The Kirriemuir Festival celebrated its 37th birthday at the weekend.
The town was brought to life on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with performances from some of Scotland’s top traditional music talent as the festival put on its usual packed programme of competition, concerts and pub sessions.
Taking part in the fiddle competition were Rebecca Baker (16) from Arbroath, Alex Mitchell (13) from Carnoustie and Kit Storm (17) from Carnoustie.The initiative is spearheaded by the traditional Music Forum, a national network of more than 100 organisations, which promotes the place of traditional music in Scottish life and society.
The festival started out in Blairgowrie in 1966, then moved to Kinross before coming to Kirrie in 1982.
Scott Gardiner, one of the organisers, said it continued to celebrate the music, songs and culture of Scotland.
“This year’s event hosted another great lineup of performers, including singers John Dickson and Ellen Mitchell, fiddler Sally Simpson and the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner, singer/clarsach player Josie Duncan,” he said.
“Advanced ticket sales were higher than they’ve ever been and there was a real buzz about the town with folk coming to take part in the sessions and competitions.
“We’re always very grateful to the volunteers who bring their talents and time, and make it a thriving weekend.”
The Wayfarers project which explored local traditional music heritage was a highlight at the Airlie Arms Hotel.
Young people took part in a workshop the previous weekend to create new arrangements before sharing their explorations at Saturday’s concert.
Competition results
Men’s Singing: Geordie Murison, Netherley
Women’s Singing: Ellie Beaton, Rothienorman
Bothy Ballad: Geordie Murison, Netherley
Girl’s Singing: Katelyn Adams, Keith
Novice Singer: Julia Hunter
Local Singer: Pat Newman, Cortachy
Fiddle Open: Rosie Winchester, Keith
Fiddle Junior: Erin Ewing, Aberdeen
Fiddle JF Dickie: Kit Storm, Carnoustie
Fiddle Local: Daniel Cowie, Arbroath
Instrumental Pairs: Bert Cull and Ian Ramsay, Arbroath
Melodeon: Sandy Mathers, Luthermuir
Mouthorgan: Denis Shepherd, Aberdeen
Tin Whistle: Laura Simpson, Aberdeen
Diddling: Denis Shepherd, Aberdeen
Oral Whistling: Pat Newman, Cortachy
Storytelling: Jane Chalmers, Mintlaw
Doric Verse: Doug Stewart, Huntly
Best Pub Session: Three Bellies Brae
Best Non-Pub Session: George Rennie
Best Friday Session: Kerymor
Overall Winner: Ellie Beaton, Rothienorman
Overall Runner-up: Denis Shepherd, Aberdeen
Chorus Cup: Jim Taylor, Garlogie
