SINCE THE KEITH TMSA Festival was founded in 1976 the competitions have been an integral part of the event and they continue to be so.
Now as its 40th Festival approaches the organising committee are anticipating a busy Saturday, coping with the large number of entrants for the many competitions and categories which are available to them.
Entries will be accepted at the Pop-up Shop at 175 Mid Street whenever it is open – but particularly from 9am on the Saturday morning, with the first competitions starting at 10.00am. All competitions will be held in the Royal Hotel, Bowling Club, St Rufus Church and British Legion.
Commenting Kathleen Anderson, Chairman of Keith TMSA, said: “The competitions obviously have a lasting legacy for Keith Festival as Graeme Mitchell, who is playing for the dance and at various other points throughout the weekend, won the very first accordion competition in 1976.
“Graeme has turned out to lead one of the best dance bands in the country and we are delighted that we have kept the Keith Festival link going.
“The Saturday is a great way to encourage people of all ages to pick up an instrument or find their voice. While it is a competition they are run in a relaxed manner so if you haven’t entered before please come along and take part.
“The concert in the evening is always a great showcase of talent and hopefully there will be a good crowd there once again to see what is a fantastic event.”
Winners of the competitions will be invited to perform at the Prize Winners Concert on the Saturday evening in St Thomas’ Hall starting at 6.30pm with tickets costing £6 for adults and £2 for children.
The 40th Keith TMSA Festival runs from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14 in various venues throughout the town. Events include an Old Time Dance, Concert Ceilidhs, a Bairns Ceilidh, an Open Air Concert and TMSA Competitions.
Tickets are from Mither Tongue, Mid Street, Keith; Sandy McCombie on 01542 882638 or by e-mailing keithfestival@gmail.com or the Pop Up Shop from Saturday, June 6 onwards (please check window for times).
For more information log on to the website www.keithfestival.co.uk or join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/keithfestival.