This summer is set to prove an essential ode to the tree for Mull and it’s surrounding islands. From 7th June, An Tobar is promoting the first Mull & Iona Tree Festival. At the core of the festival is the exhibition The Tree Alphabet of the Celts featuring images by artist Simon Fraser and poetry by the renowned writer and poet Aonghas MacNeacail.

The exhibition explores the ancient alphabet and iconography of the Celts and an oral tradition dating back to 1500BC. The Tree Alphabet is made up of 13 consonants, each corresponding to a month of twenty-eight days, plus an extra day (Midsummer’s Day), and 5 vowels, which form the solstices and equinoxes. Each letter is best understood as a doorway to a vast network of correspondences and lore, held together by its tree-letters – or icons.

The Tree Alphabet of the Celts will set the scene for the two-month Mull & Iona Tree Festival by unravelling some of the secrets of an ancient code. Throughout June and July, events and workshops will be held to celebrate every aspect of the tree. Using the Mull & Iona Tree Map, it will be possible to discover and experience tree sites around the islands. This is first festival of its kind on Mull & Iona and it is anticipated that this year will provide a foundation for future events.
For the month of June, Aonghas MacNeacail will be Writer in Residence at An Tobar. Aonghas MacNeacail is one of Scotland most prominent poets. Though a series of word workshops Aonghas will bring the hidden language of the Celts to local schools and community groups.

Opening Night - 6th June, 6-8pm, Gallery I, An Tobar. Press are invited to attend the opening night of The Tree Alphabet of the Celts and the launch of the Mull &Iona Tree Festival. During the evening Aonghas MacNeacail will perform reading from his poetry.

7th-30th July 2005 - The Tree Alphabet of the Celts. Images by Simon Fraser. Poetry by Aonghas MacNeacail.
Gallery I, An Tobar – The Tobermory Arts Centre

For more information contact Julie Paton, Marketing Officer on 01688 302211 or visit www.treefestival.co.uk marketing@antobar.co.uk