Year of Young People, a Celebration for Youngsters

Scotland is the first country in the world to dedicate a full year to celebrating young people. This is a special opportunity to show young people how important and valued they are.
This month almost 1,000 young musicians with 35 events will come together to showcase their talents and demonstrate their passion and enthusiasm for Gaelic music alongside the top names in traditional music at the biggest event in Fèisean nan Gaidheal’s 30-year history.
The year will provide more ways for both visitors and locals to explore all that Scotland has to offer whilst making memories that will last a lifetime.
This musical extravaganza organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council will take place at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness on Saturday 15th September, featuring young musicians from Fèisean and various youth initiatives from across Scotland including the Highland Council Youth Music Groups and the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music.
There are many interesting things to happen in the programe. One of the highlights of this event will be a brand new Gaelic song written by up-and-coming young Gaelic songwriter, Glasgow-based Gaelic student, Robbie MacLeòid. His song, Bèo an Dòchas (Living in Hope), was written specifically for Òran Mòr and will be sung by all the young people, under the musical direction of Donald Shaw, led by young Gaelic singer, Annia MacGillivray from Tain.
The talented youngsters will get the opportunity to share the stage with the bands they have chosen including traditional music supergroups Skipinnish, Trail West and Breabach and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winners, Gaelic singer Mischa MacPherson and piper, Brìghde Chaimbeul. There are some other opportunities for young people to perform, design and deliver some of the main festival events, including a youth steering group which has worked with the festival board to provide ideas and act as ambassadors for the festival.
Maree Todd, Minister for Children and Young People stated: “Young people have been at the heart of the Blas Festival for over 14 years. It is fantastic to have the new Òran Mòr flagship event this year, which will give them an even bigger platform to showcase their talents, as we celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People.
“The Blas Festival is a truly unique event for all ages to connect and enjoy Gaelic and our Scottish traditions and heritage. Not only will there be young people performing but they have been at the centre of planning and delivery for this year’s festival. I look forward to attending to seeing it all come to life.”
To know the information about tickets and details please visit www.blas-festival.com. Ticket price starts from £5.00 to £40.00 Discounted tickets for Young Scot cardholders are also available.
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