Flavour of Shetland

Event organisers and participants have heralded this year's Flavour of Shetland event a great success, despite the elements.  By 7.00pm on Sunday 20 June, 35,000 people had visited Victoria Pier to celebrate the islands' great food, music, crafts and culture.

Walking onto the pier, festival goers were immediately drawn to the delicious aromas from the food marquees.  Glynn Wright of the 'Seafood Shack' said: “I've sold out of scallops, crab salad and hot smoked salmon wraps.  Being part of Flavour of Shetland is certainly worthwhile.  It gives my students at Shetland College the opportunity to put what they've learned into practice – it's a great real-life experience for them.

“It's also an excellent way to illustrate and demonstrate how to do different things with seafood, such as paella and fish curry.  I'm giving people the chance to try a taste of seafood at a reasonable price and hopefully it will encourage them to go home and try new recipes for themselves.”

Heather Moncrieff of 'In The Raw' also brought some new products to the event in the shape of her superfood smoothies.  She said: “I'm surprised how well I've done given how we've been open to the elements.  I'm delighted at how many people have been keen to try my new concept. 

“Being part of Flavour of Shetland has been a great marketing exercise for me.  I wanted to see if people liked the taste of my new smoothies and whether, like me, they could feel the benefits of the superfoods.  I've already had a few customers come back to order the blends because they've felt so energised afterwards!  Moving forward, I intend to sell the superblend powders and chocolates online and would like to try to stock them in local shops.  Taking part here has definitely been a stepping stone to something else – food and nutrition is what I am passionate about.”

The new layout craft village at the north end of the pier was also very successful as craftspeople showcased their high quality goods.

Another newcomer to this year's event is Niela Kalra of Nielanell, based in Hoswick.  Her range of innovative knitwear or 'knitwear with attitude', which includes capes, scarves, wraps, a grown-up hoodie and an upside-down jacket, has generated a lot of interest.  She said: “You have no idea how well I've done – I've hardly anything left. 

“This is the first time I've taken part as my business was only established last June.  I felt that Flavour of Shetland was an obvious choice for showcasing my product range.  There's been a really good atmosphere and a great community spirit.” 

Donna Smith of 'Donna Smith Designs' commented: “This has been my best year ever in terms of sales.  I've seen a lot of hamefarers over the past four days, which has definitely contributed to this success.

“My new range 'Millicircle' has proved very popular, as have my vintage flower brooches.  So much so, that I had to go home on Thursday evening and make some more!

“It is certainly worthwhile being part of Flavour of Shetland.  It's a great way to bring everyone together at the same time and promote what Shetland has to offer.”

No matter the weather – rain or shine – the entertainment tent continued to buzz with great musicians and great audiences throughout the event.  The line ups comprised all kinds of music, debut performances and the return of old favourites – including a set by Shetland's internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Astryd Williamson, who happened to be back in Shetland for the Hamefarin.

Elsewhere on the pier, people enjoyed storytelling sessions with Davy Cooper, while children were kept entertained with a number of activities, including shows by Cheeko the Clown.  The event was full to capacity on Saturday with the arrival of the Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad and specially-built Hamefarin galley.

Kevin Moreland, one of the festival's event organisers, commented: “This year's event has, once again, exceeded our expectations.  We're delighted with the level of footfall recorded and the obvious interest and support which Flavour of Shetland continues to generate among locals and visitors.

“The packed programme of activities, great food, superb music and high quality craft village is definitely hard to resist.  Lerwick has been buzzing over the past four days and has been the place to be to celebrate all that is special about Shetland.”