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Entertainment for all the family


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October

The Highland Archaeology Festival from September 28 to October 18 has something for everyone.
The Highland Archaeology Festival from September 28 to October 18 has something for everyone.

September 28 to October 18 Highland Archaeology Festival, venues across the Highlands – workshops, talks, walks, geocache trail and annual conference. There’s something to suit everyone and many events are free. For details and booking visit www.highlandarchaeologyfestival.org

September 28 to October 31 Scottish Tree Festival: Champion Trees of Inverewe, Inverewe Gardens, Poolewe – a rare specimen tree and national champion, the variegated turkey oak (Quercus cerris ‘Variegata’), is believed to have been planted in 1937 to commemorate the completion of the rebuilt Inverewe House. www.nts.org.uk

1 Clybourne Park, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – an exciting new production of this critically acclaimed modern American classic, Clybourne Park is a razor-sharp satire about the politics of race. www.eden-court.co.uk

1 Janey Godley, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – the queen of Scottish comedy. www.eden-court.co.uk

Ben Elton is live at Eden Court, Inverness on October 2.
Ben Elton is live at Eden Court, Inverness on October 2.

2 Ben Elton: Live 2019, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – the godfather of modern stand-up returns. www.eden-court.co.uk

3 Respect: The Aretha Franklin Songbook, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – an amazing live concert that pays tribute to the queen of soul. www.eden-court.co.uk

3 Cracked Tiles by Lorenzo Novani, The Muir Hub, Muir of Ord, 7.30pm – a theatre piece combining comedy and poetic storytelling to tell the tale of a man who inherits his father's down chip shop in Glasgow. https://themuirhub.org

3-5 Ness Book Fest, various venues around Inverness – a range of events and literary genres with something for all ages and interests. Find on Facebook.

4 MacTallica, Ironworks, Inverness, 7.30pm – the UK’s definitive tribute to Metallica. www.ironworksvenue.com

Ullapool Guitar Festival takes place October 4-6.
Ullapool Guitar Festival takes place October 4-6.

4-6 Ullapool Guitar Festival, various venues, Ullapool – workshops, concerts, late night sessions and trade fair for lovers and players of the six-string. www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com

5 West Coast Arts (Music, dance, and song from around the world), Gairloch Community Hall, Gairloch – Quartetto Noûs (Italian chamber music quartet). Find on Facebook.

5 Greg Minnaar: Size Matters, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – Greg takes audiences on the journey of his incredible career as one of the greatest mountain bikers in the history of the sport. www.eden-court.co.uk

5 Sarah Beth Briggs, Nairn Community and Art Centre, Nairn, 7.30pm – a leading recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. www.musicnairn.org.uk

5 Bogbain Dance 2019, Bogbain Farm, near Inverness, 7.30pm – mini festival with live music, a ceilidh and DJ. www.bogbainfarm.com

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers play Strathpeffer Pavilion October 5. Picture: Gary Anthony/SPP
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers play Strathpeffer Pavilion October 5. Picture: Gary Anthony/SPP

5 The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 7.30pm – part of their Fresh Air album tour. www.strathpefferpavilion.org

5 Black Isle Gathering (BIG), Fortrose Academy, Fortrose – a biennial all-day indoor 'street market' for local community groups and small businesses, plus good food and fun entertainment. Find on Facebook.

5-6 Wee Hansel & Gretel, Eden Court, Inverness – a wee version of a big ballet for three to eight year olds. www.eden-court.co.uk

Cromarty’s annual “peeking in on the neighbours” on October 6. Picture: SPP
Cromarty’s annual “peeking in on the neighbours” on October 6. Picture: SPP

6 Gluren bij de Buren (Peeking in on the neighbours), various venues, Cromarty – an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music and spoken word by 10 performers in 10 houses and its all free. Visit www.glurenbijdeburen.co.uk for more information.

6 Daniel Sloss: X, Ironworks, Inverness, 7pm – Scotland’s internationally acclaimed comedian with special guest Kai Humphries. www.ironworksvenue.com

6 Cairngorms Farmers Market, The Square, Grantown on Spey, 10am-3pm

6 Baxters Festival of Running, Bught Park, Inverness – as well as the 26-mile marathon for serious runners, there are races to encourage everyone, of all ages and abilities, to have a go with the Baxters River Ness 10k, Baxters River Ness 5K and the Wee Nessie. All day entertainment in the event village at the Bught includes a runners’ café and expo. www.lochnessmarathon.com

8 Opera Highlights, Thurso High School, Thurso, 7.30pm – the setting for director Roxana Haines’ production of Opera Highlights is a beautiful garden party, and features a playlist of operatic classics and must-hear rarities, curated by Scottish Opera’s head of music Derek Clark. www.scottishopera.org.uk

9 From Crucks to Crinkly Tin: Traditional Structures and Settlements in the Central Highlands, Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore – annual one-day seminar in honour of the museum’s inspirational and pioneering founder Dr Isabel F Grant. www.highlifehighland.com/highlandfolkmuseum

