Nairn Book and Arts Festival to run online next month
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AN annual celebration of literature and the arts in the Highlands is set to go online due to coronavirus restrictions.
The seventeenth Nairn Book and Arts Festival will run from September 11-13, replacing the traditional live event over six days in the town.
Festival chairwoman, Mavis Macdonald, confirmed it will feature talks from creators including award-winning author and poet Gerda Stevenson and Inverness-shire based crime writer G. R. Halliday (‘Dark Waters’), poetry readings, an open art exhibition, music and art workshops, portrait sketching via Zoom, virtual tours, and online workshops by critically acclaimed authors for local schools.
Ms Macdonald said: "I’m delighted that we’ve been able to pull together this mini programme of excellent authors, artists and musicians - many of whom are Highlands based.
"Having to programme an entirely online event has been a steep learning curve, but I think the result is a lovely capsule version of our usual annual festival, which will, I hope, be back next year.
"The festival’s title ‘Tide In, Tide Out’ reflects the fact that many local residents and visitors to the town find solace by the sea here in Nairn - there is something reassuring about the constancy of the tide in the strange and uncertain situation we all find ourselves in following lockdown.
"I hope the festival’s online events provide a similar sort of escape for our audiences who will be missing the week of live cultural events we normally offer."
Highlights include: Prizewinning author Cynthia Rogerson will discuss the art of writing about real life experience, with readings from her own memoirs; drumming expert Simon Greenhill of Daddy Funk Drums will present a masterclass performance on the history and progression of urban rhythm; there will be an online open exhibition with work by artists from the North , and portrait sketching offered via Zoom by artist William Mather; a behind-the-scenes look at Black Isle Bronze fine art bronze foundry, a short film from traditional music group Fèis Nairn.
There will also be virtual school visits from author and illustrator Kate Leiper and author Helen Sedgwick.
The festival has launched a new Friends scheme, offering early bird booking for next year’s event when the 2021 programme is confirmed.
For further information see www.nairnfestival.co.uk
