Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.5°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Folk festival offers ‘something for everyone’

THE 38th Shetland Folk Festival kicked off in style with its traditionally busy launch concert on Thursday afternoon.

A total of 16 visiting acts and a slew of local musicians will take to the isles’ various stages over the coming days.

They include the likes of award-winning Canadian act The Fretless and acclaimed Scottish vocalist Siobhan Miller.

As always, the Islesburgh Community Centre was packed out on Thursday as the visiting acts performed one song each as a taster for what’s to come.

Local actor Steven Robertson, who has risen to fame in recent years on BBC crime drama Shetland, introduced the event and he said being asked to open the festival was both “surreal and very lovely – it felt like coming home”.

“They’ve asked me a few times in the past and it’s never worked out,” Robertson said.

“I’ve always been amazed that they would ask me. But because this festival has been such an important part of my life since I was a small child, it means a lot to come and open it and I know what a splendid weekend everybody is going to have.

“It’s a good opportunity to tap into that feeling, that connection again. I’m very honoured and quite touched.”

Celtic fusion band Shooglenifty kicked off the opening show and the other acts followed suit.

The Fretless violinist Trent Freeman said playing the folk festival was a “bucket list” achievement.

He added that he had heard good things about Shetland from fellow musicians who have played the festival before.

“Every single one of them has a story about Shetland, has like a warning about Shetland, has some advice about Shetland and like the biggest rave reviews of the folk festival and the people and the place.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Committee member Louise Johnson said there will be “something for everyone” over the weekend.

“This weekend we’ve got lots of concerts, we’ve got live music here in the club, we’ll have sessions all over the place, there’s community events, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl is in port so there will be two concerts on board that, and workshops,” she said.

“There’s lots and lots happening and we like to think there’s something for everyone.”

On Thursday night there will be concerts in Whiteness, Gulberwick, Voe and Lerwick.

Most of the folk festival gigs over the coming days are sold out, however, with only a select few still with tickets available.

The weekend will formally culminate in its series of foy shows on Sunday night as the visiting acts tour venues around Lerwick to perform short sets.

Shetland News will have coverage of some of the festival’s gigs over the coming days.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.