Congratulations to Summer Isles Festival who have been nominated in Community Project of the Year sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2014. Vote now!
We asked Mairearad Green of Summer Isles Festival the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
“celebrating our community, our enthusiasm and our cultural identity, through top quality music, local food produce, arts and crafts.`’
Pioneered by local musician, Mairearad Green, The Summer Isles Festival has been running for three successful years in the Coigach Community Hall over looking the Summer Isles. Every year the concert and ceilidh line up has exceeded expectations of a discerning audience and the fringe events during the day create a fantastic atmosphere. There are food stalls selling local produce, cookery demonstrations, music sessions, music and art workshops as well as screenings of local interest films and displays of local artwork. The festival is an amazing day for all the community and visitors to the area to enjoy, it is a registered charity, run entirely by volunteers and this year the festival set up a Youth Fund to support young people living in the Coigach community looking to develop their creative aspirations.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
The Summer Isles Festival takes place in Achiltibuie, in the North West of Scotland which has always been a hub for great Scottish music sessions. Local musician and festival director, Mairearad Green, grew up in Achiltibuie inspired by these sessions, the community, the Gaelic language and the culture of the area. Mairearad has since gone on to become a well known accordionist, piper and composer and the festival has realised her vision for a top quality music festival in the heart of the community.
Any particular career highlights?
A particular highlight of the festival this year was the successful set up of the Summer Isles Festival Youth Fund which aims to support young people living in Coigach looking to develop their creative practice.
What are your plans for the future?
The festival is growing each year and there are plans to work with Coigach and Assynt Living Landscapes to be able to incorporate more events over the weekend. http://coigach-assynt.org/about-the-project/
Read more about Summer Isles Festival
http://www.summerislesfestival.com
Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 13th December in Inverness Leisure, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!
