Badenoch "Storylands" celebrates a second successful year
What a year it has been for the Storylands Sessions: Badenoch's popular community project, led by folk musician Hamish Napier and writer Merryn Glover, ended their latest chapter on a high with their ceilidh concert in Newtonmore.
Bringing together traditional ceilidh dancing with highlights of the sessions year, the event saw Newtonmore Hall packed and hopping on June 24.
The concert included music from Sandy MacDonell, Charlie McKerron and the Fèis Spè junior band, the Badenoch Waulking Group, harpist Emma Wright and whistle player Ruben Jaramplas with their pupils and more.
Storytelling and poetry included pieces from Will Carey and Karen Hodgson, while Sandra Robertson and Caroline Reagh of Dannsa kicked the dancing off with step work.
The successful Badenoch Heritage project, which celebrates the culture and creativity of the area, has had a busy year drawing folks from far and wide and across the ages.
The open mic nights at Loch Insh have been a hit, featuring performances by locals and special guests from diverse fields including Lynbreck Croft, Myrtle Simpson and Strathspey Storywalks. With the Late Shows consistently sold out, an Early Show was added welcoming folks from Community ConnXions and Shinty Memories, as well as young families, creating warm and friendly gatherings.
The workshops, led by Hamish in folk music and Merryn in writing, have also drawn a loyal following who have gone on to perform at the open mics and other events.
"Ultimately, the Storylands Sessions have been a huge success and a lot of fun," said Merryn.
"They have received rave feedback from participants, who have praised the quality and variety of the events, and the sense of community and local pride that the project brings."
The sessions will resume in August with more exciting activities planned, but to ensure further success will rely on increasing support. All who want to support the promotion of the awesome Badenoch initiative can do so at the website or by emailing storylandssessions@gmail.com to learn more and become a sponsor.
