing
- Julie Fowlis - gaelic singing
There were two groups in folk and gaelic singing for 9 - 14 year olds and 15 and over. The class in harmony singing was held for teenagers and adults. |
Venue: Averon Centre, Alness
Time: 11am - 4pm, the singaround is at 7.30pm
Tickets: £10, (£8 for concessions) for full day and £4, (£2) for the evening only
Contact: Féis Rois on 01349 862600
30 November 2004
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The 5 o'clock Fling is a whole new idea at the Tolbooth. Presenting quality music and musicians, they were encouraging people to come out and have some fun straight after work. |
Aidan O'Rourke performed, and is well known as the frontman in one of Scotland's finest bands, Blazin' Fiddles who've hit the Tolbooth stage many times. As a guitarist Kris Drever has played with the finest folk musicians of the day including John McCusker, Kate Rusby and Claire McLaughlin. This was the first outing for the duo and heralds a whole new musical feast at the Tolbooth!
Venue: Tolbooth, Stirling
Time: doors open 5pm, concert is from 5.30pm - 6.15pm
Tickets: £5 including a free pizza and pint!
Contact: 01786 274000
27 November 2004
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The Farr Hall in Inverness celebrated 2004's St Andrew's Day with music and fireworks displays. Ishbel MacAskill and Daimh performed on Saturday 27 November, at an event organised by Féis Strath Fharragaig.
Venue: Farr Community Hall, near Inverness
Time: Bonfire and fireworks at 6pm, and the concert at 8pm
Tickets: £7, (£5) for concessions, the fireworks are free
Contact: Alasdair Forbes on 01808 521333 |
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Frank McAveety, former Minister for Culture, Tourism and the Arts said, in support of the 2003 event:
'Scottish traditional music and song are inextricably bound up with an appreciation of a cultural heritage and our perceptions of national identity. I think it is fitting, therefore, that St Andrew's Day should be the focus of a series of events that provide an opportunity for the public to experience some of the finest traditional Scottish music around. Visitors and locals alike can enhance the celebration of St Andrew's Day in a uniquely Scottish way that will provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.'
| For the latest information on nationwide events call freephone 0800 849 2317 or visit St Andrew's Day on the Hands Up for Trad website. | |