Arran Folk Festival 2023
The Arran Folk Festival is a weekend of live music events held on the beautiful Isle of Arran, every June. This year it will be held on 9 – 11th June.
The 27th festival will see some free-to-attend afternoon sessions with Uncle Keith at the Douglas and Ormidale Hotels, evening concerts in Brodick Village Hall and late-night sessions in the Brodick Bar, and some special Waulking workshops.
We hope to see you there…!
Friday 9th, Evening Concert featuring:
Maggie MacInnes and Anna Massie, with support from Ella Munro Band and George Machray.
Glasgow-born singer, songwriter, Celtic harpist, Maggie MacInnes belongs to a long line of distinguished Gaelic singers from the beautiful island of Barra. Having toured the world both as a solo performer and with various bands, Maggie is now a resident of Ayrshire, which inspired her to turn her talents to the works of Robert Burns and create a show called “Burns and the Gaels” which examined the links between these two apparently separate Scottish musical cultures. “The Seedboat”, a collaboration with Northern Irish musician Colum Sands, saw Maggie further explore the links between Ireland and Scotland.
Tonight Maggie is joined by the multi-talented Anna Massie. A renowned musician in her own right, Anna is also one of the most sought-after accompanists on the scene. Known for her work with RANT, Blazin’ Fiddles and Mairearad Green, Anna has also developed a reputation as a producer and musical director and is the current presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Travelling Folk’ programme.
Saturday 10th, Evening Concert featuring:
The Coaltown Daisies, with support from Sarah Markey Trio and Chloe Matharu
The Coaltown Daises are a duo of singer-songwriters who write and perform a wonderful blend of folk and Americana.
Based in the Kingdom of Fife, the duo of Vivienne Bern and Lynzy Moutter have been performing, writing and recording (on their own Ragged Boots Records) for over a decade, in which time they have received critical acclaim for their performances and albums (which feature a host of Scotland’s finest fellow folk musicians). Tonight sees them perform as a full band with the inclusion of David Macfarlane and Chris Small.
And on Saturday 10th there are two free Orain Luaidh – Waulking Songs Workshops, with Dr Rena Gertz.
Come along and learn the traditional practice of waulking the tweed – pounding the material to the rhythm of Gaelic song.
For more information and the full programme of events, see the festival website and Facebook page.
To book the concerts and workshops see the link here
Featured image shows an afternoon session at the Douglas Hotel. Image credit: Arran Banner