The Crucible is at Eden Court, Inverness from October 9-10. Picture: Jane Hobson
The Crucible is at Eden Court, Inverness from October 9-10. Picture: Jane Hobson

9-10 The Crucible, Eden Court, Inverness – Helen Pickett’s choreography unleashes the emotional force of Miller’s masterpiece, vividly accompanied by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra performing Peter Salem’s haunting new score. www.eden-court.co.uk

9 Jamie Lawson: Acoustic Tour, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – award-winning singer-songwriter. www.eden-court.co.uk

10 Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – the set includes folk, rock, country, gospel as well as blues and soul. www.eden-court.co.uk

10-14 Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival, Dufftown – a celebration of Scotland's national drink and culture in the malt whisky capital of the world. www.whisky.dufftown.co.uk

11 The Kilkennys, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 8pm – award-winning folk band from Ireland. www.strathpefferpavilion.org

Inverness Street Festival takes place October 11-13. Picture: Callum MacKay/SPP
Inverness Street Festival takes place October 11-13. Picture: Callum MacKay/SPP

11-13 Inverness BID Street Festival, Inverness City Centre – street theatre performances and mayhem. www.invernessbid.co.uk

12 Pearl Jam UK, Ironworks, Inverness, 7pm – the World’s Greatest Pearl Jam Tribute. www.ironworksvenue.com

12 Susie McCabe, Lyth Arts Centre, Wick, 7.30pm – winner of Best Headliner and Best Solo Show at the Scottish Comedy Awards 2019. www.lytharts.org.uk

Porridge world champions 2018 Calle Myrsell and Per Carlsson hold aloft the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy. Picture: James Ross
Porridge world champions 2018 Calle Myrsell and Per Carlsson hold aloft the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy. Picture: James Ross

12 26th Annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship, Village Hall, Carrbridge, 10am-4pm – the oaty cook-off draws competitors from across the globe. www.goldenspurtle.com

12 Archaeological Tour, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, near Inverness, 11am – discover what’s under your feet at Culloden. www.nts.org.uk

13 Aviemore Half Marathon & 10k For All, Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore, 10am – visit www.badaguish.org/aviemore-half-marathon for details.

14 There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly, Eden Court, Inverness, 2.30pm – the perfect treat for anyone aged two to 102. www.eden-court.co.uk

Traditional Scottish group Blazin Fiddles will share their musical knowledge at Blazin’ in Beauly in October.
Traditional Scottish group Blazin Fiddles will share their musical knowledge at Blazin’ in Beauly in October.

14-18 Blazin’ in Beauly – a week of sessions, masterclasses, concerts, good craic and tuition from Blazin’ Fiddles and guests. www.blazininbeauly.com

16 Alan Carr, Macphail Centre, Ullapool, 7.30pm – join the award-winning comedian and TV presenter for a night of work-in-progress comedy. Tickets from www.beyondhighlands.com

16-19 Barber Shop Chronicles, Eden Court, Inverness – a heart-warming, hilarious and insightful new play. www.eden-court.co.uk

16-20 Loch Ness Knit Fest, Inverness Leisure Centre, Inverness – more than 30 workshops with leading yarn designers and knitters from all over the world, a crafting village with demonstrations and a marketplace showcasing more than 60 exhibitors. www.lochnessknitfest.com

Word on the Street takes place October 17-20 in Dingwall. Picture: Gary Anthony/SPP
Word on the Street takes place October 17-20 in Dingwall. Picture: Gary Anthony/SPP

17-20 Word on the Street, Dingwall – over four days the High Street and adjacent venues come alive with readings, signings, music, drama, talks, walks, poetry and storytelling. www.word-on-the-street.weebly.com

17 to November 10 Bloody Inverness, Abertarff House, Inverness – murder, mayhem, riots and rebellion! Discover the darker side of Inverness in this 90-minute walking tour. Visit www.nts.org.uk to book.

18 Peatbog faeries, Universal Hall, Findhorn, 8pm – bring Celtic dance music into the 21st century by incorporating jazz, hip hop, reggae and more. www.universalhall.co.uk

18-20 The Greatest Show and The Greatest Movie Show, various venues in Thurso, Inverness and Elgin – a feast of fantastic songs, dazzling costumes and high-energy dance routines! www.northhighlandevents.co.uk

19 Gary Meikle, Ironworks, Inverness, 7pm – Scottish comedy award winner and viral sensation. www.ironworksvenue.com

19 Kids Rave: Love Rara and Digital Love, Elgin Town Hall, Elgin, 2pm – award-winning family entertainer Love Rara has teamed up with renowned clubbing brand Digital Love to create Elgin's first kids rave. www.loverara.co.uk

19 Scary Little Girls: It's Your Round/Pub Quiz Cabaret, Macphail Centre, Ullapool, 7.30pm-9.30pm – join quiz mistress and pub landlady Pat Pinch as she takes over your local with live music, prizes, audience participation and, of course, a few drinks! Tickets £10/£8 available from the Macphail Centre on 01854 613336 or macphailcentre@highlifehighland.com

The Scale Model Show, Food And Craft Fair is at Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord on October 19. Picture: SPP
The Scale Model Show, Food And Craft Fair is at Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord on October 19. Picture: SPP

19 Scale Model Show, Food And Craft Fair, Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord, 1pm-4pm – free family event. Charity raffle and auction in aid of Marie Curie. Find on Facebook.

