Fortieth Winter Gathering at Universal Hall, Findhorn showcases nearly 60 local performers

AROUND 125 people from all over the world followed a live stream of a festive local event at the weekend.

And a further 150 attended the fortieth Winter Gathering at Universal Hall, Findhorn in person on the evening of Saturday, December 4 to enjoy a variety show made up of 58 performers.

Organiser Sharon Took-Zozaya knew of streamers from as far away as Germany, the USA, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and the Bahamas.

She said: "This was the first performance by community artists with a live audience in the hall since the first lockdown.

"The atmosphere was warm and celebratory during a successful evening of theatre, dance, spoken word, music and video. Many people - both in person and on the livestream - thanked us for the high quality and variety of performances."

The bill featured: a theatre piece by Margot Henderson with musicians Craig Gibsone and Rory O'Connell; Drumduan Upper School Choir singing Christmas carols; poetry from Moira Bergmann; dancer Kirsten Newell and actors Iain Louden and Ali Newell performing a section from 'Hebridean Treasure: Lost and Found'; Wee Choir singing 'Courage My Soul' and 'One More Song'; Taran Talbott and Bill Henderson playing a jazz version of 'Silent Night'; video 'Winter on the Sandstone Coast of Moray' by Alan Watson Featherstone accompanied by guitarist Tom Richardson's original music; Rory O’Connell playing Irish music on whistle and Sharon Took-Zozaya dancing; Dave Till performing skit 'A Conversation with God'; Bukhari Georgian Choir singing Christmas songs; Momie Cain and Heather Hatch reading a Carol Mason-Corkery poem and singing 'Happy Christmas' by Lila Senior; and Findhorn Sacred Dance Group dancing 'Wandering Aengus' while musicians Kate and Rory O'Connell and Bill Henderson played.

The first Winter Gathering at Universal Hall was organised by Virginia Lloyd-Davies in 1981 and featured the Culbin Singers.

Sharon said: "It allows us all to share the creative richness of our local area.

"Making it free means it's accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

"The ongoing Covid situation has been hugely challenging. An uplifting performance such as this helps raise the spirits of both audience and performers, while the fundraising aspect tangibly benefits local charities."

Entry to the event was by nominal donation to charity. After expenses, the organisers hope to donate around £1000 between Moray Food Plus and the R-evolution for Good wellbeing project.