ORGANISERS OF KEITH’S traditional music festival next month are hoping that local musicians will join in the fun by taking part in informal sessions.
A wide range of performances have been arranged for the Keith Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA) Festival taking place in the town from Friday, June 12 until Sunday, June 14.
They are keen, however, to ensure that local musicians embrace the concept of taking part in informal sessions – and are encouraging them to start up their own.
That could include outdoor sessions where the weather allows, with Mid Street being closed to traffic on the Saturday afternoon in the hope that many will take up the offer.
TMSA’s committee will be occupying the ‘pop-up shop’ in the town for the entire week building up to the Festival, with photos and memorabilia from previous festivals over its 40-year history. Anyone who has images that could be displayed are also being asked to hand them in at the Banffshire Herald office.
Festival chairman Kathleen Anderson said: “Sessions have been a massive part of the Festival over the past 40 years and we hope that they will continue to be so. They always give great enjoyment to those taking part and those going along to watch.
“We have some great musicians in this area and we hope that they will join in with the sessions that we will be organising and also start their own sessions. We also hope to have more music in the street again however that is obviously very dependent on good weather!
“The sessions are often the place where the new stars of the traditional music and song scene are discovered. It gives a great grounding for young musicians and singers and we can’t wait for them.
“We also can’t wait to get in to the pop-up shop. We are still looking for some old photos or posters – so if anyone has them we’d be delighted borrow them.”
Festival event tickets are available from Mither Tongue, Mid Street, Keith and also from Sandy McCombie on 01542 882638.
For more information log on to the website www.keithfestival.co.uk or join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/keithfestival.