21-24 May 2015

Supported by the National Lottery through Creative

What’s On Where Concerts Birsay Ceilidhs Deerness Dances Harray Stomp Holm Clubs Kirkwall Pub Sessions Orphir Open Stage Quoyloo Family Concert Sanday Fiddlers’ Rally Sandwick Food Market St Andrews www.orkneyfolkfestival.com Exhibition Stromness Talks . . . Westray PROGRAMME Welcome All Sorts of Folk

Hello and welcome to our lovingly Within just a four day festival, we aim to cater for all sorts of folk – hand crafted Folk Festival, by both definitions. ‘’ means a lot of things to a lot of, Episode 33. How much can you well, folk, and so we’ve a programme bursting with events at all cram into one weekend? Quite a lot it hours – from 10.30am to well after bedtime – and suiting all tastes. seems. From the world of commercially successful folk we have three big hitters, Bring The Family Sharon Shannon, and Bob Gibbon Ward Thomas. But it’s not all about A hit amongst our peedier festival goers – and those less so – commercial success. Hard-working and talented local heroes hold Saturday afternoon’s Family Concert is always a hot ticket. This on to the Orkney tradition and steadfastly nurture it and keep it year we welcome back the fantastic New Rope String Band, on alive. We try to represent them here too. You may not see them on their farewell tour, offering audiences of all ages one last chance to be in stitches at this trio’s folk/cabaret antics. the big stages, but that is not necessarily where they want to be. A bar, a ceilidh, a quiet corner is where you might find them, so keep However, throughout the programme almost all events offer your eyes peeled for them. Concerts, ceilidhs and the usual events discounted tickets for under-16s, giving plenty opportunity to bring are all in place plus a few new exciting bits and bobs sprinkled the entire family along to join in the festival fun! over for fun, and there you have it, OFF 2015 is just around the corner. Thanks for your continued support, see you soon! Late Night Revelry - Bob Gibbon • Festival Director And for when the bairns are long since tucked up in bed, we have a choice of three late night clubs on offer – each finely tuned to Stay Connected serve up a different flavour of the festival into the wee small hours. After 51 weeks’ build up, it often feels that the festival can go by Festival & Lunchtime Clubs in a flash; that if you blink you’ll miss it. Hopefully not, but with so These chilled out concerts feature some of the best music and much going on (and the limiting capacity to only be in one place song on offer over the weekend, in an intimate atmosphere, and at one time) it’s great to be able to stay connected, and share and so at least one is a must in every festival-goers’ diary. With space relive each other’s festival experiences. for just 100, seated around tables to rest your glasses, they are often amongst the first events to sell out. Both our Facebook and Twitter pages are a hive of activity – not just in the lead-up to and cool down from the festival, but all year Song Clubs round. We share as many photos, videos, music clips, anecdotes, A haven for song enthusiasts and tradition bearers, our Song “how on earth…!?”s as we can lay our hands on, but it’s even Clubs are part concert/part singaround – very much reminiscent of better to see what you’ve been up to, and that may have slipped early Scottish folk clubs. Quiet songs and moving ballads, rousing through our net. Head on over and join in the conversation. choruses, and sing-along choruses are all at home here – as is just sitting back and lapping up the atmosphere.

/orkneyfolkfestival @OrkneyFolkFest #orkneyff15 Academy Club Friday night’s late night club in the Stromness Academy offers night owls the chance to catch two stunning all-girl groups – Ward See You Soon Thomas and Fara – in a fully seated concert, just later in the day. Whether you’re reading this pre or post festival, we’re looking As you’d expect with a gig at 10.30pm, there may just be a bar too. forward to seeing you (again) soon. Given the high demand on accommodation in and around Stromness around the festival, The Stomp is Back many folk book to return the following year on their check-out – Renamed as Academy Clubs, so to group all late night events together, Stomps were a favourite festival event throughout the and, rest assured, we never take that for granted. As such, we are 1990s and early 2000s. However, with increasing demand for late often asked for future festival dates long before we’ve booked any night tickets, and Friday’s fixture now fully seated, and Saturday’s artists or venues! As a general rule, the festival is always the last an all-standing affair, it was felt that we needed to full weekend of May, with the late spring Bank Holiday following. differentiate between the gig set-ups. Many regular This year is a perfect example – whilst the weekend following festival goers never fully bought into the new name, the festival is still fully in May, the Monday is in June. Next year, so why swim against the tide? however, we jump back a week. Welcome back, Stomp, we’ve missed you! Dates for your diaries: 34th Orkney Folk Festival – May 26-29, 2016 35th Orkney Folk Festival – May 25-28, 2017