19 The Monster & Mary Shelley, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – incorporating elements of music hall, melodrama, horror and teenage rebellion with a pulsing, contemporary cinematic score. www.eden-court.co.uk

20 Patsy Cline: The Concert She Never Gave Final Tour, Eden Court, Inverness, 5pm – an evening of true country nostalgia. www.eden-court.co.uk

Comedian Alan Carr is playing a host of venues across the north. Picture: Nicky Johnston
Comedian Alan Carr is playing a host of venues across the north. Picture: Nicky Johnston

21 Alan Carr, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 7.30pm – join the award-winning comedian and TV presenter for a night of work-in-progress comedy. www.strathpefferpavilion.org

21 West Coast Arts (Music, dance, and song from around the world), Gairloch Community Hall, Gairloch – Dog Star Theatre Co. 'The Stornaway Way'. Find on Facebook.

22-26 Boeing-Boeing, Eden Court, Inverness – don’t miss this star-studded cast in a brand-new, high-octane production of this multi award-winning West End and Broadway comedy classic. www.eden-court.co.uk

25 Tenement Jazz Band, Carnegie Hall, Portmahomack, 7.30pm – a traditional jazz band from Edinburgh. Their aim is to capture the raw energy and excitement of the early jazz recordings, to find and revive lesser-heard songs and cultivate their own interpretations of these. Entry £10. www.portmahomack.org

25-26 The Stornoway Way, Eden Court, Inverness – a musical tragicomedy packed with wit and wisdom, a romantic evocation and scabrous critique of the Isle of Lewis. www.eden-court.co.uk

25-28 Dornoch Whisky Festival.

26 Fron Male Voice Choir with Highland Voices Gospel Choir, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 7.30pm – one of the most popular and successful male voice choirs in Wales and beyond. www.strathpefferpavilion.org

26 CAB Craft and Food Fayre, Averon Centre, Alness, 10am-4pm – crafts, gifts, food and drink plus children’s entertainment. Find the Ross Cromarty Citizens Advice Bureau page on Facebook.

Check local press for Halloween events in your area. Picture: SPP
Check local press for Halloween events in your area. Picture: SPP

26 Halloween Family Fun Day, Elgin High Street, Elgin, 10.30am-3.30pm –visit www.embraceelgin.co.uk for details.

26-27 Halloween, Ness Islands, Inverness – spooktacular family fun as the islands are transformed. The theme for 2019 is Predator Island. www.invernessfestivals.com

27 Susie McCabe: Born Believer, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – winner of Best Headliner and Best Solo Show at the Scottish Comedy Awards 2019. www.eden-court.co.uk

27 MOON Zero Waste Market, Muir of Ord Village Hall, Muir of Ord, noon-2pm – promoting a more sustainable way of shopping. Find on Facebook.

The Culloden Run takes place at Culloden Battlefield Visitors Centre on October 27. Picture: Alan Cruickshank
The Culloden Run takes place at Culloden Battlefield Visitors Centre on October 27. Picture: Alan Cruickshank

27 The Culloden Run, Culloden Battlefield Visitors Centre, near Inverness, 10.45am – there are two races to chose from; the 10K race or the 17.46k Race in recognition of the Battle of Culloden in 1746. www.nts.org.uk

28 The Jimmy Shand Story, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – celebrating the life and music of a Scottish dance legend. www.eden-court.co.uk

28 Ashton Lane, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – one of the main UK Country acts to watch out for in 2019. www.eden-court.co.uk

29 A Celebration of Paul Simon’s Graceland Live, Eden Court, Inverness, 8pm – brand new concert from the producers of the International and West End hit show The Simon & Garfunkel Story. www.eden-court.co.uk

30 Tommy Tiernan: Paddy Crazy Horse, Ironworks, Inverness, 7.30pm –the Star of Channel 4’s hit show Derry Girls and Live at the Apollo back is on the road with has a new show. www.ironworksvenue.com

30 Slug, Eden Court, Inverness, 1.30pm – a comic clowning adventure with no words and lots of silliness for all those aged seven and up. www.eden-court.co.uk

What's Love Got To Do With It? is at Eden Court, Inverness on October 30.
What's Love Got To Do With It? is at Eden Court, Inverness on October 30.

30 What's Love Got To Do With It? Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – a tribute to Tina Turner. www.eden-court.co.uk

31 Perceptions of the Picts: Contemporary Popular Interpretation, Groam House Museum, Rosemarkie, 7.30pm – talk by Matt Ritchie, Forest Enterprise Scotland. www.groamhouse.org.uk

31 The Sound of Springsteen, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm – an eight piece band with a passion for the work of The Boss. www.eden-court.co.uk

Every effort has been made to ensure the information in the listings is accurate. Please phone ahead or check the relevant website before travelling to any event.


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