Fiddlers Bid deliver stylish Hogmanay night

MORE THAN 450 revellers saw in the new year in real style with an evening curated by local favourites Fiddlers Bid at Mareel on Saturday night.

A range of entertainment was on offer at the North Ness venue, kicking off with a two-and-a-half hour seated concert featuring the likes of Girsie & Friends, Bryan Gear and Violet Tulloch, Alec Couper flanked by his sons Ross and Ryan, and Vair. There were even special cocktails named after each of the acts featured. 

There was also music in the 1920s-themed cafe-bar while the venue’s two cinema screens played classic American concert films, before Fiddlers Bid themselves took to the auditorium stage for an hour or so either side of the bells.

It is some time since the seven-strong band performed in the islands, but they certainly haven’t lost their ability to put on a top-drawer, feel-good party show.

The night was then rounded off with dancing led by the Alan Nicolson Dance Band, joined by assorted guests.

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Many of the punters present remarked on how refreshing it was to have such a stylish, classy event to go out to on Hogmanay. 

Lynda Anderson of Shetland Arts said it had been a “privilege” to work with Fiddlers Bid on the celebration.

‘We could feel that a special event was forming through discussions,” she said, “and it was highly rewarding to see the night come to life, with the acts, the crowd and the venue coming together to create a truly special Shetland atmosphere, enjoyed by so many.

“Fiddlers Bid made such ideal hosts, with equal measure of talent and camaraderie to successfully cater for all ages, and celebrate Shetland’s traditions and talents.”

Anderson added: “It felt like a huge gathering of friends, and a Hogmanay to remember for many years.”