Royal National Mòd News

Gaelic Showcase at Mod 2011

Published: 03 Oct 2011

ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD ANNOUNCES EXCITING LINE UP FOR 2011 GAELIC SHOWCASE

Taking place in the Western Isles for the fifth time in its 120 year history, the 108th Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (The Royal National Mòd), which is Scotland’s premier festival celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, has today announced its 2011 Gaelic Showcase.

The eight day Mòd celebration of Gaelic music, dance, drama, arts and literature, running from Friday 14 until Saturday 22 October, is set to attract thousands of participants from across the globe and embrace the entire community of the Islands including Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, Barra and the Uists.

The showcase, which is taking place in The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway between 17 – 21 October, is a fantastic opportunity for visitors and competitors attending the Mòd to discover more about Gaelic language and Gaelic-related products and services.

Products on show include local produce, books, CD’s, artworks, photography and crafts - exhibitors who regularly participate at the Royal National Mòd include Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (Gaelic Books Council), MG Alba, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, SNH, Stòrlann, Comunn na Gàidhlig and the Gaelic Arts Agency (Pròiseact nan Ealan).

Local organisations taking part in the 2011 showcase include Caledonian MacBrayne, Acair Books and Hebridean Chocolate who will have their handmade truffles, chocolate bars and lots of other things to tempt visitors. There will be hand made Harris Tweed items, such as brooches, shoe clips, shoe bags, hats and cushions, and the West Highland Free Press is launching a book ‘Mòd Memories’ which will contain a limited collection of archived photographs and memories taken at the Mòd through the years. This latest book by the Free Press is packed full of photographs and reminiscences spanning 40 years of Mòd coverage from the Isle of Skye based newspaper.

There will also be additional events on showcasing the strong local food & drink offerings during lunchtimes, such as whisky tasting courtesy of Abhainn Dearg Distillery, local chocolate demonstrations & tasting and black pudding tasting – Tuesday 18th & Thursday 20th October.

Cape Breton University Press is making is making its third visit to the Mòd from Nova Scotia, Canada, to appear in the showcase. Cape Breton, which specialises in books on Gaelic culture and history, will be bringing a range of books which have been specially selected for interest to Mòd participants and visitors.

John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach said: “We’re very excited about the Mòd showcase this year – there is a fantastic and ever expanding line up and as ever it will provide visitors and competitors alike with a true taste of what’s on offer from the local area.

“The launch of the Mòd Memories book is also very significant as it will bring together thousands of memories and photographs of the event through the years and in the various locations, and will be a delight for those looking for an insight into the history of the Mòd”.

The festival kicks off on Friday 14th October with a grand opening ceremony taking place in the early evening followed by a traditional energetic ceilidh at night to get visitors in the mood for the week long competitive festival. Competitions begin on Monday 17th October, kicking off a week filled with Gaelic music, song, dance, drama, sport and literature. Children’s competitions take place at the start of the week and nearly 1,700 children from across the country taking part. The Traditional and Gold Medal qualifying rounds take place on Wednesday 19 October with the finals on Thursday 20 October.

The 2011 Royal Mòd Gaelic Showcase: The Nicholson Institute Springfield Road, Stornoway, HS1 2PZ (beside the ticket sales desk, just behind Lewis Sports Centre).

For more information please contact Alison Henderson on 07552 167801 or email alison@mypinkiepromise.co.uk

For further details visit www.acgmòd.org

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