2 3 Celebrating Folk The Artistes

Aff the Kuff (Orkney) This year we have three unique events that each celebrate the life and Having entertained folk at functions and dances work of unique individuals. throughout the county for several years now, local players Jack Yorkston, James Groat, Fran Hollinrake, Tina Yorkston and Bettey Harvey will host our new club The Music of the Garson Trio at the Reel, in Kirkwall, on Friday night. Come along Thursday – Sandwick Community Centre – 7.30pm and join in, or just enjoy the tunes. Barrule A mainstay of the Orkney Folk Festival programme, since 2010, the Orkney Barrule (Isle of Man) Heritage Fiddle Project shines a spotlight on some of Orkney’s best known The first Manx act to ever perform at the Orkney Folk Festival, Barrule is an award-winning fusion of three distinct musicians and traditional composers no longer with us. Each year a musical forces: Mabon front-man and accordion wizard Jamie Smith, gifted fiddler Tomas Callister and versatile accompanist Adam Rhodes (Mabon) on bouzouki. The trio’s fresh approach to traditional Manx music evokes an concert is dedicated to revisiting their music and styles of playing (which, atmosphere that reflects the diverse natural beauty of the island, elevating its music to an exciting new level. particularly decades ago, can vary hugely amongst Orkney’s scene), Belt Hid Oot (Orkney) celebrating their vast contribution to Orkney’s folk scene. Making their first festival appearance this year, this band of students at Stromness Academy is the brainchild Having previously focused on the work of Jim Craigie, Davy Eunson, of music teacher and fiddler, Laura Eunson; herself a former student of Douglas Montgomery, and graduate Ronnie Aim, Allie Windwick and Gordon Harvey, this year the project of the very first incarnation of Hadhirgaan. With such a pedigree, expect cracking young players and winning looks at the much-loved west mainland three-piece, The Garson Trio – Iris multi-instrumental arrangements. Nicolson (accordion), her father, James Garson (fiddle), and her husband, Billy Jolly (Orkney) John Nicolson (). This concert will include music as played and Billy is something of a legend in Orkney. Whether singing about a make-shift rubbish dump (amongst many arranged by the trio, as well as archive recordings of the trio in action. other captivating topics), or keeping audiences spellbound with his ‘moothie’ (harmonica) skills, he never In the lead up, OHFP coordinator, Gemma McGregor, and fiddler, Laura fails to add that special something to an evening’s entertainment. A favourite musician and story-teller within Eunson, will provide workshops for young musicians, passing on the these islands, his gift for the stage can also be seen within the five-piece Hullion. trio’s music, which will then be performed alongside compere and fiddler Bryony Lyn Band (Orkney) Graham Garson, accordion players, Isla Wallace and Dave Linklater, and Following her knockout return to the 2014 festival – having performed at many, throughout her early years – pianist Steven Flett. Orcadian Bryony MacGregor (nee Muir, but going by her middle name on stage) is back with her band and repertoire of all original songs, inspired by love, life, landscape and laughter. Through her involvement with Young Farmers Clubs, Bryony often entertains at agricultural events, delighting with lyrics that bring a smile Out of my own Light and lump to the throat in equal measure. Thursday – Orphir Community School – 7.30pm Bruce Mainland (Orkney) “I’m so darned restless and unhappy these days: just can’t make a decision Orcadian Bruce is an all-round entertainer, and a regular face at The Reel in Kirkwall. An accomplished multi- instrumentalist and vocalist alike – as showcased on his , The Lang Road Doon – he certainly knows one way or another. If only I could get right away for a while I’m sure it would how to hold a crowd, with song topics ranging from the sublime to the bizarre. help. I’ll never get out of my own light while I continue here.” Bygdaklang (Norway) – Margaret Tait, May 2, 1950 Bygdaklang is a mixed, community choir from Voss, Hordaland. In their thirtieth anniversary year, they are travelling In 1950, aged 25, Margaret Tait, from Quoyburray, set out from Orkney abroad for the first time – including a stop at the Birsay Kirk on Saturday afternoon. The ensemble’s repertoire alone, travelling across the Atlantic and right across Canada, taking spans folk, pop, carols and evergreens, and regularly delights at major events throughout their home county. time out to consider her future. In 2013, also aged 25, fiddle player and The Chair (Orkney) photographer Louise Bichan set out on her own journey, retracing the An eight-piece musical juggernaut, renowned at festivals the length of the country, The Chair will have even steps of her grandmother, in a bid to fill in gaps in Margaret’s story created the most reserved audience beating a path to the dance floor. Orcadian melodies are mashed up with blues, by the disappearance of a crucial volume of her diaries. dub and klezmer in a riot of fiddles, , accordions and drums, approaching the dizzying energy levels of Louise now presents a suite of music inspired by Margaret’s memoirs, a rock gig, yet remaining acoustic at heart. the memories of elderly Canadian cousins who she tracked down and Claire Hastings (Scotland) interviewed, priceless photographs which remain from her grandmother’s BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2015, Claire Hastings is a Scots singer with a lifelong passion for Scottish music. An already seasoned performer, she has appeared on many nationwide trip, and new images from her own voyage. Joining Louise are pianist radio and TV programmes, including The Culture Studio, Travelling Folk and Take the Floor, and has sung at Jennifer Austin, Mike Vass on fiddle and guitar, cellist Su-a Lee, Euan many festivals and clubs. Originally from Dumfries, and now resident in , she also holds a first class Burton on , and percussionist Signy Jakobsdottir. honours degree from the RSAMD (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). Dallahan (Scotland/Ireland/Hungary) Mike Vass – In the Wake of Neil Gunn Incorporating Irish, classical, jazz, Balkan and Celtic influences, Dallahan’s unique arrangements and Saturday – Stromness Academy – 11am multi-layered sound has seen them rapidly established as an exciting new force in traditional music. The award winning musicians met each other through ’s session scene, and, in less two years together, In 1937, Neil Gunn sold his house, quit his job and set off in a converted have already played some of the largest, most sought-after stages going, including Milwaukee Irish Festival, lifeboat for a summer to inspire his writing, voyaging around the west coast Copenhagen Irish Festival, , and now Orkney! of Scotland. He wrote about the various communities he visited on the The Driftwood Cowboys (Orkney) way, and went on to become one of Scotland’s most prolific and creative Three musical veterans and one boy wonder, three parts Orkney and one part Nashville... However you mix fiction writers. In May 2014, celebrated musician and composer Mike Vass, it up, The Driftwood Cowboys sound like no other band in the isles today. Their songs and tunes portray a from Nairn, mirrored Gunn’s route, re-visiting the communities Gunn wrote landscape of Shopping Week Queens, blackenings and barbed wire beer…local stories sung to the universal about, and finding inspiration for his own composing. tune of the blues, old time country, and folk. The project is Vass’s most ambitious venture to date, integrating Erika Shearer (Orkney) traditional, classical and electronic elements with film, photography and A well-known local fiddle player, Erika grew up surrounded by music. Her parents, Billy and Ingi Jolly, spoken-word excerpts, vividly evoking the moods of the sea, weather and regularly welcomed the likes of Hugh Inkster, Davy Eunson, Tommy Mainland and Colin Pirie round for landscape together with the power of Gunn’s writing. tunes, and it is these musicians, and the Orkney Strathspey and Reel Society, that inspired her. She can also regularly be seen playing with the Ronald Anderson Dance Band. On fiddle, tenor guitar and samples, Mike will be joined by Innes Watson Fara (Orkney) on guitar, fiddle and percussion, and Euan Burton on double bass and The highlight of many a 2014 festival-goer’s weekend, Fara brings together five young Orcadian musicians percussion. at the forefront of today’s Scottish folk scene. Jennifer Austin, Louise Bichan, Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie “...a great ear for atmosphere and a knack for writing tunes that lilt and and Catriona Price’s four fiddles and piano produce a fiery sound, with vibrant arrangements full of rich yearn” - The Guardian, 2015 harmonies, rooted strongly in their upbringing amongst the music of Orkney. 