Ardersier Folk Festival’s return ‘a success’

ARDERSIER Folk Festival came back with a bang over the weekend of September 16-18 after a two-year break.

Friday night started with Folk Club regulars Corralach who welcomed everyone with a range of a capella and accompanied songs. They were followed by Gnoss, who demonstrated instrumental and vocal virtuosity.

Saturday and Sunday saw singing workshops led by Sylvia McGowan an experienced tutor and wonderful singer from Edinburgh, and then an afternoon concert by young people had Beth Cain, Quin and Orin Simpson, Penguin’s Tuxedo – a samba drumming band – the singers from the workshops and Sam Cain. The evening had the traditional ceilidh with an excellent introduction by the Slim Panatellas and dancing to the Andy Ross band.

Sunday afternoon saw the finalists for the Paul Tonberg song writing competition, which was won by Sot Otter, a voice coach and song writer from Ullapool. The concert continued with a set from Kenn Clarke, the last winner of the Paul Tonberg competitionSylvia McGowan, and the concert completed with a set by the Barry Nisbet Band with many songs drawn from Barry’s latest album which documents the 1908 voyage of the Clydebuilt sailing barque The Springbank.

Committee member and organiser George Livingstone said: “The festival was very well received by audience members and the organisers are now thinking about next year’s event. It was good to be back and our regular Tuesday evening sessions continue throughout the winter at Wend’s Cafe.”.

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