Event Programme

The Doric Festival 2008

Friday 26th September 2008 to Sunday 12th October 2008

The programme for the FIFTEENTH festival is now complete ( any unforeseen changes to the programme will be entered as details are received.)

So please make regular checks!

If you wish to hold an event in future festivals go to "Event Organisers" and fill up the application form. (please consult the "Event Guide)

Or contact Sandy Stronach, Festival Director for details:-

e-mail;  sandy@thedoricfestival.com

telephone;  01771 653320

DRAFT PROGRAMME

EXHIBITIONS

"Focus on Farming"                 Mintlaw Library

"Focus on Fishing"                    Whitehills Library

Sunday 14th September

CEILIDH DANCING CLASSES

SCOUT HEADQUARTERS, WESTHILL

8pm – 9pm

Dance has always played an important part in the heritage and culture of the North-east and to reflect the growing interest in old-time dances classes have been arranged.

Please note that the classes will run for FOUR weeks.( Every Sunday from 14th September to 5th  October)

Cost £5 per person/ lesson

Details from Pam Dignan 01224 741078

Saturday 20th September

MAUD RAILWAY MUSEUM

12 to 4pm

A comprehensive history of the railways in the North-east with countless articles are on show in the museum of the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) and the subsequent London North East Railway (LNER) The importance of the railways to the build up and the growth in wealth of the NE cannot be overstated and it is fitting that this museum is sited in Maud which was once the biggest prime cattle market in Europe and the railhead was essential to take the cattle to all parts of Britain.

It is well worth a visit to view an important episode in the history of our North-east.

The museum is open as part of Aberdeenshire Council's Open Doors events.

Sunday 21st September

MAUD RAILWAY MUSEUM

12 to 4pm

The museum will again open its doors to allow visitors to view  its comprehensive collection of railway items from earlier times..

Sunday 21st September

CEILIDH DANCING CLASSES

SCOUT HEADQUARTERS, WESTHILL

8pm – 9pm

Dance has always played an important part in the heritage and culture of the North-east and to reflect the growing interest in old-time dances classes have been arranged.

Please note that the classes will run for FOUR weeks.( Every Sunday from 14th September to 5th  October) culminating in a dance on Saturday 11th October.

Cost £5 per person/ lesson

Details from Pam Dignan 01224 741078

WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER

TORNAVEEN Community Hall.

Fleeman Productions present

"Amang the Craws" by Charles Barron 

The Finlaysons are a funny family. Grannie Meg is a delightfully wicked old wifie, taking a chortling pleasure in spreading chaos wherever she goes. Mother Maggie is so uptight her face would split in two if she ever tried to smile. Son Donnie has been brought up to believe he’s  both the bee’s knees and the cat’s pyjamas. Beneath the comedy of this Aberdeenshire family’s life, though, lurks a darker theme, revealed to the audience through occasional flash-forward scenes where we see what the future holds for Donnie.

The play had a highly successful tour in May and is being revived for a short run to coincide with the Doric Festival. It is the fifth Fleeman tour of plays by Charles Barron, our leading exponent of theatre in Doric.

Tickets (£7.50   -  children £ 4) from Geoff Cormack, 01339 883527.

Repeat Performances at:-

Thursday 25th September: Gordon Schools Theatre, HUNTLY.

Tickets (£7 - concessions £5) from Rizza's Shop, 16 Gordon Street, Huntly. 01466 793666.

Friday 26th September: UDNY GREEN Community Hall.

Tickets (£7 - concessions £5) from Udny Post Office, 01651 842253.

FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

OPENING CONCERT

THE LOCHTER CENTRE, OLDMELDRUM

7-30pm

The Doric Festival loups into action with gran nicht's entertainment wi

The Fochabers Fiddlers, a dynamic group of young fiddlers with some toe-tapping arrangements of North-east music by their conductor, James Alexander

 Geordie Murison, an outstanding traditional singer who has just won the prestigous Bothy Ballad King at the annual Elgin Competition.

