The Stonehaven Folk Festival, one of the highlights in the north-east social calendar, has been nominated for Event of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2012.
Now in its tenth year, the awards ceremony celebrates different aspects of traditional music, and recognises the hard work and dedication put in by members of the public who have brought the scene into the 21st century.
The newly announced shortlist details some 16 categories which include Pipe Band of the Year, Album of the Year and Club of the Year, which Aberdeen Folk Club has been nominated for.
Yet the nomination for the Stonehaven event came as something of a surprise for Chairman Charlie West who wasn’t planning on nominating the festival for another year.
However, when they heard the news that they had made the shortlist, the organisers were over the moon.
Charlie said: “Being nominated was a great achievement in itself, but now that we are nominated, we want to win!”
Charlie feels that the diverse nature of acts and activities makes the folk festival stand out from the crowd, and by welcoming in younger musicians, the festival has broadened its horizons to incorporate modern influences year-on-year.
He said: “The 2012 festival was a particularly good year, as we have increased our youth involvement. Sharon Hassan, who is also nominated for Best Tutor and teaches all over the Shire, opened the festival with a performance from a group of 12 to 17-year-olds called North East Folk Collective, who she teaches.”
Alongside veterans of the music scene Brian O’Neill and Old Blind Dogs, the festival offers music lovers the chance to join in with a variety of workshops, ceilidhs and dances.
Now in its 23rd year, the Stonehaven Folk Festival is set to go from strength to strength and a trophy on the mantle would add another string to the bow of this north-east institution.
To vote for the Stonehaven Folk Festival to win Event of the Year, alongside the other nominees, please visit the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2012 voting page. Voting closes on November 21 and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on December 8.
Tickets are available for the ceremony at the Nevis Centre, Fort William, priced at £20 and can purchased from the Nevis Centre box office by telephoning 01397700707. A host of exciting performances will be on offer from a variety of artists and the event promises to be a spectacular night celebrating the very best of Scottish music.
If you can’t make it to the ceremony, BBC Alba will be broadcasting the awards shortly afterwards.
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