Portsoy Scottish Traditional Boat Festival family weekend passes up for grabs in competition
The Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival returns this summer on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 and you could win a family weekend pass to the event in our competition.
Premium heritage boats from across the country will drop anchor in the historic harbour of Portsoy for a weekend of music and dance, the finest Scottish food and drink and traditional craft demonstrations and a range of unique handmade items and gifts.
The port will welcome 30 traditional boats from across the UK, including 19th century Fifie herring drifter Reaper, which will make the journey from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife.
Also returning to the festival is White Wing, a 33ft Baldie and setting sail from Wick in Caithness will be 19th century Fifie and festival favourite, the Isabella Fortuna.
Around 16,000 visitors are expected to attend the event and enjoy a packed programme of entertainment.
Award-winning Scottish Folk Band Mànran, headline the Big Gig on the Back Green on Friday, June 27.
Over the last 15 years the group has played in more than 30 different countries including the USA, Asia and Australia, where they were presented with International Artist of the Year at the Australian Celtic Music Awards.
Mànran brings together renowned Scottish and Irish folk musicians, which include accordionist and BBC Radio Scotland presenters, Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson and the band’s lead singer, Kim Carnie, has just released an award-winning documentary which she wrote the soundtrack for.
Tickets for the Big Gig on the Back Green, sponsored by Urquhart Joinery Services are on sale now, at an early bird discounted price of £27.50. To purchase visit www.stbfportsoy.org - this is a licensed event for over 18s only.
The music programme features renowned groups and local artists including, Highland rock band RhythmnReel, will bring their upbeat, foot stomping tunes, Cullen-based duo Fair Trickit and their self-penned songs and award-winning Scottish folk singer, Iona Fyfe.
Skip 2 the Beat will bring their fast-paced skipping stunts, and the Anne McArthur Dancers will perform a range of Highland country dancing routines.
Swifties assemble for The Ultimate Tribute Night on Saturday, June 28, as Taylor Swift tribute act, Leona Skimming, will perform.
Taking to the stage as ‘Taylor 2’, Leona is an incredibly talented singer and performer. She captures the essence of Taylor Swift’s vocals and stage presence, with real star quality, performing Swift’s iconic hits including Love Story, Shake It Off, Blank Space and Bad Blood.
Adding to the line-up of great entertainment is Kirk Johnston as TotOlly Murs, the UK’s number one tribute to Olly Murs.
Bringing his fun personality and outstanding musical talent, Kirk will perform all of Murs’ pop hits including Wrapped Up, Heart Skips a Beat and Dance with me Tonight and his trademark dance moves.
This is a family friendly event, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are on sale on the festival website www.stbfportsoy.org and priced at £15 for an adult and £5 for a child.
In the Food Fayre there will be the best Scottish produce on the menu from handmade pies, cheese and pickled onions to Scottish liqueurs, wine and whisky.
There are also sweet treats including toffee, fudge and Belgian chocolate and no visit would be complete without a scoop of Portsoy ice cream.
Visitors can eat their way around the harbour with fresh fish and seafood from Stonehaven’s Seafood Bothy and Aspire restaurant will be serving up kippers from Messrs J Smith, located at the New Harbour in Portsoy with J Donald Bakery oatcakes. There will also be woodfired pizzas, Aberdeen Angus burgers, paella and German sausages.
Traditional craft demonstrations will be on display in the Craft Fayre along with handmade ceramics, jewellery, prints and paintings available to browse and buy.
Inspired by the stunning Scottish coastline, the new Coastal Crafts area will showcase exceptional items created using traditional techniques, upcycled gifts, accessories and artwork created by local artists.
Younger visitors can enjoy a range of fun activities in the Wally Green Kids’ Zone including bouncy castles, giant slides, trampolining, segways and the Tam O’Shunter land train will be running throughout the weekend.
The ever-popular raft race will take place on Saturday afternoon, where teams of three people compete to cross the harbour in homemade rafts and paddles, without falling in.
This year’s festival is sponsored by Glenglassaugh Distillery, Gray Composting Services, Puffin Wood Fuels, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Urquhart Joinery Services, Portsoy 75 Club, Hamlyn’s of Scotland, Messrs J Smith, Camwater, Macduff Shipyards, Val’s Scottish Tablet and North East Scotland Preservation Trust.
Tickets are discounted when purchased in advance online, to book visit www.stbfportsoy.org
For festival updates follow @stbfportsoy or #ahoyportsoy on social media.
We have TWO family weekend passes for the festival to give away. For your chance to win, just answer the following question.
How many boats will be participating in this year’s festival?
A) 25
B) 50
C) 30
Send your answer, name and contact details to kyle.ritchie@hnmedia.co.uk
The competition closes on Sunday, June 22 and winners will be contacted shortly after that date.
