The line-up has been unveiled for the second Across the Grain festival of culture.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural festival, the event is returning in October with a diverse programme showcasing north-east life, heritage, language, music and stories.
An eclectic mix of activities, performances and workshops has been put together by Live Life Aberdeenshire, much larger than the activities which were on offer in 2018, with some performances created especially for the event.
These include a partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland whereby two leading dance experts will host inter-generational workshops, culminating in a performance to a live soundtrack mixing Scottish Trad with electronic music.
Other features include the creation of a sound picture using local words and phrases in Alford by Pete Stollery, another run of Doric Call My Bluff and numerous music and singing workshops in addition to a wide range of speakers.
There will also be the “Aa Yap: Fa Eeses Doric Nooadays”, a world-first Pecha Kucha night adopting a fast-moving Japanese format where eight local speakers will talk about their work and its links to local language and culture, held in partnership with the Elphinstone Institute.
Stonehaven will also play host to North East Noo with performances from the likes of award-winning Aberdeenshire musician Iona Fyfe, Susanna Jara and Pawel Haranczyk from Eastern Europe, and music genres and styles from a variety of cultures across the world.
Dave Cook, the chairman of Live Life Aberdeenshire’s culture and sport sub-committee, said: “Our organising team has pulled together a great mix of activities this year, offering something for everyone.
“The 2019 programme builds on the success of last year’s inaugural festival, and as a result, offers more amazing opportunities and exciting experiences for festival-goers.
“I am in awe of the collected expertise gathered together in this programme and it is a reminder of the rich talent that we have here in Aberdeenshire.”
As well as the big acts, there will be contributions from local musicians, storytellers, award-winning performers, composers, choreographers and singers.
Sub-committee vice chairwoman Anne Simpson, said: “I’m delighted to see so many events taking place in our communities, with opportunities to get involved for people of all ages.
“I know residents and visitors in Aberdeenshire will find Across the Grain entertaining and exciting, and will fully support this new festival as it grows in the future.”
Copies of the programme are available in libraries, leisure centres and museums.
For more information and advanced ticket booking, visit www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/features-folder/libraries/across-the-grain/