4 5 Findlay Napier (Scotland) Hullion (Orkney) Findlay is one of the most highly-regarded performers and creative Firmly established as an institution in these islands, Hullion are a real crowd-pleaser; fine songs and forces on the Scottish music scene. Having made his name with splendid tunes interspersed with winning banter. These seasoned multi-instrumentalists - Andy Cant multi-award winning folk band Back of the Moon, more recently (fiddle, mandolin, bagpipes), Billy Jolly (harmonica, vocals), Ingi Jolly (guitar, vocals), Micky Austin it’s been as a contemporary songwriter that he’s won praise and (tenor , mandolin) and Owen Tierney (guitar, mandolin, bass, vocals). combine an array of fans – with projects including Queen Anne’s Revenge, and The instruments to great effect. Barroom Mountaineers. His new album, VIP: Very Interesting Jo Philby Band (Orkney) Persons, contains ten songs about real life characters that have led Originally from the south of England, folk singer Jo Philby has been a welcome addition and firm fixture in very interesting lives. the Orkney folk scene for over a decade now. She has two CDs under her belt – Saltwater and Stone and Fiona Driver Trio (Orkney) Beneath the Starry Sky – with plans for a third in 2016, and regularly tours Scotland and England with her Local musicians Fiona Driver and Graham Simpson are well known band, featuring Elaine Grieve and new recruit Tom Robinson, who accompany on guitar, dobro and mandolin. in Orkney and further afield, having played together for nearly a Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band (Orkney) decade. For this year’s festival they are teaming up with Stenness Popular within the traditional dance scene in Orkney, this five piece band brings a special lilt to their fiddler Nicholas Taylor, to create an exciting new trio. Harmony repertoire of traditional Scottish, Irish, Cajun and self-penned tunes. Adopting the Norse word for Kirkwall as fiddling and guitar accompanies lovely tunes and arrangements their name, The Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band are also known throughout Orkney as the Wood family. Findlay Napier from the USA to Orkney, and a few places in between. Louise Bichan (Orkney) The Garson Trio Tribute Band (Orkney) Local fiddler, Louise Bichan graduated with a degree from the Glasgow School of Art in 2011, and has since A specially formed band, brought together for Thursday night’s concert in the Sandwick Hall, celebrating the been working as a photographer and musician. A regular face at the festival, this year she presents her own music of the Garson Trio – Iris Nicolson, James Garson and John Nicolson. The 2015 tribute to the much- material, inspired by recent travels to North America. In 2013 and 2014 Louise retraced her Grandmother’s loved West Mainland band features local players close to, and relatives of, the trio. For one night only! footsteps, across Canada, in a bid to fill in gaps in lost diaries. Gnoss (Orkney) The Lowland Linties The Lowland Linties (Scotland) Graham Rorie (fiddle) and Aidan Moodie (guitar, voice) are two award winning Orcadian musicians, currently With their rich, earthy harmonies, and a repertoire of funny studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The duo won a coveted Danny Kyle Award at Celtic and atmospheric songs, The Linties are favourites at festivals Connections 2015 - their second (whilst not yet in their twenties), having already snapped up the prize in and singing events across Scotland. Presenting tight 2011, with Broken Strings. With a musical sensitivity beyond their years, Gnoss combine their rich Orcadian four-part harmonies, in both a cappella and accompanied musical heritage with a flair for their own self-penned tunes. arrangements, current members Morag Dempsey, Iyaah Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Warren, Helen Reid and Stuart Miller will be joined in Orkney, Boys (Canada) as they were on their second CD, Frae the Forth, by founding Hailing from Prince Edward Island, on Canada’s east coast, the Lintie Lucy Pringle. multi-award-winning Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys Lyrie (Orkney) serve up old-time roots music in an exhilarating live show. Two-times runners up at the Orkney Folk Festival Open Whilst simultaneously playing the fiddle, MacKeeman’s thrilling Stage, Lyrie showcases the fiddling talents of some of Fiona ‘Crazy Legs’ dance style mixes with close-harmony bluegrass Driver’s students. Maya Tams-Gray, Mia McAllister and Anja Hall, alongside Fiona, create beautiful, all vocals, Peter Cann’s blistering guitar solos, and the lively multi- fiddle arrangements with a few self-penned tunes in the mix, all wrapped in a touch of humour. Melodies, instrumental talents of Thomas Webb (vocals, banjo, guitar, harmonies, chords and accompaniment all come from fiddles, making Lyrie a unique addition to the festival. pedal steel guitar and double bass) and Mark Geddes (double Gordie MacKeeman & his Rhythm Boys Michael Philip Scottish Dance Band (Scotland) bass, drums, percussion, mandolin and banjo). Michael Philip has been part of the Scottish dance band scene for three Hadhirgaan (Orkney) decades. Whilst his band’s repertoire is deeply rooted in the traditional A rolling army of young musicians who attend Kirkwall Grammar School, led by instrumental instructor/Field idiom, being a prolific composer in his own right, Michael’s compositions Marshall Douglas Montgomery, Hadhirgaan never cease to amaze with their unique, gutsy, contemporary have provided fresh material, giving the band their unique style and sound. The first line-up of Hadhirgaan appeared at the festival some 15 years ago now, and since then the sound. The band’s present line-up features all well-known musicians: group has gone on to release three CDs and a DVD, and has toured Canada twice. Michael leads on accordion, accompanied by Nicol McLaren on second Haltadans () accordion, Margaret Scollay on fiddle, Dana Stewart on piano and Individually no strangers to Orkney, Haltadans Malcolm Ross on drums. Michael Philip Scottish Dance Band brings together some of Shetland’s finest folk Mike Vass Trio (Scotland) musicians. Maurice Henderson, Ewen Thomson, An award-winning musician and composer, Mike Vass is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest fiddle players Lois Nicol, Grant Nicol and John Clark came and guitarists, and is in great demand as a performer, composer and teacher. He has toured extensively with together three years ago to revive long-forgotten leading Scots song band , in a duo with twin sister Ali, and with international super group Fiddle tunes from the archives of the Shetland fiddle Rendezvous, featuring Bruce Molsky, Maryann Kennedy and Gerry O’Connor. In his trio, he is joined by Euan tradition. Since their debut at the 2012 Shetland Burton on double bass and percussion, and Innes Watson on guitar, fiddle, and tenor guitar. Folk Festival, they’ve been performing regularly The New Rope String Band (Scotland/England) throughout their home isles, and are now Haltadans They’re back! But, for one last time… headed south. Visiting us on their farewell lap of Hannah Rarity (Scotland) honour, this truly unique trio splice A first time visitor to the festival, Scottish singer Hannah’s spellbinding voice, elements of circus, vaudeville, clowning, warm stage presence and thoughtful interpretations of material both new and slapstick, contortionism and downright old have seen her perform a number of exciting gigs, including the 2014/15 tomfoolery with beautiful acoustic ‘ Live’ on BBC1, live from Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket. She is music, in precision-honed, uproarious accompanied by Innes White on guitar, who played at the festival in 2014 with performances. At a New Rope String both the Mischa Macpherson Trio and Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail. Band show, your funny bones are The Hot Seats (USA) helplessly at the mercy of three first class Making their first visit to Orkney, on their seventh UK tour, Virginian livewires entertainers, who effortlessly meld superb The Hot Seats are hard to classify yet instantly identifiable. Appalachian Hannah Rarity musicianship with comic genius. old-time No Soond (Orkney) blends with left of centre bluegrass, An exciting young band whose first the rhythm of old time, the jerky ever appearance was at the Orkney Folk bounce of ragtime, and the swagger of Festival Open Stage in 2011, No Soond’s good old rock and roll. Ultimately, The members bring many influences to the Hot Seats make music that they want table, from straight up traditional tunes to to hear - the fact that audiences and rock, dance and jazz. As their debut CD, critics alike have embraced it is, in Stranded, showcases, feet-tapping and/or their words, a wonderful coincidence. involuntary jumping around is guaranteed. New Rope String Band 6 The Hot Seats 7 The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Sharon Shannon (Ireland) (Shetland/Norway/Sweden) It is no stretch to say that Sharon Shannon has achieved A meeting of three virtuoso fiddlers from different Nordic regions, legendary status throughout the world, making the much- Olav Luksengård Mjelva, Anders Hall and Kevin Henderson maligned accordion officially ‘cool’. The genre-defying The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc hail from Norway, Sweden and Shetland, respectively, uniting star has garnered multi-platinum album sales, with to explore each other’s traditions, creating a sound that is ultimately unique. As renowned exponents