The McLellan Festival 2012

The annual bonanza of drama, music and poetry has already begun, and continues through the next week. There is still time to buy tickets for the remaining events, either online though www.mclellanartsfestival.co.uk, at the Book and Card Centre in Brodick or at the door.
 
On Saturday 1st September (tonight, if you are reading this on the first day of this month’s Voice) the Famous Festival Ceilidh takes place in Corrie and Sannox Hall at 8.00 pm, with a galaxy of  island talent –  Tim Pomeroy, Angus Adamson, Sheila Gilmore, John Sillars and the Jazz Café Band, to which you can dance if so inspired, plus an open mic for poets and a great supper. 
 
Sunday 2nd September sees a service in Corrie Church at 7.00pm, with beautiful choral music from the summer school students
 
On both Tuesday 4th and Thursday 6th September (due to high expected demand) an evening of Arran on Film will be shown in Corrie Hall at 8.00pm. New archive film and photographs have been incorporated into a fascinating compilation of old Arran, including island holidays and events of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Much of the footage has never been seen before.
 
The Festival culminates in two stunning events. On Friday 7th September at 8.00pm in the Community Theatre, Lamlash the Opera Gala will feature fabulous singing from the opera stars of the future currently finishing their studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This feast of opera favourites and songs from the shows is always a real treat. Years later, when the names of these young stars are in big lights, you’ll remember that you saw them first on Arran.
 
On Sunday 9th September at 7.30 pm (please note the time, earlier than the other events) in Lamlash Church, a performance of  Haydn’s glorious oratorio,.Creation will take place. Solo parts will be sung by Royal Northern College students, who will also join the chorus of Arran singers.  A fitting climax to two crowded festival weeks