The 15th Haal will take place in Portsoy on Friday 31st, Saturday 30th May and Sunday 1st June, and once again promises a full and varied programme of folk music.
The Jimmy McBeath Memorial Concert on the Friday evening will be headlined by former Champion of Champions Bothy Ballad singer and his band, Paddy Buchannan, this lively band plays traditional songs and tunes. Two of Scotland’s greatest female singers, Margaret Bennett and Kate Taylor, will provide support.
Dublin based Jeremiahs will headline the Saturday concert. A lively group of performers who play traditional and contemporary song, they performed in Portsoy to great acclaim eight years ago, and have matured wonderfully well.
They will be supported by The Wilsons, an acappella band from northern England, who will deliver trad songs with great power and harmonies. Former Stonehaven Folk Club stalwart Andy Popplestone, a fine guitarist and singer, will also be performing.
A tribute in song, poetry and film, will be held on Sunday afternoon to remember the late Hamish Henderson, poet, singer-songwriter, folklorist, and cultural and political activist.
A new initiative, an art and music display, will take place in the former Grain Store by the Old Harbour, where artists Kate Wilson and Chris Adam will be displaying their works.
In addition, many informal sing-arounds and sessions are planned, as well as a fringe programme of performers and guests who will play across various venues in the town over the weekend.