Flavour of Shetland Hits All The Right Notes
This year’s Flavour of Shetland event (22 to 25 June) has excelled in attracting a spectacular showcase of music, craft, culture and entertainment to Victoria Pier in Lerwick. Over the four days, visitors and locals alike can indulge in a full programme of live music performances by local and visiting musicians, craft demonstrations, storytelling, children’s entertainment and a bustling market of craft stalls.
Shetland is renowned for its diverse and highly talented musicians and the Flavour of Shetland event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an outstanding line-up as they perform live. Performers will include Gaddery, who have just returned from a trip to the USA, and Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag a group of musicians who came together for last year’s inaugural event. In addition to local sounds, visiting artistes such as Geitungen from Norway, the Julie Fowlis Band, the Jenna Reid Band and Mark Radcliff’s band - the Family Mahone - will take to the stage in the entertainment marquee.
Skilled crafts people will provide a rare chance for people to try their hand at a variety of crafts including felt-making, basket-making, hand knitting and rope knotting. There will also be demonstrations of woodcarving and furniture making.
Portraying another aspect of Shetland culture, Davy Cooper of Shetland Folklore Development Group, is famous for capturing a crowd’s attention with his stories of the islands’ folklore. His spellbinding stories will range from tales of mystical creatures including ‘trows’, ‘finns’ and ‘njuggles’ to intriguing Viking and Haaf fishing stories.
A full programme of children’s entertainment is headlined by street entertainers Bell and Bullock, who will present a nautical extravaganza of eccentric experiments. This clown show, involving lots of audience participation and sensational circus skills, is not to be missed. Other children’s activities include a rowing challenge, a drumming workshop and even a clogging workshop.
If that’s not enough, the craft stall market gives you the chance to meet the producers, and buy high quality and unusual products with a Shetland origin or theme.
Commenting on the attractions, event organiser Nicola Halcrow said: “I believe we have captured the true spirit of the islands through a wide range of craft, culture and entertainment. All of the participants are of the highest standard to ensure that Flavour of Shetland delivers a quality experience that everyone will enjoy.”
Further information from:
Nicola Halcrow, Shetland Islands Council, tel 01595 744944, email nicola.halcrow@sic.shetland.gov.uk
Or Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465, email louise.rosie@shaw-online.com