THE FULL PROGRAMME for the 2016 Findhorn Bay Festival was launched on Thursday – with the largest ever programme of events taking place over six days in September.
The Biennial event from 21 to 26 September will feature a host of cultural events that showcase local, national and international talent.
Ensuring the Festival gets off to a stunning start, Julie Fowlis has been engaged for the opening concert to be held at St Laurence Church in Forres. The internationally acclaimed Gaelic star will be accompanied on stage by musician and composer Calum Stewart and the Nairn Gaelic Choir.
Music will feature throughout the Festival with sets from Randolph’s Leap and James Yorkston with special guest hobo-chic, singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and gramophone impresario Duke Special.
Traditional folk legends Old Blind Dogs and global brass band, Orkestra del Sol are set to delight festival goers and, direct from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mairi Campbell’s Pulse is definitely on track to heal some cultural wounds.
For the fourth time, a highlight of the Festival will be the Forres Culture Day – a fun and free day out featuring exhibitions and performances on the streets, parks, shops and buildings of the town.
“The Findhorn Bay area of Moray provides an inspiring backdrop of beautiful pine woodlands, miles of sandy beaches and historic coastal villages, and is home to many talented artists,” Festival Director Kresanna Aigner said.
She added: “In 2016 we celebrate our Creative Place win and will showcase artists of national and international renown all set in unexpected spaces and scenic locations. The perfect combination for a Festival in Scotland!”
The Festival receives support from VisitScotland, HIE and Creative Scotland – as well as local backing from the Benromach Distillery owners Gordon & MacPhail.
David Oxley, area manager for HIE in Moray, said: “Culture is a vital part of the economic mix of Moray, and events such as Findhorn Bay Festival bring new visitors to the area, provide an opportunity for volunteers, showcase the fantastic area we live in, and importantly provide an economic boost to Moray.”
Ewen Mackintosh from Gordon & MacPhail added: “We are delighted to be able to support the Findhorn Bay Festival.
Our Benromach brand is targeted at consumers who have a curious mind, who wish to seek out something that little bit different. We feel our match with the arts and opportunities to work with the Findhorn Bay Festival, provides access to this type of consumer.”
Also supporting the Festival is Moray Council, the Moray Towns Partnership, National Trust for Scotland, Berry Burn Community Fund, Tornagrain, Adam Family Foundation, Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation and the Saltire Society.
The full programme details and ticket sales available from the festival website