As can be seen from the programme we have a nice mixture of organised concerts, sessions and ceilidh’s featuring our invited guests with contributions from visiting musicians and singers at some of the sessions. We also have a selection of workshops including the ever popular Tannochbrae Blether with Jess and Sheila, the Sook and Blaw mouth-organ workshop with our virtuoso Bryce Johnstone showing just what can be done with what many think is a humble instrument, a conversation with Jock Duncan whose life and memories stretch right back to the days of ploughing with horses and the days of the bothy. We also have a fascinating session hosted by Pete and Heather Heywood looking into the songs, stories and photographs of some of the singers from the past that we have known.

There are also Ceilidh Dances with The Gary Sutherland Band on Friday night, The Mhairi Coutts Band on Saturday night and also on Saturday night we have the Traditional Ceilidh at the Bowling Club which is a mixture of dancing, singing and instrumental music with The Orwell Ceilidh Band and Ron Bissett as host. Gary and the band are back on duty again on Sunday afternoon at The Cross for the Grand Open Air Dance which is always great fun for all.

 

As well as the guests already mentioned, all old friends of the festival, we have more old friends in the shape of The Bainbridges, Kathy, Francie and Jim - Wattie Robson and Les Sneddon - Scott Gardiner and Johnny Kemp - Neil Paterson (Neil is being joined by Colin and Iain on Friday night to form Cairdeas and again appears in the middle The Orwell Band on Saturday so if you can think of anything else we can ask him to do, let us know). It is also a pleasure to welcome some new guests to our line-up, namely Alistair Ogilvy, Fiona Hunter and Duncan MacRae who I know will all make a great contribution to the weekend.

On Saturday we have a full selection of singing, storytelling and instrumental competitions which are held under TMSA rules. These are open to all and a great chance for the less experienced performers to try out their pieces in front of a friendly audience and trusted adjudicators.

 

We also have the New Song Competition for the John Watt Cup. Winners of the competitions will have a chance to perform in the Prize-winners Concert and on the Open Stage at the Cross.

 

To round off the weekend there is the Open Air Dance at the Cross and if you have a song or tune left in you there’s the Farewell Singaround in the Church Hall.
We look forward to seeing you over the weekend and would like to thank all our guests, helpers and the good folk of Auchtermuchty for their continued support.

 

We would also like to extend our appreciation to all our local sponsors and our main sponsors Creative Scotland, the TMSA and Fife Council.