of her ‘best-of’, Galway Girl, going four-times platinum, their region’s rich fiddling traditions, each member is in great demand - Anders Hall and Olav Luksengård and the title track being the Ireland’s most downloaded Mjelva visited this festival in 2014 to great acclaim, with the cross-Scandinavian outfit, SVER, whilst Kevin song for two years running. Sharon’s back catalogue Henderson can be seen in the frontlines of Fiddlers’ Bid, Boys of the Lough and Session A9. of collaborators speaks for itself – Steve Earle, Bono, Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club (Orkney) The Waterboys and Sinead O’Connor – to name just The Orkney Accordion and Fiddle Club has been playing together regularly since the late 1970s, and is a a few, whilst on top of countless worldwide tours, she mainstay of Orkney’s traditional scene. The group welcomes players to meet in a friendly atmosphere, and has entertained two US Presidents; Clinton and Obama. throughout the summer they host monthly guest nights, which are often the hottest ticket in town. Sharon will be accompanied by multi-instrumentalist, Orkney Folk: The Fiddle Gathering (Orkney) Alan Connor. Showcasing several generations of these islands’ richly distinctive folk culture, ‘The Gathering’ brings Song Shop Trio (Orkney) together an expansive cast of Orcadian musicians, ranging from teenage rising stars to veteran stalwarts, all Featuring the close harmony vocals of singers Aimee Leonard, Emily Turton and Sarah Jane Gibbon, brought together in superb style by musical director and fiddler Douglas Montgomery. This year’s venture Sharon Shannon sees the project return home for a reprisal of Orkney Folk: The Fiddle Gathering, shining a spotlight on accompaniment on guitar by Alex Leonard, the Song Orkney’s rich fiddling tradition - as originally curated for the 2014 Scots Fiddle Festival, at Edinburgh’s Shop Trio perform a variety of traditional songs inspired by their love of Orkney. Queen’s Hall. Stromness RBL Pipe Band (Orkney) Orkney Heritage Fiddle Project (Orkney) The Stromness Royal British Legion Pipe Band prides itself in being a community band, with membership Headed up by Gemma McGregor, the OHFP seeks to reintroduce forgotten tunes into the common Orcadian open to all. As such, the thriving band is made up from folk in all walks of life – school bairns to pensioners repertoire, whilst also shining a spotlight on some of the county’s most prolific players no longer with us. – who have won a host of accolades, including the RBL overall championships, North of Scotland Quartets Since 2010, the project has focussed on the work of Jim Craigie, Davy Eunson, Ronnie Aim, Allie Windwick and Miniband champions in Grades 4 and 3. and Gordon Harvey, whilst this year they will be celebrating the popular Garson Trio. Stronsay’s Silver Darlings (Orkney) Orkney Strathspey and Reel Society (Orkney) A thriving and vibrant community group, Stronsay’s Silver Darlings have followers far and wide and are The Orkney Strathspey and Reel Society is highly regarded as one of the county’s most respected and a regular crowd-pleasing act at the festival. Their multi-instrumental sets and evident joy at performing established musical groups. Having performed across the county throughout for nearly 70 years, they have together combine to form a winning act, as showcased on their three CDs and busy diary. also released a number of recordings – most recently, Itchy Fingers, in 2012. Teebro (Orkney) Orkney Traditional Music Project (Orkney) A year since their debut performance at the 2014 Orkney Folk Festival, Teebro mixes the young and not so Community Project of the Year at the 2010 , the OTMP has grown from small young talents of Gavin Firth (Guitar), James Watson (fiddle) and Dan Rhodes (double bass). These well beginnings in 1998 to now having tutored well over 1,000 students. Demonstrating that Orkney’s traditional known local musicians and festival regulars combine self-penned titles with Scandinavian, Balkan, Scottish music is in very good hands, the project has helped to nurture many fine fiddlers and accomplished and Irish tunes and influences. accordionists – many of whom now appear elsewhere in this programme. Three of Bu (Orkney) Raymond Chuchuk Scottish Dance Band (Scotland) Siblings James, Jake and Bea Watson, from Rendall, combine fiddles, and flute with electronics, Whilst his family name comes from the Ukraine, Raymond is originally from the little village of Wallyford, bending their collective sound beyond the ‘traditional’ idiom. Traditional titles meet self-penned tunes and just outside of Edinburgh. Growing up surrounded by music, he first showed a gift for the accordion at just songs in genre-fusing performances that leave you wanting more. eight years old, when he was already performing at local shows and concerts. Raymond is a hugely popular Tim Edey (England) choice for sequence, ballroom and Scottish dancing classes, appearing at venues all over Scotland, England Originally from Broadstairs in Kent, a long time past resident of and even annual tours of Kobe, in Japan. Dingle, Kerry, and now based in Perthshire, Tim Edey is a multi- Robin Nicolson (Orkney) instrumentalist and singer of immense repute. Titled ‘Musician of Orkney-born Robin has been singing locally since the tender age of seven. Since first stretching the vocal the Year’ at the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Tim is renowned chords, he has undertaken many differing styles and singing collaborations, including musical theatre, for his masterful instrumentals – whether on guitar, melodeon or choirs and alongside Scottish Country Dance Bands. From all of these, though, it is towards solo singing whistles – and his live solo shows are a stunning mix of world that he invariably returns, with a large section of his repertoire coming from locally-composed songs; “some music, virtuosity, passion and unadulterated musical genius. humorous, some serious…”. Ward Thomas (England) Saltfishforty (Orkney) Twin sisters, Catherine and Lizzie Ward Thomas have fast become Douglas Montgomery (fiddle/viola) and Brian Cromarty (songs/guitar/mandola) brilliantly transcend the duo one of the UK’s top country acts, receiving regular BBC Radio format’s conventional confines. Their focus on Orkney music takes in traditional, contemporary and original 2 daytime airplay. Their debut album, From Where We Stand – material, boldly cross-fertilised with influences from Americana to East European folk, plus a high-octane recorded in Nashville – was crowned UK Album of the Year at the whiff of heavy metal. The result is a sound of equally thrilling raw attack and multi-dimensional richness, as 2014 British Country Music Awards, having entered the top 20 vividly captured afresh – after three studio – on their debut live recording, released in July 2014. Tim Edey of the UK album charts the day after its release, and the iTunes Sarah Jane Gibbon and Emma Grieve (Orkney) country chart at number one. One listen to their vocal cadences Sarah Jane and Emma having been singing together since they were bairns, performing with their mum as and close harmonies, and Nashville and their home county of Hampshire don’t seem all that far apart. the Grieve Family and as solo singers. Now reunited for occasional performances, they have been delighting West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society (Orkney) audiences with their beautiful close harmony renditions of traditional Orkney, Scottish and Americana songs Having recently celebrated their diamond jubilee, the West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society are your like only sisters can. hosts for the annual Orkney Folk Festival Fiddlers’ Rally. From small beginnings, the society now welcomes Scott Gardiner (Scotland) more than 50 fiddlers and accordionists, Scott is one of Scotland’s top traditional singers, and has been performing at concerts and festivals across aged 8 to 80+, to their weekly rehearsals the country since his schooldays. Brought up on a farm near Forfar, he is best known for singing the bothy and performances throughout the county. ballads and songs of the north-east, having a particular love for his local Angus folk songs. The Wrigley Sisters Seth Lakeman (England) (Orkney) A singer, songwriter, fiddler and multiple award Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley are an winner, Seth Lakeman is one of the most renowned internationally acclaimed Orcadian fiddle and folk musicians in the UK. His 2005 album, Kitty Jay, guitar duo. Having toured the world several was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, whilst its times over, they have been resettled back follow-up, , spawned the hit singles in Orkney for over a decade now, running Lady of the Sea and The White Hare. For his most recent The Reel, their hugely successful music recording, Word of Mouth, he unearthed hidden histories centre and venue, in Kirkwall. Together they and unsung everyday heroes from his native combine boundless musical dexterity and and Cornwall, to commemorate in song. Seth will be vitality with Orcadian wit and good fun – an appearing solo over the festival weekend. altogether class act. Seth Lakeman Ward Thomas 8 9 Joining In Orkney Aisles

