Folk Frenzy prepares for return in 2023

THE FOLK Frenzy ‘summer school’ will make its return next year.

The event, which will be curated by local fiddler Kevin Henderson, last took place in 2019 due to the Covid pandemic.

Organiser Shetland Arts said the 2023 programme will feature a “week of workshops, concerts, sessions and masterclasses on Lerwick’s beautiful historic waterfront” at Mareel.

It will take place between 6 and 11 August.

Henderson draws on the rich fiddle music tradition of his native Shetland, where he learnt from the legendary Willie Hunter, and on his experience with leading folk bands including Boys of the Lough, Fiddlers Bid, Session A9 and Nordic Fiddlers Bloc.

The fiddler and his team of tutors will lead participants through an intensive and immersive week culminating in a celebratory concert on the Friday evening.

He said: “I’m delighted Frenzy is returning after what will be a 4-year break because of the pandemic.

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“It’s been a strange time for everyone, and you can see that folk are over the moon concerts, festivals and the like are back again. There is definitely an excitement about it.

“2019 was a big success and I’m looking forward to this edition and to working with a great line up of tutors again. It’s going to be fun.”

Shetland Arts chief executive Graeme Howell said: “The Folk Frenzy Summer School shines a light on the unique and very special tradition of Shetland Folk, offering people from across the world the opportunity to work with some of the very best tutors in the unique setting of Mareel on the waterfront in Lerwick.

“We are very pleased that Kevin has returned to curate next summer’s school: he brings such energy, passion and skill. After a tough couple of years, it will be wonderful to see the Folk Frenzy returning.”

The event was previously called Fiddle Frenzy but it underwent a rebrand for its 2019 event to encompass other styles of folk.

Early bird cards are on sale now and can be purchased online at tickets.shetlandarts.org, in person at Mareel or over the phone on 01595 745500.