The 13th Festival starts on 13 July . . . which will be lucky for some! The
Festival is now one of the longest and most extensive festivals in the Highlands
and Islands of Scotland and will run till 23 July. It is widely recognised
for its commitment to Gaelic culture and for the high quality and variety of
events, spiced up with a few surprises!
The main venue is the Gaelic
College at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in south Skye, very close to the Armadale ferry.
This has to be one of the most stunning buildings in the Hebrides. Collect a
full colour brochure from any tourist outlet, come along to the ticket office or
telephone 01471 888595 or 844207 to get tickets. Events also take place in other
venues in south Skye, north Skye and Raasay.
Last year, Fèis an Eilein won the prestigious Talisker Award for Overall
Excellence. The programme for 2004 lives up to this accolade and includes 85
events over 11 days and nights. Alongside some of the best that the Highlands
and Scotland can produce, are bands and musicians from Scandinavia, Greece,
Turkey, Ireland, Spain and Italy. We have poets and pipers, actors and acrobats,
fiddlers and lots of friends.
The Festival has a reputation for cultural
surprises. This year, come to a play about 'The Woman who ate her Husband', an
outdoor 'Hellenic Hootenanny', some brilliant Flamenco dance and guitar playing,
a young person's session with Skye-based 'Mylo' one of the UK's up and coming
club dance producers, or a Break-dance workshop.
The long list of traditional bands include 'Daimh' and 'Cliar', both with
west highland connections. 'Daimh', who open the festival, have a strong
instrumental sound, 'while 'Cliar' is the Gaelic tradition super-group. Emily
Smith is the recent Young Traditional Singer of the Year and some even younger
local performers will open each night.
The first week ends with a special Scandinavian-Scottish night bringing
together the two bands, 'Althing' and 'Instinkt' and the 'Harris Tweed Brogues'
for a Friday night concert and late night dance. This is followed by Gordon
Duncan, one of the most stunning pipers in the world, supported by two Irish
friends on pipes and fiddle.
The second week starts with a more international flavour. The night of
percussive dance features 'Flamenco Flow' and the Highland-based 'Scottish Step
Dance Company'. Eduardo Niebla has not only wowed Glastonbury audiences but was
a highlight of Fèis an Eilein in 2002. We are delighted he is back.
For
the last few days traditional music returns - with Bruce MacGregor of 'Blazin'
Fiddles' and two final concerts featuring ten of the best Scots and Irish Gaelic
singers. Two of the concerts also include whisky tasting, from Skye's own
'Talisker' whisky company and the 'Gaelic Whiskies'.
The evening
concerts are of course only part of the festival. The programme has three
different children's shows, and daily workshops in circus skills, dance,
drama, guitar, art, Gaelic language, song and lots more. There are family walks,
films and exhibitions. Finally, if you are passing south Skye at lunchtime call
into the Charity Café in Ardvasar Hall - you are assured of some good food and
free entertainment.