Whether you’re a dab hand on the accordion, fancy picking up some new skills Whilst Orkney is widely known for on the guitar, or fancy lending your voice to a chorus or two, we’ve a good few its thriving folk scene – and the arts events where the focus is firmly on taking part. It’s your festival, after all. as a whole – so too is it renowned for its stunning produce, be it meat, fish, dairy, baking, confectionary, preserves or Workshops drinks, all making the best of the island’s Song writing – Findlay Napier – Saturday, 11am (1hr) resources. Born from a pristine environment – Stromness Community Centre of rolling green fields and clean seas, Guitar – Tim Edey – Saturday, 3pm (1hr) – Stromness Community Centre Orkney’s distinctive and remarkably varied To register for either of these sessions, please email info@orkneyfolkfestival. range of food and drink truly encapsulates com (places are limited). the essence of the islands, reflecting the character of an enterprising community where excellence really matters. Orkney Folk Festival Choir - Orkney and Beyond Would you like to perform as part of the Orkney Folk Festival Choir? Sign up Once again we are very pleased to be partnering with Orkney Food & Drink to for two masterclass singing sessions, plus a chance to perform on stage at bring a wide variety of local traders and produce to the festival, alongside world the festival. class music – offering the best of what Orkney has to offer on one plate. Day 1 – Saturday, 12-2pm – Stromness Community Centre Thanks to extra funding support, as part of Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink 2015, this year we are delighted to host Orkney Food & Drink’s Orkney Aisles Orkney and Beyond, with the Big Orkney Song Project showcase at the festival weekend – a marketplace opening up Orkney’s larder for Day 2 – Sunday, 12-2pm – Kristin Linklater Voice Centre, Quoyloo Birsay both takeaway and take-home food and drink, between 12-4pm on Saturday and Orkney and Beyond, with the Big Orkney Song Project and a special Sunday afternoons at Stromness Pier Head. session with vocal coach, Kristin Linklater. Register your interest with Aimee Leonard, at [email protected], and you will be sent the music to practise beforehand. Just £20 covers both days, payable on the door on Saturday. Open Stage The Open Stage is – as it says on the tin – a stage open to all: soloists or groups; singers, musicians or both. With a slot at the following year’s festival up for grabs, it’s a hard-fought competition – and one that has been credited with boosting the profiles of many of its former participants, not just winners. Now in its tenth year, the Open Stage was introduced to the festival programme as a way of encouraging new musical talent to come forward, and now many of its former participants appear throughout the programme. If this sounds like something for you, register via our website – www.orkneyfolkfestival.com – There’s a refreshing honesty and authenticity before April 26. Good luck!. about Orkney’s wonderful produce, from our locally reared premium beef and sustainably fished crab, lobster, scallops and salmon, to Fiddlers’ Rally our award-winning beers, ice-cream, oatcakes, Hosted by the West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society, the Fiddlers’ fudge, cheese, baking and whisky. Quality is Rally brings together musicians from throughout Orkney and further afield, the thread that runs through it all and we like to for massed performances of traditional tunes. It is open to all who want to think the standards set by our dedicated and participate – not just fiddlers – and is quite a spectacle to behold. If you fancy experienced producers are unrivalled. taking part, download a copy of this year’s sheet music from our website, head Needless to say, it all tastes great, but don’t along to the Stromness Academy for a rehearsal on Sunday morning, and just take our word for it, come and try for you’re in the band. yourself. Gies a Tune or Song As remarked upon time and time again, an enormous part of this festival Beer Here! is its sessions, which run throughout the weekend, breaking only (just) for Following the sell-out success of last year’s inaugural brew of Orkney Session (our very own ale!) we sleep. We schedule bands to get them going but please do join them – it’s are delighted to be welcoming the limited edition what sessions are all about – and when artists have to head off for sound- HIGHL AND beer back to the festival. Expertly produced by the B R E W I N G C O M P A N Y checks etc, it’s over to you to keep the tunes going. It’s not uncommon Highland Brewing Company, at the Swannay Brewery, for a midday session to end at closing time, creating quite a few unique the beer is only collaborations along the way. This year, as a special treat, the Driftwood available in Cowboys will be holding the fort on Saturday night at the Stromness Hotel. casks, so can’t Gamely occupying the dangerous territory between session and gig they be bought in will be making sure the night goes with an extra Swing. the shops or taken home - best make House of Song sure you try Specially for singers, we also have this year The House of Song. Hosted a pint or two by the inimitable Doris Rougvie, upstairs in Stromness’ Royal Hotel on whilst you’re Friday and Saturday at 2pm, these sessions are a quite haven for singers here, and while and song-lovers alike. stocks last.

