AN annual nine-day Gaelic culture and music festival will return for its 20th anniversary later this year as it announces its full artist line-up.
The Blas Festival is set to showcase the best in Gaelic culture, and the thriving Scottish traditional music scene, and will run from September 6 to 14 across multiple venues in the Highlands and Islands.
The festival will host around 22 concerts with some big names including Julie Fowlis, Tim Edey and Ross Ainslie and Sian as well as cèilidhs in venues from Staffin to Strathy.
The festival gets its name from the Gaelic word “taste” or “sample” and has become a staple in the culture calendar since The Highland Council established the event in 2004.
To celebrate the cultural events 20 years of running tickets for a selection of events are available with a 20% discount until July 31 with some others offering a pay-what-you-can option.
Organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and in partnership with The Highland Council the festival has promoted 1300 events, employed 5100 musicians and attracted more than 130,000 people in its 19 years of running.
Ealasaid MacDonald, CEO of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said the festival is a great experience for all those performing and attending.
He said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig are delighted to support Blas festival, which for 20 years has made a significant contribution to the Highlands and Islands, both culturally and economically.
“Blas festival is a wonderful event which showcases the best of Gaelic language and culture, with music at its heart. It is a great experience for those performing, as well as for the audiences, and I am sure this year will be a great success.”
Other acts to perform over the nine days include Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway John Mc Intyre, and the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band.
There will also be a special 70th birthday celebration for Harris-born singer, Chrissie MacVicar among many more acts to see.
Arthur Cormack, one of the Blas Festival organisers, said: “We are pleased to be delivering Blas this year, through a contract from The Highland Council, despite programming in a challenging situation of increasing costs and standstill funding support.
“While the programme is scaled back somewhat, we hope audiences will enjoy what we are able to offer and, through collaborations with other groups, a good range of events celebrating Gaelic culture will be available in communities across the Highlands.”
You can find the full list of events and ticket information here.
