Budding young musicians across Renfrewshire are getting the chance to participate in a range of traditional cultural workshops as part of Fèis Week.
Fèis Week, which takes place at Johnstone High School from 18th – 21st July, is run by Gaelic arts and culture organisation Fèis Phàislig and is an intensive week of arts workshops for young people aged 5-18.
Over the course of the week, young people will work with professionals in a range of fun and engaging taster workshops on traditional music, song, filmmaking, dance, circus skills and art. The week culminates in a finale concert where friends and family can come along and see what participants have been working on.
The sessions are accessible and fun while still being aimed at building their skillset, giving young people an engaging and inspiring experience of Gaelic language and culture. Participants will also take part in Gaelic language activities throughout the week and some of the workshops will be delivered in English and Gaelic to give those learning in Gaelic-medium an opportunity to further develop their skills and encourage other participants to learn a few words or phrases in the language.
Fèis Phàislig director, Grant McFarlane, said: “Our Fèis Week event offers an excellent opportunity for young people to learn more about traditional music and Gaelic culture and have fun. All our tutors are experienced, professional musicians, skilled in working with young people and are sure to get participants engaged and excited by everything Gaelic culture has to offer.
“This year’s event is particularly exciting given Paisley will be hosting The Royal National Mòd in October. There’s a real community in Renfrewshire for Gaelic culture and our Fèis Week event and the Mòd are great opportunities to continue to develop that community.”
The Royal National Mòd, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, returns to Paisley from Friday 13 – Saturday 21 October. The nine-day festival, which will take place at venues across Paisley, is Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic culture and heritage and will feature a range of competitive disciplines, including Gaelic song, poetry, literature, drama, instrumental, Highland dancing and sport.
To find out more about Fèis Week visit www.feisphaislig.com or to find out more about Mòd Phàislig visit www.modphaislig.com.