Nairn festival shares online events line-up for Tide In, Tide Out
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NAIRN Book and Arts Festival organisers announces a sea change to its usual plans with next month’s Tide In, Tide Out – an online event.
From September 11-13, this virtual version of what would have been the 17th festival, will have online author events, poetry readings, an open art exhibition, music and art workshops, portrait sketching via Zoom, virtual tours, and online author workshops for local schools.
Guests will include award-winning author and poet Gerda Stevenson (who wrote Quines), and Inverness-shire based crime writer G R Halliday (he has just published new thriller Dark Waters.
Mavis Macdonald, festival chairman, commented: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to pull together this mini programme of excellent authors, artists and musicians – many of whom are Highland-based. Having to programme an entirely online event has been a steep learning curve, but I think the result is a lovely capsule version of our usual annual festival, which will, I hope, be back next year.
“The festival’s title Tide In, Tide Out reflects the fact that many local residents and visitors to the town find solace by the sea here in Nairn. There is something reassuring about the constancy of the tide in the strange and uncertain situation we all find ourselves in following lockdown. I hope the festival’s online events provide a similar sort of escape for our audiences.
“We’re extremely grateful to Highland Council and Creative Scotland for their support, which has indisputably been a lifeline for us.”
Prize-winning author Cynthia Rogerson (her latest novel I Love You, Goodbye documented a long marriage) will discuss the art of writing about real-life experience, with readings from her memoirs. Other authors include Victoria Whitworth (Swimming With Seals), crime writer James Andrew (Murder In A Suitcase), Gaelic author Iain Urchardan (Air An Oir), Tain-based Helen Sedgwick (When The Dead Come Calling), and poet Kate Ashton (Who By Water).
Drumming expert Simon Greenhill of Daddy Funk Drums will present a masterclass performance on the history and progression of urban rhythm.
There will be an online open exhibition by North and North East artists. And one of the most intriguing events will be portrait sketching offered via Zoom by artist William Mather.
Another unique event will be a virtual behind-the-scenes look at Black Isle Bronze fine art bronze foundry.
Local schools will have a virtual visited by author and illustrator Kate Leiper (The Buke Of The Howlat).
More info: www.nairnfestival.co.uk
