Homecoming Scotland 2009: Local Events in the Shetland Islands

The Shetland Folk Festival 2009 features, as always, an eclectic programme drawing musicians and enthusiasts to Shetland from all over the world.  This years's artistes come from - among other places - Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Spain, as well as, of course, from Shetland.  The festival takes place in a variety of halls around the isles and there is also a festival club in Lerwick where sessions swing through to the small hours.  Tickets are always in demand, with the most popular gigs selling out very quickly.  You can find full details on the Shetland Folk Festival website 

The Johnsmas Foy, Shetland's annual midsummer festival, takes place between Thursday 18 June and Sunday 28 June.  The festival celebrates Shetland culture and heritage, with strong maritime connections, but also has an international flavour.  Johnsmas was the time of year when the Dutch fishing fleet used to arrive in Shetland for the summer, but the Foy also marks the extraordinary time around the summer solstice, when there is no darkness, just a twilight that we call the 'simmer dim'.  This year's theme is Shetland and the Viking world and - although programme details have yet to be confirmed - there will be a wide range of events encompassing music, drama, history, sport, walking and much else.  Last but not least, two international sailing races will pack Lerwick Harbour with colour between the 24th and 28th and the related Flavour of Shetland, a showcase for island music, crafts and food, will take place in association with the sailing events.  More information about the Foy is available here.

Creative Connections Shetland (3rd - 9th August) is a fiddle frenzy, with fiddle lessons, concerts and, of course, the opportunity to tour the islands.  There's storytelling and you can also learn knitting.  It's a hugely popular event for both participants and audiences (though that distinction barely exists); a week, in fact, of pure magic.

Later in the summer, the Pony Breeders of Shetland Association is proudly hosting the Shetland Pony Festival from 15th – 23rd August 2009.  This unique festival offers the budding enthusiast an opportunity to visit Shetland and find out more about the home of the pony.  Highlights during the Festival week include:

·    Stud visits throughout Shetland
·    Shetland Pony Exhibition at the Shetland Museum
·    SPSBS Breed Show
·    Shetland Pony Grand National
·    Shetland Pony Pageant


To find out more about this festival and holiday packages to Shetland, please visit www.shetlandponybreeders.com

In October, the last of Shetland's major annual festivals brings dancing enthusiasts and Scottish dance bands  to the islands from 8th until 12th October for the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival.  Like the Folk Festival, the Accordion and Fiddle Festival takes place in venues around the islands.  It draws on a thriving Shetland tradition and blends it with the equally celebrated Scottish sound.  You'll be in convivial company, dancing the night away to some of the best traditional musicians around. 

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