Are you a busy bee who hasn’t had a chance to peruse our pure, deid brilliant TradFest programme?

Here’s some inspiration from TRACS and Storytelling Centre staff as they share what events they are most looking forward to over the next 11 days:

Donald Smith, TradFest Curator and Performer

I’m looking forward to the Scottish Bagpipe Day at Teviot Sun 4 May with an afternoon Conference and evening Concert – an awesome mix of contemporary and traditional talent in all styles. The range and versatility of the Bagpipe as you’ve never heard it before – in one place.

Donald is also performing as part of TradFest in Ballad of the Five Mary’s on Thu 8 May and Scotland’s Storytelling Renaissance on Fri 9 May.

Davide Panzeri, National Storytelling Coordinator

I’m looking forward to the Mummers Gathering on Sun 4 May – a great and fun way to enjoy the traditional arts as a community activity.

Davide is also performing as part of TradFest in Mediterraneo: Europe’s North, South & East on Friday 2 May.

Helen Marie McCulloch, Visitor Services Assistant

I’m looking forward to seeing Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita on Sun 11 May at Usher Hall.  Sounds like a very interesting mix of sounds which will suit my eclectic taste, plus I find harp music very relaxing to listen to.

Favourite Scots saying?  “Haud yer wheesht!” – I think it somehow has a friendly rather than an angry sound.

Ásta Ásbjörnsdóttir, Business & Administration Manager

I am planning on going to see The Old Dance School on Fri 9 May – looking forward to doing some energetic (and possibly not all that graceful) dancing.

Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager

I’m looking forward to the Folk Cinema night at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Mon 5 May – interested to explore the connections between folklore, storytelling and cinema.

Favourite Scots saying? “Awa’ an’ bile yer heid!”

Lindsay Corr, Marketing and Communications Manager

I’m excited about having a nosy at the Scottish crafts, jewellery and other treats at the Craft Fair on Sat 3 May, then enjoying the lilt of the Scots tongue in A Braw Nicht Oot later that evening. Being Northern Irish I’ve a wee soft spot for The Armagh Rhymers so I’ll see them on Sun 4 May and I’m also looking forward to a vigorous workout at the Kilter Ceilidh at Assembly Roxy on Thu 8 May.

Favourite Scots saying? “Ma heid’s mince!”

David Francis, Executive Officer for Traditional Music Forum

Looking forward to Flowers of Edinburgh on Sat 3 May, Rachel Newton’s Changeling on Wed 7 May and the Sangstream Concert on Sun 11 May.  Otherwise, some of the discussions around Revival and Renaissance.

Favourite Scots saying? “They haif said. Quhat say they? Lat yame say!”

Robbie Greig, Intern for Traditional Music Forum

Looking forward to the Scottish Piping Concert on Sun 4 May- a great line-up!

Favourite Scots saying? “Awa’ an dinnae fash yersel!”

Duncan Ballantyne, PR and social media

I would say Kilter Ceilidh with some deft and funky horns c/o the Doppelgang Horns sounds like a sure fire recipe for some celidh disco dance moves.

Favourite Scots saying? “My heid disnae zip up at the back ya ken!”