Folk at the Salmon Bothy are gearing up for a busy weekend from 1-3 October as the 11th Haal traditional music festival makes a much-welcomed return to Portsoy, with demand for tickets already high.
Weekend tickets for the event are now sold out, and the Saturday night concert featuring Peggy Seeger is also at capacity. However, a limited number of tickets are still available for the Friday night Jimmy MacBeath Memorial Concert featuring Archie Fisher and the Sunday night farewell concert with Folk at the Salmon Bothy and special guests.
There is also a full programme of additional sessions taking place over the weekend, including a number of local bands and musicians performing at the Shore Inn and Portsoy Boatshed by the Old Harbour on Friday and Saturday evenings, and a number of free open sessions available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A range of workshops are also planned, led by experts in their fields. Arthur Coates and Martin MacDonald will lead a fiddle and guitar accompaniment, and a whistle session with Dick Elliott will help enthusiasts to hit the right note.
Budding songwriters can share and discuss their works in a session led by Brian o’hEadhra, while Fionnag NicChoinnich leads Scots song with a hint of Gaelic. Visitors can also enjoy a range of stories recounted by story enthusiast Erin Farley.
Not to be missed is an exhibition of weaving, mixed with Doric songs and poetry by Dundee University graduate, Kate Wilson from Inverurie. The display needs to be seen to appreciate the skills and talent required to produce such wonderful works. A music jumble being held in the town’s Scout Hut at Loch Soy on the Sunday from 12noon to 2.30pm offers an opportunity to grab a musical bargain. Visitors are invited to bring along instruments, books and other musical paraphernalia to sell on the day.
Organiser Bob Philips comments, “It’s great to see the enthusiasm for the return of the Haal, and we can’t wait to get together with friends old and new to enjoy the weekend. We are urging anyone who wants to join us to secure tickets quickly, though there may be last minute tickets available in small numbers. Even if visitors are unable to obtain a ticket, there will be a great atmosphere across the town over the weekend, so come along and to enjoy it over fish and chips or an ice cream by the harbourside!”
Sponsored by Kenway Tyres, Hydrasun and supported by a host of local businesses, the three-day festival is taking place after being rescheduled from June to October this year due to earlier Covid restrictions.
Information on the 11th Haal and all of the other Folk at the Salmon Bothy events is available at www.bothyfolk.org or on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Facebook page. Enquiries can also be made to Bob Philips by email at bobphilips25@live.co.uk, or by telephone, 07968872217.
Download your copy of the programme here
Portsoy-Folk-Festival-A3-Poster-1UP-2021
Opening Sing-around,
Workshops
ALLAN TAYLOR is one of the last of the travelling troubadours, having played at Festivals, Concert Halls and Clubs throughout the world for over 50 years. He is considered one of the foremost singer songwriters and guitarists in his genre. His songs are crafted in cafes, bars and hotel rooms and they have an integrity that make you aware they are from something real and the pictures painted make you feel as if you are there or know who he is singing about. Allan is also a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy and Music.
RAB NOAKES is a force to be reckoned with in the music scene in Scotland and beyond. He turned 70 in May 2017 and celebrated 50 years of performing by touring extensively throughout the UK . Over 20 recordings have been made, many of which have been reissued. His collaborations with Barbara Dickson and Kathleen McKinness are simply outstanding. After battling serious illness in 2015, Rab returned to performing with a new set of songs, six of which are featured on his CD Treatment Tapes. His partnership with Allan is sure to be a very special night.
Martin’s playing is fresh and exciting. He has studied classical, folk, jazz and popular styles and specialises in fingerstyle playing. Hailing from Lewis, he has a deep knowledge of both the guitar and the pipes.