Fèis Obar Dheathain is looking forward to its first main fèis in several years, which is due to be held in the city next month.
The last fèis, which offers tuition in music, song and drama to children and young people around Aberdeen, was held over eight years ago. A new committee – made up of volunteers – was set-up in January 2016 to re-establish the festival and has already held two separate workshops in the past twelve months.
Fèis organiser Anne Thirkell said that one of the most important elements of the fèis is that it gives children a chance to hear and speak Gaelic outside the classroom while also giving children with little or no Gaelic the opportunity to engage in the language in a relaxed setting.
Next month’s fèis, on the 11th- 13th February, will offer three days packed full of music tuition, song and drama for children and young people aged 3-18. Older participants (aged 8-18) will receive tuition in a range of choices from whistle to step-dancing, delivered by top-class tutors. As well as that, the Fèis Bheag (Wee Fèis) for children aged 5-7 and the Fèis Bheag Bhìodhach (Tiny Fèis) for 3-5 year olds will offer songs, games and taster music sessions for younger children. All events will take place at Cults Academy.
The fèis is open to all children and young adults, irrespective of their Gaelic language and musical ability.
Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, which supports the fèis said: “It is a delight to see Fèis Obar Dheathain rejuvenated. The work it did previously, which will continue in February, confirms the interest in Gaelic language and culture that exists among young people in Aberdeen, and their parents. The fèis will increase the knowledge of those enroled in Gaelic medium education in the city, as well as offering other young people the opportunity to experience the culture for the first time.”
Please contact feisobardheathain@feisean.org for more information on the range of choices on offer and to receive booking forms.