10 Made in Orkney at the Swannay Br 11 ABV 3.8% ewery , by Evie, Orkney , KW17 2NP 7.30pm Opening Concert £18/16/10 c.£8 £20 Lunchtime Club 12noon 1 Stromness Town Hall The Stromness Hotel 8 Sharon Shannon Sharon Shannon Tim Edey Haltadans The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Three of Bu Stromness RBL Pipe Band Sponsor – PatronBase UK Sponsor – The Stromness Hotel £16/14 /10 c.£8 Stromness Concert 7.30pm 7.30pm Deerness Concert £14 c. £7 Stromness Town Hall 9 2 Deerness Community Centre Seth Lakeman Dallahan Saltfishforty Haltadans Claire Hastings Hannah Rarity Sponsor – ICIT, Heriot-Watt University Sponsor – J.W. Gray & Co.

7.30pm The Music of The Garson Trio £14 c.£7 £16 c.£8 Birsay Ceilidh 7.30pm 3 Sandwick Community Hall Birsay Community Hall 10 A night celebrating the music of much-loved Garson Trio; Iris Nicolson, Sharon Shannon James Garson and John Nicolson, including sets from: The New Rope String Band Orkney Heritage Fiddle Project Erika Shearer The Garson Trio Tribute Band Teebro Friday 22nd May Graham Garson Dance – Raymond Chuchuk Scottish Dance Band Thursday 21st May Belt Hid Oot Sponsor – Highland Brewing Company Ltd. plus more Sponsor – EIS £16 c.£8 St Andrews Ceilidh 7.30pm 7.30pm Out of my own Light £10 St Andrews Community Centre, Tankerness 11 Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys 4 Orphir Community School Tim Edey In 1950, 25-year-old Margaret Sarah Tait, from Quoyburray, travelled No Soond across Canada alone, taking time out to consider her future in Orkney. James Nicolson In 2013, Louise Bichan retraced her grandmother’s footsteps, at the Dance – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band same age, filling gaps in lost diaries whilst Sponsor – Scottish Sea Farms documenting both of their travels in music and photography. For more information, see page four. £12 c.£6 Sanday Ceilidh 7.30pm Sponsor – S. & J.D. Robertson Group Ltd. Sanday Community Centre 12 22nd May Friday The Hot Seats 7.30pm Westray Concert £12 c.£6 The Lowland Linties 5 Westray School Hall Gnoss The New Rope String Band Dance – Michael Philip Scottish Dance Band Thursday 21st May Sponsor – The Long Partnership Sponsor – The Long Partnership

£20 10.30pm Festival Club £20 Festival Club 10.30pm 6 The Stromness Hotel The Stromness Hotel The Hot Seats DIVERS LODGE 13 The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Barrule – MV HUSKYAN – Dallahan Bruce Mainland DIVESCAPA.COM Jo Philby Band Sponsor – Highland Brewing Company Ltd. Sponsor – MV Radiant Queen & Divers Lodge 10.30pm Song Club £7 7 Royal Hotel, Stromness £7 Song Club 10.30pm Findlay Napier Royal Hotel, Stromness 14 Sarah Jane Gibbon and Emma Grieve Hannah Rarity Hosted by Scott Gardiner ORKNEY PC Billy Jolly Sponsor – Orkney Fishermen’s Society Hosted by Scott Gardiner Orkney PC

The Hot Seats £12 Academy Club 10.30pm Stromness Academy 15 Claire Hastings Ward Thomas Fara Sponsor – Scotrenewables Tidal Power Ltd.

