Flavour of Shetland

17-20 June 2010

Victoria Pier Opens it's Gates to the Finest Flavour of Shetland

June 23 2006

Following a very successful launch to this year’s Flavour of Shetland, Shetland Islands Council convener Sandy Cluness performed last night’s official opening to the assembled crowd of partygoers, acknowledging the value of the event and encouraging visitors and locals alike to enjoy it to the full.

In his opening speech, SIC convener Sandy Cluness said: “Flavour of Shetland is an important part of The Johnsmas Foy, bringing together a fantastic range of the very best cultural activities and entertainments in one location. This provides an excellent showcase for our crafts, local produce and musical talent, which Shetland is rightly proud of.

“The timing of the event, linking with the visits of yachts from the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Yacht Race and Bergen-Shetland Races this year, means that it is being held at a very exciting time in the summer calendar. We hope that Flavour of Shetland will be even better than last year’s inaugural event and I am sure that it will, once more, be well received by both visitors and locals.”

Some of the most talented local and visiting musicians joined 11 food and drink producers and 15 of the islands’ finest craftspeople on Victoria Pier for a full programme of entertainment. The day’s activities were interspersed with children’s activities including clogging and drumming workshops, try your hand at feltmaking workshops, and Shetland folklore storytelling sessions.

Today’s line-up includes live music sessions by Norwegian band Geitungen, the Julie Fowlis Band and the Jenna Reid Band. You can try your hand at basketmaking workshops and learn new ways with seafood from experts, Master Chefs George McIvor and Donald Munro, as they perform seafood demonstrations during the afternoon.

Event organiser Nicola Halcrow commented: “I am delighted that the launch of this year’s event has been so successful. It is testament to the many weeks and months of hard work from so many dedicated individuals. In recognition and appreciation of this I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped put Flavour of Shetland to the very top of our summer events calendar. I’m sure everyone who attends will enjoy the variety of what’s on offer.”