Blas Festival 2006

1-9 September 2006

Background and context
The programme

One of Scotland's newest music festivals, Blas takes place in the Highlands from 1-9 September 2006.

Background and context

The Blas festival celebrates Highland music with a range of local, national and international artists.  Now in its second year, it boasts 43 events across Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, Skye & Lochalsh, Lochaber, Caithness & Sunderland and Ross-shire.

Blas (Gaelic for taste, savour, flavour or relish) was devised by The Highland Council in partnership with Fèisean nan Gàidheal and the Promoters Arts Network (PAN).

The Highland Council hopes to work with anyone who would like to be part of the festival.  Blas is set to be an important part of the Highland 2007 celebrations in next year’s Scottish Year of Highland Culture.

Blas would not happen without its network of volunteers and local promoters.  The co-operation and planning that goes into making this festival a success is an inspiring example of local partnerships across a vast and often remote geographical area.

The programme

Blast Off

Blas kicks off on 1 September at the Nevis Centre in Fort William.  The line-up showcases some of the highlights of the festival to come, including Julie Fowlis, Angus MacColl, Jenna Cumming, Fèis Lochabair Cèilidh Trailers and The Phoenix Honda Glasgow Skye Pipe Band.

Blas programme

Some of the top Scottish Gaelic musicians and singers, as well as their ‘cousins’ from Canada, will be visiting the Highland regions over the nine days of the Festival.

Some of the highlights include:

Back of the Moon Capercaillie Blazin' Fiddles Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham Chris Stout & Catriona MacKay Michael McGoldrick Cape Breton band Beòlach

The Cèilidh Trail

One of the main objectives of the Blas festival is to promote local youth involvement in traditional music.  To this end, many of the fèisean Cèilidh Trailers will be sharing the stage with the biggest stars of the festival.  Students from the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional music will also perform at Blas.  Visit the Fèisean nan Gàidheal website to find out more about other Cèilidh Trail events. 

For more information on tickets, artists and venues, visit the Blas website.

Blas is funded by The Highland Council, Highland 2007 and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.  These organisations work in partnership with the Promoters Arts Network (PAN), The Booth and Fèisean nan Gàidheal, which is a core funded organisation of the Scottish Arts Council.