Findhorn Bay Festival announces acts for this autumn's event
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AUTUMN sees the return of a local arts event for the first time since 2018.
Findhorn Bay Arts (FBA) have announced the first shows for the fourth Findhorn Bay Festival with over 100 planned over 10 days from September 23 to October 2.
Festival Director, Kresanna Aigner, confirmed they include an opening night triple bill of folk troubadours Martin Simpson, Findlay Napier and Malcolm MacWatt, and 'Yoyo and The Little Auk', a new Scottish adventure from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and 'Visible Fictions', commissioned in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories.
Ms Aigner, said: "We are thrilled to be back with our biennial festival, the first in four years because of Covid, and we are very grateful to our funders, local partners and community for their encouragement and support.
"With our funding now in place, we are putting the finishing touches to our programme. In the meantime, we hope that these events provide a feel and flavour of the celebration to come."
Other confirmed acts include Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl presenting 'Heal and Harrow', a tribute to the 16th and 17th Century Scottish Witch Trials, and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Siobhan Wilson in a special double bill with award-winning Dean Owens and his band, The Sinners.
Constellation Points will present 'Rocket Post', a mix of songs, storytelling and visuals, while Magnetic North will bring 'Lost in Music', a gig-theatre show inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
And for the first time in 50 years, a tall ship will drop anchor off Moray's coast. The Lady of Avenel - a 102ft Brigantine square-rigged ship - will arrive at Buckie Harbour for the festival, bringing the story of our local coastal and maritime heritage and culture to life through music and storytelling.
Set in unexpected spaces and scenic locations, the Findhorn Bay Festival will bring together a mix of art, theatre and performance, storytelling and live music, family-friendly events and a host of open, free and accessible creative activities and events.
The full programme will be announced when tickets go on sale on Friday July 29.
The event is supported by EventScotland, Creative Scotland and the Berry Burn Community Fund. Sponsors include Associated Seafoods, Benromach, Fred. Olsen Renewables and R&R Urquhart.
A Berry Burn spokesperson said: "Our £10,000 funding will go towards the cost of local venue hire and for the printing costs of programmes, leaflets and posters.
"Venues will include village and town halls, community centres, art galleries, cafes, bars, parks, and a range of locations in and around the bay, allowing access to the performing arts in rural areas.
"This will support local venues and organisations, generating an economic impact on the area."
VisitScotland regional director, David Jackson, added: "Findhorn Bay Festival’s celebratory programme will showcase the region and its stories. From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages everyone to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present."
For more information, visit www.findhornbayfestival.com.
