Huntly festival to celebrate town's famous literary son
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A NEW series of events is to celebrate 200 years since the birth of one of Huntly's brightest sparks.
George MacDonald was born in Huntly 200 years ago, before a career which would see him remembered as one of the fathers of fantasy fiction.
Calling eminent figures such as Charles Dickens, Lord Alfred Tennyson and Mark Twain friends, the Aberdeenshire man went on to inspire Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkein.
To celebrate the milestone, Orb’s Community Bookshop in Huntly is hosting a special exhibition as part of a Festival of Scottish Illustration from August 28 to September 9, 2024.
The exhibition is set to focus on Mr MacDonald's children’s stories and 48 of the wonderful illustrators who have illustrated them over the last 160 years.
Hosting the festival, as well as the tribute exhibition, will be the new facilities at No 30, The Square, Huntly, and other venues in the area.
The exhibitions will be suitable for all ages, and will include special attractions for the youngest members of the community.
Festival volunteer Helen Bate said: "There will be refreshments available in the new No 30 cafe and, with lots of other attractions in Huntly, making it a great day out for those visiting the wider area.
"This exciting event has been made possible thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Awards for All Scotland Fund, and the Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland.
"The Festival is being organised by a team of local volunteers managed through Orb’s Community Bookshop, who are also sponsoring the event.
"If you are interested in being involved in this wonderful festival, in helping to sponsor an event, or volunteering, please email me at helen@helenbate.plus.com or by calling 07790 227497."