12 13

10.30am Open Stage free £16/14/10 c.£8 Stromness Concert 7.30pm Stromness Town Hall Stromness Town Hall 20 Ward Thomas Barrule £6 11.00am Mike Vass - In the Wake of Neil Gunn Stronsay’s Silver Darlings 16 Stromness Academy Sponsor – Hamnavoe Hostel Inspired by a sea voyage around Scotland’s West coast, retracing a route sailed by author Neil Gunn in 1937, award-winning musician/composer Mike Vass’s newest £20 c.£10 Pickaquoy Concert 7.30pm work integrates traditional, classical and electronic The Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall 21 elements with film, photography and spoken-word Sharon Shannon excerpts, vividly evoking the moods of the sea, weather Seth Lakeman and landscape together with the power of Gunn’s writing. Fara For more information, see page 4. Gnoss Sponsor – Highland Park Sponsor – Scottish Sea Farms

12noon Lunchtime Club £20 £16 c.£8 Harray Ceilidh 7.30pm 17 The Stromness Hotel Harray Community Centre 22 Dallahan The New Rope String Band Barrule Mike Vass Trio Fiona Driver Trio Hannah Rarity Sponsor – TwentyTwo Promotions Song Shop Trio Lyrie Saturday 23rd May Saturday 23rd May Dance – Raymond Chuchuk Scottish Dance Band free 1.00pm Music in St Magnus Sponsor - Barclay + Mathieson Ltd. St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall Orkney Traditional Music Project £16 c.£8 Holm Ceilidh 7.30pm Holm Community Centre £5 c.£3 23 2.00pm Family Concert The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc 18 Stromness Academy Haltadans The New Rope String Band The Wrigley Sisters Findlay Napier Hullion Sponsor – PatronBase UK Dance – Michael Philip Scottish Dance Band Sponsor – Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers 2.30pm Orkney Folk: The Fiddle Gathering £12/10/8 c.£6 19 Stromness Town Hall £20 Festival Club 10.30pm A reprise performance of Orkney Folk: The Fiddle Gathering - a bumper The Stromness Hotel 24 cast of fiddlers alongside the festival’s acclaimed ‘Gathering’ house band, Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys in a concert specially curated for the Tim Edey Saturday 23rd May Fiddle 2014 festival, last November, in Bryony Lyn Band Saturday 23rd May Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall. Sponsor – Lows Sponsor – EMEC Ltd. £7 Song Club 10.30pm 3.00pm Pipe Band Parade free Royal Hotel, Stromness 25 Stromness Pier Head (weather permitting) The Lowland Linties Stromness RBL Pipe Band Robin Nicolson Hosted by Scott Gardiner Sponsor – Burnside B&B

£12 The Stomp 10.30pm Stromness Academy 26 The Chair The Hot Seats Sponsor – Aquatera Ltd.

Dallahan

Mike Vass Ward Thomas 14 15 16 Sunday Sunday24th 24th May May 11.15am MorningService 2.00pm Fiddlers’Rally 2.00pm SundaySupplement 7.00pm Farewell Two Concert 6.30pm Farewell One Concert 2.30pm SundayTipple 2.00pm SundaySongClub 32 31 30 29 28 27

Sponsor –RoyalHotel,Stromness Open Stagewinner Fara Barrule Findlay Napier Dallahan Tim Edey The HotSeats Sponsor –TheFerry Inn(Orkney) Ltd. The Lowland Linties Hannah Rarity Haltadans The NordicFiddlersBloc StringBand The NewRope Gordie MacKeeman andhisRhythmBoys Ward Thomas Sponsor –OrkneyBrewery Barrule Findlay Napier Sponsor –WHBSutherland Hosted byScottGardiner Claire Hastings The Lowland Linties Hannah Rarity Sponsor –Northvet Guest: Gnoss Orkney AccordionandFiddleClub Society Orkney StrathspeyandReel West Society MainlandStrathspeyandReel Sponsor –RoyalBritishLegionClub,Stromness Hadhirgaan Tim Edey Gordie MacKeeman andhisRhythmBoys Ward Thomas acts alsofeature inshortspots. welcome tosinghymnstraditional,well-knowntunes,whilstvarious The SundayServiceisafavouritewithmanyfestival-goers.Allare Stromness ChurchofScotland Stromness Academy Stromness Town Hall Orkney Brewery, Quoyloo The Stromness Hotel Stromness Academy Stromness Town Hall

£18/16/12 c.£10 £16/14/10 c.£8 The Wrigley Sisters £18 c.£10 £7 c.£3 £10 £7 Saturday –OpenSession Friday –AfftheKuff Thursday –OrkneyStrathspeyandReelSociety Wednesday –OrkneyAccordionandFiddleClub the hostbandforatuneortwo. setting tositbackwithadramandsoakuptheatmosphere,orjoinin Reel –ownedandrunbyJenniferHazelWrigleyprovidestheperfect nightly servingofthefestivaltoKirkwall,fromWednesday toSaturday. The latenightticketsoftenhotproperty,With wearedelightedtobeextendinga The ReelClub either free,orbydonationonthedoor–justturnup,andenjoycraic. managed tosqueezeafewextraeventsintothefestivalweekend.Theseare In abidtomeettheever-growing demandforfestivaltickets,we’ve But Wait,There’sMore. days offestival exertion,it’sworth itforthegallant attemptsatrunning alone. between thefestival’s finestfolkiefootballers,fromhomeand away. Afterfour Inn, andjustoverthe roundabout)tocatchaweary, yetpride-heavy, battle along tothemarket green (turnleftoutofTheStromnessHotel, pasttheFerry we’re told – we’re not quite sure how or why) football match is still there. Head – fromSundayafternoon’sprogramme, butfearnot,ourlegendary(orso Regular festivalgoersmayhavenoticed aglaringomission–relegation,even Stromness MarketGreen Sunday afternoon(exacttimetobeadvised overthefestivalweekend)– Orkney vs. Rest of the World Football Match inspired, herproject. diary excerptsthat accompanies, and of theartworkthat an exhibitionofsome Bichan willbehosting (see page4),Louise on Thursdaynight taking placeinOrphir of thesamename, Alongside theconcert Pier ArtsCentre,Stromness–allweekend Out ofMyOwnLight–Exhibition composer, EdvardGrieg. on piano,willalsobeplayingsomepiecesfromNorway’smostfamous Hardanger, asarrangedforchoirbyPer H.Indrehus.AstridGjestvang, from westernNorway, Songsfrom andfeaturedinhiscollection100Folk ye mostheartilywelcomed,madefamousbyGeirrTveitt,acomposer Amongst theprogrammeisfolksongVelkomne medæra–Obe well knownforhistranslationsofRobertBurns’poetry. translated toNorwegianbythepoetJohannesGjerdåker, fromVoss, whois Norway andtheBritishisles.ManyofsongsfromUKhavebeen Saturday’s concertwillpresentavarietyofmusic,includingfolktunesfrom events throughouttheirhomecounty. repertoire spansfolk,pop,carolsandevergreens,regularlydelightsat – includingastopatthePalace KirkonSaturdayafternoon.Theensemble’s In theirthirtiethanniversaryyear, theyaretravellingabroadforthefirsttime Bygdaklang isamixed,30-strongcommunitychoirfromVoss, Hordaland. Piano -AstridGjestvang Conductor -ErlendFuruset Jenssen Saturday 23May, 2.30-3.30pm Kirk) St. MagnusChurch,Birsay(Palace Bygdaklang 17 Been There? Done That? Get The T-Shirt Patronage & Financial Support

