Royal National Mòd News

One month until the West Coast rolls out the red carpet for Gaelic celebration

Published: 11 Sep 2024

Highland Dancing
Highland Dancing

​In just one month’s time, the picturesque coastal town of Oban will be bustling with the lively sights and unmissable sounds of The Royal National Mòd® as the prestigious event makes its much-anticipated return to the West Coast.

The premier Scottish cultural event will be held in the town between 11 - 19 October 2024 and the people of Oban and its surrounding areas, who are hosting the iconic celebrations for the 17th time, are gearing up to make it one to remember.

With competition entry levels up by almost a third from last year’s Paisley edition, the 2024 edition of the Gaelic event will see competitor numbers back up at pre-Covid levels, and Oban residents, businesses and musicians are all ready to welcome the country’s Gaels and Gaelic supporters with open arms.

The Oban Mòd local committee are hosting a series of Gaelic workshops for local business owners and their staff to ensure they can provide people with the warmest and most familiar welcome possible. Furan Gaelic Centre and Mòd an Òbain have partnered up to provide the complimentary taster sessions in the Corran Halls, the Mòd’s flagship venue, with a host of local businesses taking part and brushing up on their Gaelic phrases.

Local businesses in and around Oban will also be invited to take part in a window dressing competition in the run up to the Mòd, with premises coming alive with the look and feel of the cultural phenomenon.

Anticipation is also building for much-loved musicians from the area who are looking forward to welcoming the incredible volume and calibre of musical talent to their hometown.

Local musician Joanie Garvin has been involved in the making and promotion of traditional music in Argyll for many years. Among her family of professional musicians, her daughter Anna Garvin is working on a film for the Argyll Choirs exhibition taking place as part of the Oban Mòd.

Sharing her excitement, Joanie Garvin said: “There’s always an amazing atmosphere in Oban when the National Mòd takes place in the town! We’ve so many young folk learning traditional music in this area and the town is very proud of its pipe bands, its local Fèis Latharna and the School of Traditional Music at Oban High School. The National Mòd is a great opportunity for these local musicians to perform and be inspired by others. I’m so looking forward to seeing Oban buzzing with live music in all sorts of venues, with something for everyone!”

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The final countdown for this year’s Mòd is here and Oban is all set to roll out the red carpet and give Gaels across Scotland and beyond a very warm welcome. To see the local community and businesses opening their arms wide to this event is heartwarming. With competition numbers up and preparations in full swing, we can’t wait to see the people of Oban and all those involved in the Royal National Mòd embracing the Gaelic language and its important culture in just one month’s time.”

The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “Excitement is growing as we prepare to host this year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban. We are very proud of our rich Gaelic heritage in Argyll and Bute and we look forward to welcoming people from far and beyond to this year’s event.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, said: “Events play an important role in our communities and Oban will provide the perfect stage as the Royal National Mòd returns to its historic home this October. As Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event, it will deliver positive social, economic and cultural impacts for the community while also providing the chance for everyone involved to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences.

“We are proud to be continuing our support of the Royal National Mòd and we look forward to celebrating Scotland’s Gaelic culture in one month’s time.”

Thousands are expected to flock to the Argyll town of Oban to enjoy the jam-packed programme of thrilling competitions, concerts, workshops, ceilidhs and unique fringe events, with participants travelling from across Scotland and beyond to compete in disciplines including singing, bàrdachd, instrumental, drama and Highland Dancing.

Proceedings will get underway on Friday 11 October when multi award-winning trad supergroup Mànran wow audiences with an electrifying concert at Corran Halls. Across the week there will be concerts, exhibitions, book launches, children’s activities, sporting events and more taking place as part of the event’s fringe programme, before Celtic sensations Trail West close the party on Saturday 19 October.

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Oban from 11 - 19 October 2024.

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