Moray’s Findhorn Bay Festival organisers celebrate successful event
The organisers of a ten day event that attracts visitors to the area every two years have deemed the 2024 version a success.
Findhorn Bay Festival director, Kresanna Aigner, confirmed this year’s celebration of local, national and international culture attracted attendees from Europe and Australia to see music, theatre, dance, circus, exhibitions and family events in venues across Moray.
She said: “We also welcomed thousands of local people including schoolchildren and community groups.
“I’m delighted with how it went this year - the atmosphere was amazing! The festival was deeply moving and electric, and I saw so many people smiling.
“It was a joy to welcome both familiar faces and new audiences. Folk of all ages, interests and abilities attended and participated.”
FBA are currently analysing attendance figures for the programme from September 20-29 that featured 42 shows and more than 200 artists.
Kresanna said: “My own highlights were watching and hearing the experiences of our audiences. I love seeing the amazement in children’s eyes, tears rolling down cheeks during the most exquisite music, and seeing how art can move people.
“I love hearing the laughter and joy of people being entertained, inspired and making connections - that is so important to me.”
Following the first weekend reported in last week’s Gazette, the festival had a break until Wednesday, September 25, continuing with up to 12 acts-a-day culminating in the final concert at St Laurence Church on Sunday evening.
These included: art and memory installation ‘The Fantastic Life of Minnie Rubinski’ at the Tolbooth; multi-medium exploration of women’s relationship with the North Sea ‘The Mariner’s Daughter’ at Kinloss Church Hall; National Jazz Orchestra performance at ‘Steppin’ Out!’ at Elgin Town Hall; and ‘Kings of the Blues’ at Forres Town Hall with Main Street Blues and local band Soul Food Café.
‘Scotland in Song’ was an evening of Scottish songs at Burghead Community Hall by some of the country’s finest traditional singers.
One attendee claimed her toes are still tapping after “a great night”.
She said: “The five singers were great storytellers, soothing us with two hours of heartfelt renditions and soulful voices. The hall was the perfect venue - a beautiful space, so well loved and cared for. A bonus was vegetable stew and tea or coffee brought to our table at the interval!”
Following theatrical and musical performance ‘SAVED’ by Graeme Leak at the James Milne Institute, Findhorn, another attendee called for the protagonist to take a bow.
He said: “You filled me with pure joy! All the things I love in life came together in the hour-long show.”
The ‘Karawane Takeover’ at Forres Town Hall on Saturday night featured DJs playing world music.
“It was a great night of dancing,” said one reveller. “The hall looked fantastic.”
Musician Adam Ross and his four-piece band were on the bill at ‘Story in the Song’ in the town hall on Sunday afternoon.
He said: “It was such a privilege to play with these musicians. It was a lovely gig in a lovely venue. Thanks to Greenshanks and Harry Bird for joining us on stage and for their brilliant sets.”
And Su-a Lee performed the final gig with friends Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier at St Laurence Church.
She said: “What a buzz! There was such an amazing atmosphere in a beautiful setting. We had a delightful collaboration with festival artists-in-residence Oonchancy. It was such an honour to close the wonderful festival.”
The Findhorn Bay Festival will return in 2026.
Kresanna finished: “Ideas and conversations have already begun. First, we take time to pause and evaluate what worked well and what could be done better. We will also meet with our community and cultural partners.
“But for now, some much-needed rest!”