Barbara-Ann Burnett, the North-east's own, who has established herself as one of Scotland's finest unaccompanied singers.

Natalie Chalmers, winner of The Doric Lintie at 2007 Festival.

(watch this place for other artistes who will appear in this concert)

 Tickets £8  concession £6

 SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

INVERURIE TOWN HALL

WORKSHOPS

£20

10am

            Singing:-

with one of Scotland's finest unaccompanied singers , Barbara-ann Burnett . Tom Spiers (of "The Gaugers" fame) will give an illustrated talk on the rich heritage of sangs of the North-east with recordings of some of our world famous performers.

11am

            Fiddle:-

With Dougie Lawrence, the most famous pupil of the late Hector McAndrew who has established himself as one of Scotland finest fiddle players and a gifted tutor. Any player who wants to improve their technique cannot afford to miss this master-class!

Phone 01771 653320 to book places in the workshops

Spectators Ticket £3

( An evening Concert ticket will allow free access )

Saturday 27th September

The Town Hall, Inverurie at 2pm

Prizegiving

The Doric Festival Writing Competition

For THE Connon Caup and other prizes

For a POEM, STORY or PLAY written in doric

spectator ticket £3 at the door

( An evening Concert ticket will allow free access )

CATEGORIES

           Adult                         Poetry               £50 first prize; £25 second prize

                                             Short Story       £50 first prize; £25 second prize

                                                           One Act Play     £50 first prize: £25 second prize

              The work deemed “The Best Ower Aa” will receive £50 and The Connon Caup

RULES

The entry must be the competitor’s own work, previously unpublished.

1. Each competitor can submit up to THREE entries.
2. All entries should be fronted by ba title page stating the category entered, entrant’s name, address and telephone number
3. The entrant’s name should not appear elsewhere on the entry.
4. Manuscripts will be returned if accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope.
5. The winners will be notified in writing and will be invited to read their winning entries at the presentation event.
6. Closing date for entries 12th September,2008                                    .

Entries should be sent to Mrs Phyllis J. Goodall, Greenhowe,ChapelStreet,HUNTLY  tel 01466 792298 

SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

SINGING COMPETITION

Town Hall, Inverurie

2pm

The Doric Festival is to start a new Open competition for traditional singers, the winner of which will be titled "The Doric Lintie " with a  Perpetual Trophy and prize money of £50.

This is an Open Competition, for male, female, young and old!

Singers will perform TWO songs, one Traditional Ballad and another which may be a cornkister, ballad or even a modern song in the doric tradition. The performance score will be the average of the two songs. 

To enter contact Sandy Stronach on 01771 653320 0R sandy@thedoricfestival.com. OR come along on the day.

Judges:-

Lindy Cheyne, Editor of Leopard Magazine and Folk singer

Eilidh Whiteford , Singer

Spectator tickets £3 (at the door)

( An evening Concert ticket will allow free access )

SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

CONCERT

INVERURIE TOWN HALL

7-30pm

featuring

the up and coming North-east folk group Bratach Bana. This group have performed at some top Scottish events including Celtic Connections and Speyfest.

George & Stuart Davidson, brilliant young fiddlers

The 2008 "Doric Lintie"  winner

Licensed

Tickets £8  concession £6 from 01771 653320

Purchase of this ticket will allow purchaser entry to Workshops and The Singing Competition

SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

INVERURIE ACADEMY

2pm to 4pm

"Homecoming, Heritage Fair"

Presentations by Aberdeenshire School children as a preview for the 2009 National Homecoming

SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

"Bothy Ballad King"

GRASSIC GIBBON CENTRE, ARBUTHNOTT

7-30pm

Today's Bothy 'King', Geordie Murison leads an excellent night's entertainment featuring the best of North East music and sangs .

Tickets £7-50 from 01561 361668

SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER

"Norman Kennedy in Concert"

Inverurie Town Hall

2pm

Originally from the North-east Norman Kennedy has built a world renowned reputation as a singer, storyteller, weaver and 'his cam aa e wye fae America tae jine in wi oor celebration o NE traditions'.

