Organisers of Haal Festival in Portsoy celebrating event's success
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THE organisers of an annual folk music festival in Portsoy are celebrating the success of this year’s event.
Folk At The Salmon Bothy hosted the 13th Haal Festival from June 2 until June 4, attracting performers and audiences from around the world.
The event showcased a full programme of music, songs, stories and poetry celebrating the folk music scene past and present.
Bob Philips, chairman of Folk At The Salmon Bothy and Haal coordinator, said: “The feedback from performers, audiences and local businesses has been resoundingly positive.
"The quality of the performers brought together over the weekend has been commended by the many visitors to the festival.
"We also benefitted from a weekend of lovely summer weather, which further heightened the good spirits which the Haal has become renowned for.
"It was an excellent weekend for folk music and for the town of Portsoy."
Irish songwriters, singers and musicians, the Sands Family, from County Down in Northern Ireland, headlined the Friday evening concert.
Anne, and her brothers Tommy, Ben and Colum, had the crowd singing and laughing along at the often lengthy but hilarious song introductions, which were expertly crafted and delivered by the talented group.
Karine Polwart, Scottish singer, songwriter, composer and essayist, and one of the top acts in the present Scottish folk scene, headlined the Saturday schedule.
Late Scottish singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, Davy Steele, was celebrated on Sunday by a group of renowned musicians who performed ‘Steele the Show’, coordinated by Davy's widow, Patsy Seddon.
Their son Jamie Steele, along with Mary MacMaster, Jim and Beth Malcolm, Donald Hay, Mike Leigh, Dave Francis, Kathy Stewart and Karine Polwart, performed to a capacity audience, with the crowd happy to join the choruses.
The many sessions held around various venues in the town provided great opportunity for folk club members and visitors to sing, play a tune, tell a story or recite a poem.
Mr Philips added: "Our sincere thanks go to the many sponsors and supporters who have made it possible for us to host this event.
"Our focus is now on securing more top quality acts for the 2024 Haal, to further build on the successes of this year’s event.”
Folk At The Salmon Bothy meet on the third Friday of each month throughout the year at the Salmon Bothy in Portsoy.
Doors open 7pm, entry is £5 and tea and coffee are provided. The next open mic event takes place on Friday June 16, with all welcome.
