Call for Scots to get involved in inaugural Scottish Folk Day
The first ever Scottish Folk Day will celebrate the country's vibrant and varied folk scene, and offering a networking platform for musicians and artists at all levels to showcase their talents.
Article Source: Traditional Music Forum
Last Updated: 3 May 2023 11:11
Taking place on Saturday 23 September, the pilot project is calling for people of all backgrounds and abilities to stage live performances and workshops, giving folk fans across Scotland and Europe the opportunity to connect with a wider, like-minded community.
Organised by Scotland’s Traditional Music Forum (TMF), Scottish Folk Day is running in tandem with European Folk Day, held on the same date, which has been conceived and coordinated by the European Folk Network.
Organisers are encouraging anyone interested in folk music, from young learners to stalwart professionals; school classes to established bands, to do something to mark the new annual event.
Whether it’s hosting an in-person performance or participation opportunity, or recording and sharing a musical performance or rendition online, all contributions are eagerly welcomed. Folk fans can use the hashtags #ScottishFolkDay and #EuropeanFolkDay to showcase the breadth of activity taking place across the continent.
David Francis, Director at Traditional Music Forum, said: “Folk music is a huge part of Scotland’s culture and heritage, and is still prevalent in the lives of many Scots today. Scottish Folk Day is a means of celebrating that history, and keeping the tradition alive by connecting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds who share one common interest.
“All of us at TMF are thrilled to be running the event in Scotland on behalf of the European Folk Network, and can’t wait to see how individuals, groups or indeed entire musical communities come together to help us celebrate on Saturday 23 September. Whatever your ability, whatever your style, we want to hear from you!”
The traditional arts are an essential element of European cultural identity and diversity, in which millions of people work, create and actively participate on a daily basis. However they enjoy significantly less recognition than other art forms such as classical music, jazz or contemporary dance. European Folk Day aims to change this by offering a collective voice to the pan-European community, and highlighting the importance of folk-traditions in the European cultural landscape.
Araceli Tzigane, Spanish Board member of the European Folk Network said: “European Folk Day is a major new project directly initiated by the 150 members of the European Folk Network from 30 European nations – including a significant number of leading Scottish organisations, such as the Traditional Music Forum, which was one of the five founding members of the network.
“In Scotland, as in every European community, the traditional arts are essential foundations of cultural heritage and identity. Participation in the European Folk Day will be a shared celebration, joining communities across Europe to increase recognition of traditional arts in all their diverse forms.”
Scottish Folk Day is running in partnership with European Folk Day, which will see musicians from across Europe take part in performances or workshops in their local area.
The European Folk Day pilot project is open to traditions of music from any community within Europe, whether historically indigenous or newly-migrant. The event aims to highlight the importance of each and every European musical community, whilst supporting continued resilience through networking and digital communication.
The event has been coordinated by members of the European Folk Network with co-funding from the European Union via the MusicAIRE programme.
For further information on how to get involved, visit: https://europeanfolkday.eu
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure celebrates success of Health for Heroes Scheme at Christmas veterans breakfast
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans to a Health for Heroes festive breakfast at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the success of the scheme in 2024.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
Horse power will drive young people to success
An innovative programme which aims to harness the magic of horses to engage young people back into education is being offered to East Renfrewshire young people for the first time.
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
Neilston resident named as East Renfrewshire Citizen of the Year 2024
A volunteer with unwavering dedication to the wellbeing, health and safety of residents across East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award for his exceptional contributions.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Launch of new vision for East Renfrewshire
A bold new vision has been launched which sets out the shared hopes and aspirations for East Renfrewshire between now and 2040.
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Council celebrates employees at annual awards
East Renfrewshire Council hosted its annual employee celebration event – the We Are East Ren Awards – to recognise hard-working employees going above and beyond for residents.
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORE
Writers celebrate Book Week Scotland at East Renfrewshire Libraries
East Renfrewshire libraries celebrated Book Week Scotland in style, welcoming children and adult writers along for a series of fun, interactive events.
READ MORE
Family festive fun at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life this December.
READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos
A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas
itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland
A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links