Cromarty Film Festival is in its second year and is themed around the concept of “my favourite film.” Ten guests are invited to share their top five films, one of which is selected to be shown at the festival. Each screening begins with a short chat with the guest about their own film memories, what they think makes a good movie and why they chose the films they did. After the screening there is an opportunity for the audience to share their own impressions of the film and to ask questions of the guest.

Northern Exposure is a showcase event for Highlands & Islands made films in English & Gaelic. They are shown outside against a wall and are free to watch. The whisky sponsorship means a free dram for those watching and helps keep the audience happy. Softies can watch all the films later in the comfort of The Royal Hotel at the festival café. The café is also hosting a variety of lectures and talks about film presented by Scottish film archivist Janet MacBain and Alan Mackay from the Gaelic Archive.

There will also be music every night and of course food and drink available throughout the day.

Young People are well catered for too. Throughout the weekend, they will be treated to a variety of films with a nautical theme at the lighthouse field station, such as Finding Nemo and Whale Rider. In addition Tony Farquhar-Smith, one of the animators from Corpse Bride, will be bringing along some of the puppets used in the film, and will give a demonstration and talk on the ups & downs of animation. This will be followed by a showing of the film. Films are shown in a variety of venues around the town and maps will be available from outlets around the town.

The weekend pass covers access to 8 films throughout the weekend: 2 on Friday, 3 each on Saturday & Sunday, plus admission to all talks, workshops and exhibitions.

This autumn, internationally acclaimed mountaineer Andy Kirkpatrick will be returning to UK theatres with his new show 'When Hell Freezes Over'.

Andy is well known amongst mountaineers for his strange penchant for climbing in extreme conditions in some of the harshest places on the planet. His new show will focus on his winter expeditions to Patagonia, a treacherous mountain range at the southern most portion of South America, including his recent attempt to climb Torre Egger in 2007.

"Makes Ray Mears look like Paris Hilton" The Metro

Please note the show contains strong language.

1h 50m Rated15. Cast: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Bridges, Gillian Anderson, Megan Fox.

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People tracks the outrageous escapades of Sidney Young, a smalltime, bumbling, British celebrity journalist who is hired by an upscale magazine in New York City. In spectacular and hilarious fashion Sidney enters high society and proceeds to burn bridges with bosses, peers and superstars.

Noelleon is the world's first Sci-Fi panto - oh yes it is! First produced by the Florians in 1996, we are reviving it under the direction of its author, our own Nicholas Nicol. Fun for all the family!

http://www.florians.org.uk

Sunday 21st December 2008 – 7.30pm
Gardner Memorial Church, Southesk St.,
Tel: 01356 629191
£10 (Adults), Free (under sixteen)

Carols by Candlelight
The musical magic and mystery of Christmas all wrapped up in a sparkling parcel of virtuoso voices. With carols for all, old favourites and delightful new seasonal songs, this hugely popular annual event returns with another wonderful new programme. There’ll be mulled wine and shortbread as usual and best of all, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to marvel at the dazzling virtuosity of our special guests Felicity Sim (Piano) and George Smith (Violin).
"Real candles – Halleluia” The Herald
http://www.brechinartsfestival.org

Cappella Nova
A Glenfiddich Living Scotland Award, six Enterprise Awards from the Performing Right Society and a number of 'Critic's Choice' listings for our recordings tell their own story of Cappella Nova's excellence. We hope that you will discover us for yourself by listening to our recordings, coming to a performance or taking part in one of our workshops!
"Cappella Nova is Scotland's premier vocal ensemble. Its focus, commitment and virtuosic a cappella singing would make it premier just about anywhere" The Boston Globe
“Cappella Nova are as firm and round-toned in the flesh as they are on disc” The Scotsman
“Effortlessly high-floating sopranos, honeyed altos, trumpet-like tenor singing and basses entering so as to give the impression of organ-stops being drawn out” The Daily Telegraph
http://www.cappella-nova.com

1h 58m, Rated 12A. Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie.

Following the death of his twin brother, Jerry Shaw is framed as a terrorist and arrested by the FBI. But then he's talked through a daring escape by a mysterious robotic female voice on his mobile phone, and coerced, along with single mum Rachel, into going on a dangerous mission…

1h 42m, Rated12A. Cast: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni, Dana Ivey, Billy Campbell.

When dentist Bertram Pincus dies unexpectedly, then is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Herlihy, who pesters him into trying to prevent the impending marriage of his widow Gwen. An engaging and very funny comedy that's also a bit of a tearjerker, with a brilliant performance from Ricky Gervais.

1h 35m, Rated PG. Cast: Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Saoirse Ronan, Mackenzie Crook, Martin Landau.

For generations, the people of the underground city of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing, and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, in a race against time, the citizens must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, and escape before the lights go out forever. A fun, exciting and moving family film.

IDEOMS Theatre Company (John Nichol, Hilary Bell, Lucy Cowan and Judy Dinning) has a fine reputation for delivering the works of Robert Burns in a fresh and palatable way.  For several years now, the group has presented a unique blend of drama and music in shows including such titles as Honest Poverty, and Lovers, Fules & Cutty Stools.  Rounding off each show is the traditional Burns Supper, where the entertainment continues – always light-hearted and with no speeches!

Burns Supper included in the ticket price.

In January/February 2009, IDEOMS, with Fiona Cuthill, will present a new Burns 250th Anniversary show “Haughtie Hizzies and Haughmagandy” at six venues in the Central Borders including Heart of Hawick.

The fantastically beautiful sounds of Savourna Stevenson will grace the Hub, Penicuik on February 12th.

http://www.bebo.com/burntoutrecords

Beyond The Blues … individually well respected, when Eddie Walker and Fraser Spiers perform as a duo, their music reaches an altogether higher level.  Eddie is a gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter; while Fraser, well known on the Scottish blues and jazz scenes, plays harmonica both solo and with many other fine musicians.  An evening of good time music is guaranteed, ranging from country, blues and ragtime to more contemporary songs.

Eddie and Fraser are also running guitar and harmonica workshops between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.  Concert £8 Workshops £8 Concert & Workshop £15.

With a tagline of "John Martyn meets Nick Drake for the 21st Century"…inthemix Dan Arborise is selling out all over the UK and receiving rave reviews for shows and albums alike. Filling Eden Court last year, we are delighted to have him in our wee place…tickets will go fast and are limited to 100 so get in quick. "Through a quartet of fragile and haunting songs he captured and captivated an audience who had come to hear him. A seriously talented musician. Definitely one to watch out for." Maverick Magazine “His dazzling guitar solos shimmer with joy and virtuosity. He recreates reflective folk music that is timeless and evocative” STV.TV “This is music to hush the soul and slow the heartbeat” NDJ “An amazing debut, a modern folk classic” Hoodlum Tribe “One of the finest new artists I've ever heard...absolutely superb“ In the Mix.

Check him out at http://www.myspace.com/arborise or http://www.myspace.com/redshoestheatre