Folk festival line-up announced

Thirty-four is knocking at the door. Yet again it’s another year and the internationally renowned Shetland Folk Festival has surpassed itself with a tantalizing variety of acts sure to delight locals and visitors.

This year sees 16 visiting acts and 50 local turns performing over the weekend of 1st to 4th May during a festival dedicated to the memory of its stalwart and ambassador Davie Henderson whose funeral was last weekend.

At today’s launch of the 34th festival line-up Mhari Pottinger from the committee said it would be a time of mixed emotions, but it was the first time she had really felt positive lately about promoting the acts.

Canadian duo Madison Violet are returning.
Canadian duo Madison Violet are returning.

Worth a special mention and bringing something new to the variety of events are Mariachi Tequila, a London-based Mexican outfit, who play a mixture of Latin folk Music complete with sombreros and colourful costumes.

The Asham Stompers, native North Americans from Manitoba in Canada, do a high-energy jig and square dance routine and the Sojourns, a gospel trio from the States, are sure to broaden the appeal of this year’s festivities.

There is even a four-piece mandolin combo from Belgium included in the programme.

Mhari said there was a welcome return by Madison Violet, an acoustic pop, folk, and country music duo from “across the pond”, by popular demand.

All told, it is another impressive line-up with a fine blend of local talent and music from “aa da aerts”.

Stephen Gordon

• See this week’s Shetland Times for a full list of visiting acts and more photographs.

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