Such is Norman's standing in the traditional world that he was awarded the highest honour possible, the National Heritage Fellowship of America.

His performance of NE songs and tales will delight the audience. This appearance of a master performer should not be missed!

Appearing with Norman is the North-east's finest accordionist, John Bone.

A gran wye tae spen an aifterneen!

Tickets £8 concession £6 from 01771 653320

Sunday 28th September

CEILIDH DANCING CLASSES

SCOUT HEADQUARTERS, WESTHILL

8pm – 9pm

Dance has always played an important part in the heritage and culture of the North-east and to reflect the growing interest in old-time dances classes have been arranged.

Please note that the classes will run for FOUR weeks.( Every Sunday from 14th September to 5th  October) culminating in a dance on Saturday 11th October.

Cost £5 per person/ lesson

Details from Pam Dignan 01224 741078

The Grampian Association of Storytellers has arranged TWO events.

Tickets and full details can be obtained by

Telephone  01569 765616  or 07841 715 447

e-mail: gas_story@hotmail.com

www.grampianstorytellers.org.uk

Friday 3rd October

"First Friday Fling"

Christian Community Centre, Craigmill Road, Aberdeen 

7-30pm

Guest Teller : Sheena Blackhall

Tickets £5

Saturday 4th October

We are sorry to announce that

Full Day Storytelling Workshop NOW CANCELLED

Archaeolink Pre-History Centre, Oyne

10am to 4pm

With master storyteller Sheena Blackhall

Cost £20

Friday 3rd October

Concert

Forglen Hall

The Friends o Forglen have again gathered performers from a wealth of talent in their area, ensuring a gran nicht's entertainment

7-30pm

tickets at the door

Friday 3rd October

"Gallowgate Doric Celebration  of Dean John Skinner"

Concert

St Margaret's Church, Gallowgate, Aberdeen

7pm

featuring

Irene Watt ~ clarsach and song                                

Hollie Beattie, St Machar Acadamy ~ piper                                

St Margaret's School ~ choir                                

George and Stuart Davidson ~ fiddlers                                

Cheryl Watson ~ Scottish songs                                

Doric teddies' stories                                

Helena Anderson Wright and the Burns Society ~ Vivat Regina Scotias                Emsley Nimmo and Elsie Gardener ~ Tullochgorum and song                               Auld Lang Syne

Tickets £5 (includes Stovies) from Anne Allan 01224 872960

Saturday 4th October

Doric Concert

Pipe Band Hall, Turriff

7-30pm

Tickets £5  £4 concession from Scotch Corner,  01888563079

Organised by Turriff and District Pipe Band

Saturday 4th October

"Meal-n-Ale"

Cookney Village Hall

7-30pm

Featuring

Ian Russell, melodeon; Denis Shepherd, verse; Catriona Smith, sangs; Steve, Ross and Tim Hull, fiddles;Joint Comperes Geordie Murison, sangs & John Valentine, sangs.

Tickets £6  Concession £4 from Joyce Murison 01569 731236

Organised by the Aberdeen Branch of the Traditional Music and Song Association

SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER

“Vintage Ploughing Competition and Farm Day”

Alford (location to be advised!)

Come and watch experts in the craft of ploughing, using ploughs of all ages and types, along with vintage and up-to-date tractors. There may also be some  ploughing with horse, (subject to availability and ground conditions)

Ploughing commences at 10-30am

Admission includes entry to the Alford Heritage Centre with its comprehensive collection of tools, implements and memorabilia from by-gone days.

Tickets (at the gate) £3 children 60p

Sunday 5th October

CEILIDH DANCING CLASSES

SCOUT HEADQUARTERS, WESTHILL

8pm – 9pm

Dance has always played an important part in the heritage and culture of the North-east and to reflect the growing interest in old-time dances classes have been arranged.

Please note that the classes will run for FOUR weeks.( Every Sunday from 14th September to 5th  October) culminating in a dance on Saturday 11th October.

