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Time running out to sign up for Cairngorms' traditional music extravaganza





The strath's annual Fèis Spè week is almost here, offering children and young people the chance to enjoy learning and playing traditional music in a fun environment.

Every October, some of the country’s best traditional musicians come to Aviemore to share their talents with local primary and high school pupils.

The Fèis Spè week – for children in P1-S6 – provides tuition in a wide variety of traditional musical instruments as well as dancing, singing and sports.

It takes place this year from Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October at Aviemore Primary School & Community Centre.

The strath has a vibrant traditional music scene thanks in a big way to the Feis.
The strath has a vibrant traditional music scene thanks in a big way to the Feis.

Chanters, clarsachs, fiddles, pipes, accordions, whistles, guitars and lots more will be served up to participants with a healthy dose of step dancing, gaelic song and sport.

Elspeth Blackshaw, Chair of Fèis Spè said: “Fèis Spè provides a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to learn music and dancing from a great group of professional musicians – and they have great fun doing so!

"It’s an ideal way to either introduce children to music or for those already playing – a chance for them to improve and be inspired by some of Scotland’s best home grown talent.”

The Fèis Spè week runs daily from 10.15am – 4pm and costs £100 per child.

There is a chance to enjoy performances by many of the award winning professional musicians on the evening of Tuesday 15 October and the young musicians themselves will show off their talents at a concert for family and friends on the afternoon of Friday 18 October.

For more information or to book a place please visit the Fèis Spè website www.feisspe.org.

The deadline for bookings is this Monday.

The central aim of Fèis Spè is to offer young people in the Cairngorms National Park access to Gaelic arts tuition and performance opportunities through a programme of community-based traditional music tuition, with Gaelic language and culture at the heart of activities.

Since its early years Fèis Spè has grown to provide pathways for young people from early years to the age of 22 in traditional arts.

A significant number of past participants have forged careers in traditional music, including locally Findlay Napier, Ewan Robertson and Mhairi Hall.

Fèis Spè is supported financially by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Creative Scotland, Gannochy Trust, Robertson Trust, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Bòrd Na Gàidhlig and the Hugh Fraser Foundation.


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