Community / Sanctuary summer spree to celebrate ‘Da Selkiewife’
AN OPEN day with live music, family-friendly activities and even an air guitar competition is set to take place at the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary to celebrate the life of late founder Jan Bevington.
Da Selkiewife Summer Spree will be held at the sanctuary on Sunday 8 June between 2pm and 10pm. Entry will be free, with donations welcome.
A key aim is to celebrate the life and achievements of Jan Bevington, who created the sanctuary nearly 40 years ago and passed away in 2024.
It will also offer people a chance to check out the sanctuary facilities which were upgraded a few years ago.
There will be live music from the Shetland Community Brass Band, The Donald Anderson Band, Alan McKay and friends, Joy Duncan’s UpAnDrumming and Sauerkraut Seth and the Sheds.
Also performing will be May and Mackie, who previously performed in Jan’s old pub The Booth.
The spree has been described as a “day of fun for all the family with plenty of activities for kids to enjoy”.
There will also be what is thought to be Shetland’s first air guitar contest, “open to anyone who brings along an air guitar or any other air instrument they would like to show off their talent”.
The Booth will also be open for activities and anyone who wants to bring a real instrument and have a tune.
There will be a marquee with a bar and light refreshments, and with Sunday teas at Hillswick Hall and the carvery at St Magnus Bay Hotel there will be plenty on offer up north.
“Jan had the most incredible energy, passion for wildlife and loved a fun,” her husband Pete Bevington said.
“We worked hard together to raise almost half a million pounds to realise her dream of a well-equipped wildlife sanctuary for the seals and otters we care for.
“Sadly she took ill just as work was getting underway in late 2020 and never fully recovered, so we never managed to hold the open day to show off the new facilities that we promised we would to thank all the people who have supported the sanctuary all these years and helped make her dream come true.
“We held a memorial for Jan last December after she died, but Jan always loved a party – so this will be a party for Jan and I have no doubt she will be there with us in spirit on the day.
“Over the last few years she kept saying we should have an air guitar festival for all the people who love playing the air guitar in Shetland. So this is for her. Let’s see who is up for the challenge!”
There will also be a raffle with first prize being an overnight stay and breakfast for two at Busta House Hotel.
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