No trip to a festival would be complete without a limited-edition piece of Now in its 33rd year, the Orkney Folk Festival is The festival gratefully merchandise – and this year we are delighted to have partnered with the an entirely voluntary-run event, and a registered acknowledges the support art and design students at Orkney College, to create a brand new t-shirt charity. Like many others throughout the design. received from this year’s country, the festival relies upon the support sponsors: At the beginning of the year, students were given the brief to create a series from public bodies, organisations, companies Aquatera Ltd. of designs, using a range of methods demonstrating a personal, creative and individuals, to keep up with ever increasing Argos’ Bakery and expressive response to the theme of music, as well as colour and textile Aries Consulting techniques. financial demands in bringing you the best festival possible. Barclay + Mathieson Ltd. Course sessions included market research on the festival itself, the wider Bayleaf Delicatessen festival and music industry, as well as in-depth observations of musical Browns Hostel notation and instruments - looking at colours, shapes and the detail of their Public Bodies Burnside B&B construction. For more than two decades now, the festival’s The Café Each of the students developed their ideas over a number of weeks, before main sources of funding have been from public Clark Thomson Insurance selecting one final design to put forward to the festival board to choose the sector bodies, namely Orkney Islands Council, Brokers winning artwork. Creative Scotland and previously the Scottish Arts The Diving Cellar We were genuinely blown away by the creativity and design processes, and Council, and the Educational Institute of Scotland. E. Flett Butcher EMEC Ltd. the level of investment in this project. Choosing just one design was a tough This ongoing support is crucial to the continued decision, however we are thrilled to now offer Kelly Marwick’s t-shirts for Ferry Inn (Stromness) Ltd. success of the festival. sale – get yours from the festival shop, in the Pier Arts Centre, before they Grooves sell out. Hamnavoe Hostel So impressed were we, in all the designs, that we have used a good few of Corporate & Event Sponsors Hamnavoe Restaurant them as backgrounds or textures throughout this year’s programme. When it comes to supporting the festival, Orkney’s Highland Park local business community is second to none. ICIT Herriot-Watt University J. & S. Allan In addition to corporate sponsorship of the J.W. Gray & Co. whole weekend, which starts at just £50, many James Wilson (Orkney) Ltd. businesses also kindly opt to support individual John Kemp events. Julia’s Café & Bistro K4 Graphics Loganair Volunteers The Long Partnership There are also those who give the festival a gift Lows as equally precious as any financial returns, and Lyndsey’s Boutique that is the ever-growing band of volunteers (too MV Radiant Queen & Divers’ many to name, unfortunately) who give their time, Lodge commitment, talents and enthusiasm in order to NorthLink Ferries keep this vital event going. Northvet The Orcadian You make this festival unique, and the envy of Orcadian Wildlife its competitors – thank you all. Orkney Archaeology Tours Orkney Cheese Orkney Factors Ltd. Patronage Orkney Fishermen’s Society For many years now, the generosity of individual Orkney Office Supplies patrons has provided invaluable assistance Orkney PC in funding the festival. For a payment of just PatronBase (UK) Kelly Marwick’s Winning Design Pier Arts Centre £20, patrons receive advanced access to Quernstone ticket booking, discounted travel to Orkney The Reel with Northlink Ferries, 10% discount on festival Royal British Legion Club merchandise, as well as a copy of the programme Stromness mailed out before its general release. Membership Royal Hotel of the festival’s Patron Plus Scheme combines S. & J.D. Roberston Group Ltd. the benefits of individual patronage with the Scholes Chartered Accountants added bonus of a monthly prize draw, in return for Scotrenewables Tidal Power Ltd. Scottish Sea Farms year-round support. Half of the funds collected, Soft Pink Flowers monthly, go directly to supporting the festival, Stockan’s Oatcakes Ltd. whilst the other half fills the prize draw pot. The The Stromness Hotel minimum donation is just £5, and the monthly Stromness Taxis prize fund is now well beyond £140 – just for TwentyTwo Promotions supporting the festival! VisitScotland For information visit: WHB Sutherland Ltd. www.orkneyfolkfestival.com/patronage Wisharts 18 19 A Westray* B Sanday* Getting around C Birsay D Quoyloo E Sandwick A F Harray G Kirkwall B H Stromness I St Andrews J Deerness K Orphir L Holm C *Requires an overnight stay. Ferry tickets must be booked D E directly with Orkney Ferries. F

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Cr Fran klin Rd Helliho oval Road Pu Fran klin Rd ff er’s t Close Off le Roadthe Beaten Track Whilst two thirds of all activity is based in the festival’s hometown of Stromness, so too is it important Dundas Stree Backthat Road the festival visits as many corners of Orkney’s many isles as possible. This year we have a bumper

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L Hoymansquoy selection of parishes and islands to choose from, allowing you to experience a true country ceilidh and see Orkney’s fantastict landscape whilst visiting the festival.

F d Stree Back* RoadWestrayaravel (Thursday) and *Sanday (Friday) are both northern Orkney isles. Orkney Ferries sail to both Whitehouse fre at least twice daily,Al from Kirkwall. Ferry bookings should be made directly with them, on 01856 872044 These events require an overnight stay on the island.

Ticket Sales OSCR No. SCO27280 (SCIO). Registered The Orkney Folk Festival is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Tickets will go on sale on Saturday 3 May, via our website: www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

Citadel CrescentHoymansquoy Should you notGuardhouse have internet access, you can call the festival office – from the same

day – on 07543 013South End 006, where we will be able to take your order. We must stress Nes

that phone sales shoulds Road only be used if you cannot get online, as these orders will be P processed in theark same system, and same queue, as those buying from the website. From Tuesday 19 May, we will operate a Box Office in the Pier Arts Centre, Stromness. Until this date, there will be no over-the-counter ticket sales. Please note that reduced-rate tickets are only available to children under the age of 16.

Contact Us Orkney Folk Festival, c/o Husbrek, Grimbister, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1TS Design: K4 Graphics - [email protected] t: 07543 013 006 e: [email protected]