News

Young people will make music together once again in Ullapool this Easter

Fèis Rois na h-Òigridh returns for the first time since 2019

Innovative arts organisation, Fèis Rois, will deliver its first Fèis Rois na h-Òigridh (Junior Fèis) since 2019 this Easter and will welcome a team of top musicians and tutors to Ullapool for a week of musical activities with young people from across the Highlands.

After the last couple of years of cancelled live events being replaced by a successful series of online workshops and concerts, Fèis Rois, which is based in Dingwall, will be back in Ullapool for Fèis Rois na h-Òigridh, the annual music residential week open to young people in P4 – S1. Taking place in the first week of the Easter holidays, from Monday 4th – Friday 8th April, young people can choose to participate in three different classes each day including various musical instruments, Gaelic song, drama and art as well as participating in a range of cèilidhs, concerts and evening activities.

 

Tutors this year include a host of well-known musicians from across the Highlands and Islands, including; Gaelic singer and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner, Mischa Macpherson; Kinnaris Quintet fiddler from Tain, Laura Wilkie; Ullapool singer and artist, Kim Richards; Piper and whistle player with Fras, Angus Binnie; Gaelic singer and fiddler, Rona Wilkie; actor and drama tutor, Artair Donald; Highland accordionist, Amy Henderson; Black Isle multi-instrumentalist with Blazin’ Fiddles, Anna Massie; fiddler, Anne Wood; artist Kevin Morris; and Achiltibuie musician and composer, Joseph Peach.

Fèis Rois Chief Executive, Fiona Dalgetty commented: “After a difficult couple of years, with support from The Highland Council and Creative Scotland, we are delighted to be able to get back to Ullapool for Fèis Rois na h-Òigridh and are looking forward to offering young people a fantastic musical experience and hearing them make music together once again.

“With classes in fiddle, guitar, Gaelic song, clarsach, art, chanter, whistle, ukulele, keyboard, accordion and drama, we hope there is something for everyone! We are conscious that it has been more than two years since some children have been able to take up an instrument so we have lots of complete beginner options this year, as well as options for those who already play. Many of our tutor team are former participants of this event, which we hope will inspire the next generation.”

To encourage young people to take up a musical instrument, Fèis Rois is offering free musical instrument hire. Bookings can be made through EventBrite and there is a handy booking guide and FAQs available on the Fèis Rois website, along with all the tutor and cost details. Residential and non-residential places are available. For more information about this year’s Fèis Rois na h-Òigridh and details of how to book a place, please visit www.feisrois.org.