Cost £5 per person/ lesson

Details from Pam Dignan 01224 741078

TUESDAY 7th October

"The Fifteenth Doric Sampler"

Monymusk Arts Centre

7pm

Another excellent evening of music, verse and song featuring children from local primaries and academies.

In the first half the youngest members will do their bit.

The second half features Alan & Eion Taylor, Cameron Gillies & Alister Bruce.

Also appearing Sarah Walker, Jake Simpson and compere Lorna Alexander.

Tickets £6 Concession £4.

WEDNESDAY 8th October

Doric Call My Bluff

Inverurie Town Hall

7-30pm

A welcome return of the popular, funny (and educational!) panel game far fowk spik doric aa e time! Come along and see if ye ken e meanin o the wirds aat e fowk try tae baffle ithers on the panel.

Tickets  £8 from Garioch Heritage, Tourist Office, High Street, Inverurie

tel 01467 625800

Wednesday 8th October

 “Session of Songs, Music and Stories”

Vale Hotel, Fyvie

Fyvie Folk Club will host this session  and invites performers outwith the club to come along and join in. The session runs from 8 till late.

Free entry

Friday 10th October

Variety Concert

King Edward Hall

With Bill Gray and Party

7-30pm

Tickets £5

from 01888 551634 OR 01261 821634

Organised by King-Edward / Gamrie Community Council

Friday 10th October

Doric Concert

Daviot Village Hall

7-30pm

Featuring

Jimmy Mitchell, tin whistle; Graham White, Bazooki and songs; Irene Watt, Clarsach and songs; Doug Stewart, verse; Moira Stewart, singer; Sarah Walker, singer; and Jim Taylor, compere.

Tickets £6 concession £4 from Shirley Watt 01224 314795

Organised by The Aberdeen Branch of TMSA

SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER

Doric Concert

Ythanbank Hall

7-30pm

The Tarves Folk Club event features:-

 Dick & Maggie Trickey (guitar and songs)

Russell Taylor (Bothy Sangs)

John Dickson (Guitar, Sangs and stories)

Paddy & Bob Kyle (Dulcimer, sangs & spoons)

George & Stuart Davidson (fiddles)

plus other guest appearances

FREE ENTRY

SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER

Aberdeenshire Heritage Centre

Station Road, Mintlaw

The museum opens its doors to the public to display its vast collections and its detailed preservation techniques.

The traditions and tools of past generation are very important to our understanding and appreciation of the progress in industrial and social advancements.

Be prepared to try and identify some mystery objects!

SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER

Festival Closing Ceilidh and Dance

Ashdale Hall, Westhill

7-30pm

Gary Anderson Band

Steve, Ross and Tim Hull, fiddles

Licenced

Tickets £8

WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER

"A Nicht at the Mains"

Longside Hall

7-30pm

A richt guid nicht wi Bill Gray an Freens, performin the best o the sangs an music o the North-east.

Tickets at the door £3 members £4 non-members.

Organised bi The Buchan Heritage Society

SATURDAY 25 th October:

TORNAVEEN Community Hall.

Inversnecky Bus Company present

Cold Today! by Charles Barron

Harry Gordon (1893-1957) was immensely popular on the variety stage and on radio. He dominated the pantomime scene in Edinburgh and Glasgow for 20 years and staged sell-out shows all over Scotland, including his home town of Aberdeen where he owned and ran his own theatre – the Pavilion, down at the Beach. (The building now houses the Jimmy Chung restaurant.)

His humour was based on character, recognisable local characters, many of them women. He was, of course, a Dame par excellence. He was one of the first comedians to build a huge regular radio audience and one of the first to have a catch phrase – Cold Today!

Harry wrote much of his own material and many of the character songs for which he was famous but he also had several talented writers who understood the humour of Harry and the Doric culture. The play not only tells the story of Harry’s life, it also uses many of the sketches and songs which made him famous, including the great Fittie Folk, Kitty Folk, Country Folk And City Folk made popular for a new generation of theatre-goers by Scotland the What?

Tickets (£7.50 - children £ 4) from Geoff Cormack, 01339 883527