Flavour of Shetland

17-20 June 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Plenty to see and do at Flavour of Shetland

June 17 2009

Flavour of Shetland organisers have, once again, unveiled an impressive programme for the four-day festival on Victoria Pier, Lerwick.  From 25 to 28 June, some of the very best Shetland food, music, craft and culture will be celebrated at this major outdoor event.

The line up includes live traditional and contemporary music from some of the islands’ most notable musicians, storytelling, a variety of children’s activities including a welcome return from Cheeko the Clown, and traditional cookery demonstrations.

Added to this, a bustling and lively market place of crafts stalls will showcase another of Shetland’s special talents – craft making – giving visitors the opportunity to meet producers as they display their high quality crafts and knitwear. Close by, local food producers have come together with a fine menu of tasty dishes for everyone to sample and enjoy.

Entertainment

Event organiser Nicola Halcrow expands on the line up.  She said: “The entertainment marquee is almost always bursting at the seams during the festival and this year’s line up is going to be quite a crowd puller. 

“A major attraction will be the launch of Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag debut CD ‘Spreefix’.  The group formed for the first ever Flavour of Shetland back in 2005 and has been playing ever since.  Performances will be on Thursday and Saturday.  On Saturday evening they will officially launch and sign copies of the CD.

“We’ve got some other well known faces such Kollifirbolli, Hom Bru, Sheila Henderson and the Shetland Heritage Fiddlers, together with new stars including Fishing Notes and Shetland’s new young musical phenomenon Norman and the Folding Deck Chairs, one of the highlights of this year’s Shetland Schools Music Festival.

“Storyteller Davy Cooper is back by popular demand and, dressed in costume, he’ll be telling tales of myth and legend, as well as stories from the Old Norse sagas.

“We’ve organised a number of activities for children including craft activities, soft play and face painting.  We’re also delighted to welcome back old favourite Cheeko the Clown who has been such a hit in the past.

Food and Drink

“Cookery demonstrations and the delicious aroma of tasty food dishes is always a crowd puller and this year’s food producers have been joined by traditional food enthusiasts Margaret Stuart and Wilma Couper.

“Their stall will be dressed like an old traditional kitchen displaying artefacts used in cooking.  Margaret will be discussing traditional recipes from her recently published facsimile of her mother’s traditional Shetland cookery book ‘Cookery for Northern Wives’, while Wilma will demonstrate how to make traditional bannocks and beremeal bannocks.

“Another new feature sees Chef Glynn Wright teaming up with Seafood Shetland and Shetland Aquaculture to produce a delicious menu, which will include fish and chips, creamy smoked fish chowder and a seafood platter, all topped off with Yell strawberries and Shetland cream.  Joining the stall is North Atlantic Shellfish who will be serving up a variety of tasty mussel dishes.

“The Great Wall will use local produce in its own authentic recipes and serve up lamb curry, satay beef skewers, stir fried scallops and soya sauce salmon.

“The Café Consulate will bring its mobile espresso bar to the pier, providing a stylish Italian coffee menu and a selection of local home bakes.  Hot chocolate and milkshakes are also firm favourites with all ages.”

Other food and drink suppliers will include Valhalla Brewery, which will be taking charge of the bar this year, as well as confectioners Peerie Treats and The Shetland Fudge Company.

Crafts

“Flavour of Shetland also gives our world-class craft producers the opportunity to shine and this year we have a wide variety of stalls for visitors to browse around.  Products all have a Shetland origin or theme and include textile designers, photographers, knitwear producers, jewellery makers, a new handmade glass producer, a leather bag and belt manufacturer and collectable sheep, bears and mini sculptures.

“Another popular event is Saturday’s Viking parade featuring Jarl Squads from throughout Shetland.  This spectacular procession will start at 2.00pm from Gilbertson Park with Vikings heading into the town centre via Commercial Road to reach the Market Cross at approximately 2.30pm.

“I believe we have successfully captured a flavour of the very best of Shetland’s food, talent, culture and crafts in an extravaganza that will definitely make this year’s event a very memorable one.”