Celtic Media Festival will be major showcase for strath
Plans are progressing well for a major media festival in Aviemore next month.
The Celtic Media Festival is an annual three day event that promotes the languages and cultures of the Celtic nations and regions in media.
Organisers met with Highland Council bosses today to discuss details for the 40th festival taking place from June 4 to 6.
The local authority and the festival team have set up a local organising committee to assist in delivering the event in the area.
It is expected to be a major showcase for the strath.
Nominees from across the UK, Ireland and Europe will compete across 23 award categories including arts, comedy, current affairs, drama, factual, sport and radio.
Councillor Bill Lobban, Highland Council convener and Badenoch and Strathspey area committee chairman, said: “We had a productive meeting in Aviemore.
"It is only a month until the festival comes to the area, and a warm welcome goes out to all the delegates from the Celtic nations and regions who are taking part and I am sure they will feel very welcome here throughout their stay.
"We are looking forward to seeing the extended programme when it is ‘launched’ and it will be a great privilege and honour to mark four decades of the festival in the Badenoch and Strathspey area.”
Cllr Alister Mackinnon, chair of the council's budget group said: “The economic impact of conferences and festivals in our area is highly significant and Aviemore is supremely well provided in its beautiful setting, hospitality, transport infrastructure and in the warmth of welcome that we offer.”
He continued: “The festival also supports and provides an opportunity to showcase the great talent that exists within the Gaelic broadcasting industry."
Catriona Logan, Celtic Media Festival Director, said: “We’re so happy with the development of Celtic Media Festival 2019.
"The 40th Anniversary of Celtic Media Festival is a very special event and we’re delighted to be welcoming delegates from across the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, and Canada to celebrate with us.
"We couldn’t think of a better place than Aviemore to host CMF2019."
