Blas Festival has revealed the full line-up for Còmhraidhean aig a’ Chaisteal (Castle Conversations), a new series of intimate events that will see Inverness Castle become a place for sharing the stories behind Scotland’s traditional music.
The three events, as part of the 9-day Highland festival, will invite audiences to look beyond the performances, delving into the personal memories, experiences and traditions that have shaped some of the country’s most respected musicians, singers and dancers, in the stunning surroundings of The Inverness Castle Experience’s North Tower Bar.
Renowned Highland musician, Ingrid Henderson who will host the events, said: “I’m thrilled to host Còmhraidhean aig a’ Chaisteal at this year’s Blas Festival. Set within the newly transformed Inverness Castle Experience, this event gives audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the artists’ lives. We’ll be digging deeper into the stories, inspirations, and hidden secrets behind their favourite pieces and I can’t wait to welcome everyone for a relaxed, insightful experience in such an iconic setting.”
On Wednesday 9th September, Ingrid will be joined by renowned Cape Breton fiddler Stan Chapman, whose lifelong contribution to Cape Breton fiddling, particularly music for dancing, has earned him widespread respect on both sides of the Atlantic. Stan will be joined by Alison Carlyle and Amy Geddes, who are performing their acclaimed step-dance production Deiseil: Dancing in Time as part of this year’s festival, exploring the enduring connection between fiddle music and dance.
On Friday 11th September, audiences will enjoy an afternoon with celebrated Gaelic singer and tradition bearer Margaret Stewart. A familiar and much-loved presence at Blas since the festival’s beginnings, Margaret was commissioned to create A’ Bhanais Ghàidhealach (The Highland Wedding) for the festival in 2012. She returns to share a selection of songs accompanied by Ingrid, her long-time friend and musical collaborator, reflecting on a lifetime immersed in Gaelic song and tradition.
The series concludes on Saturday 12th September with award-winning vocal harmony group, Sian, who celebrate ten years since the band’s debut at Blas in 2016. Ingrid will be joined by Ellen MacDonald, Eilidh Cormack and Ceitlin Lilidh, looking back on the band’s first decade through stories, songs and memories, celebrating the musical journey that began at the festival and has since captivated audiences across Scotland and beyond.
Eilidh Cormack, Sian, commented: “We are delighted to be returning to Blas to mark ten years since the festival first brought us together to celebrate songs composed by female Gaelic bards. This is a theme we have largely stayed true to over the last decade, bringing lesser-known songs from women’s perspectives to new audiences and shining a light on an important part of the Gaelic song tradition.
“As musicians from across the Highlands and Islands, we owe a great deal to Blas, which has provided us with countless opportunities for collaboration and connection with other musicians since our teenage years. Blas is a unique celebration of Gaelic culture which brings live music to communities across the region where bands might not otherwise have the opportunity to perform, and we look forward to marking a decade together as a band at this special festival.”
Calum Alex Macmillan, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Blas Festival organisers, added: “Thanks to support from the Expanded Festivals Fund, Castle Conversations is a new strand to Blas this year and the series will combine live music, song and conversation, offering audiences a unique opportunity to hear stories from the people who keep our rich cultural traditions alive – making it the perfect addition to our festival line-up.”
For tickets and the full Blas Festival programme, visit www.blas.scot.