Fèis a’ Bhaile has called for the support of the Inverness community to help sustain the traditional music festival.
Last year, the Fèis, which offers Gaelic arts tuition to children and young people in Inverness and the surrounding area, celebrated its 25th anniversary.
In a letter to families of children who attend the fèis, current treasurer and acting chair Katie Adam, who has played an active part in the fèis for much of that period said it was time for ““new blood, new ideas and new enthusiasm to keep the flame of this local Fèis alive.”
“I am still passionate about the concept of the Fèis movement and am now appealing to you to take up the baton and carry it on for the first step to another 25 years and more.”
An estimated 2000 children, from Inverness city and beyond, have received tuition in traditional music, art and Gaelic from Fèis a’ Bhaile up until now.
EGM
An EGM has been arranged for Thursday 27 April 2017 at Culduthel Christian Centre from 7pm to elect a new committee.
As well as the Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer and Secretary, the fèis will also be looking to elect enthusiastic members to help drive fundraising efforts and promote the festival.
The fèis currently employ a part-time Fèis support worker who helps assist in the fèis administrative work for ongoing classes throughout the year.
“I do not need to highlight what may happen if volunteers are not forthcoming for our committee. A Fèis cannot run without a committee to give direction and vision. This is indeed not an onerous task as we have the full support of Fèisean nan Gàidheal Development Officer who is based in Inverness and of course our own part time Annualised Hours worker for Fèis a’ Bhaile”, Mrs Adam wrote.
The committee meet around 4-6 times per year, especially leading up to the October main fèis, a week long celebration of music, song drama and art for children and young people aged 5-18.
Support
Anyone with an interest in the seeing the continuation of fèis is encouraged to go along to the EGM.
Karen Oakley, Devlelopment Officer at Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the organisation which supports fèisean said: “We recognise and are grateful to the support of volunteers without whom there simply wouldn’t be fèisean. Even if you haven’t been on a committee before, Fèisean nan Gàidheal will provide training and support to help you in your role.”
For more information about the EGM and the work of Fèis a’ Bhaile, please contact Karen Oakley at Fèisean nan Gàidheal on 01463 225 559 or karen@feisean.org
