UnstFest makes a welcome return

LAST WEEK’s return of UnstFest has been hailed as a big success.

The event took place from Monday to Sunday having been cancelled the previous two years due to the Covid pandemic.

There was the usual mix of family-friendly activities as locals and visitors alike took part.

Karis Burns, one of the organisers, said it kicked off “really well” with a busy turnout for a fairground event on Monday (11 July), which included a crockery smash and coconut shy.

“At night time there was a music and dance night, which had a fantastic turn out too,” she said.

“The SWI put on the teddy bear hospital again this year and the kids loved it. The torchlit procession was also a hit for all involved. It was great to get the torches lit again and burn the galley.”

Burns also said a panto which was performed twice during the week by the Unst Drama Group was a highlight for some.

“We had our Unstfest swapshop back too which went really well, it was on twice and was really busy both days,” she added

“The Metal detecting was on over the weekend which had a lot of interesting finds. We didn’t have the best weather at the yoal regatta but it didn’t stop folk coming out, the kids tent was busy along with all the food stalls and beer tent which had live music playing.

“On Saturday night we welcomed Algorhythm from Newcastle which were fantastic – the dance floor was full all night.

“We also had an egg box challenge this year, with different challenges to do hidden in seven honesty egg boxes around the island.

“You had to very inventive for the answers and the winner were Megan and Nicole Owers who made the judges laugh all evening at their answers.”

Meanwhile the tammie norries that appear every year which take people on walks around Unst were on show again, and they will be out until September. The maps can be found at the Final Checkout.