Portsoy traditional music festival cancelled amid coronavirus outbreak
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Organisers of the HAAL traditional music festival have announced the cancellation of the 2020 event due to restrictions following the coronavirus pandemic.
The 11th year of the event, organised by Folk at the Salmon Bothy, was due to be held in Portsoy on June 5, 6 and 7, however the cancellation follows Scottish and UK governments policy and guidance on large scale gatherings and due to the uncertainty which lies ahead in the coming months.
Chairman Bob Philips said: “It is with huge regret that the decision has been made to confirm the cancellation of the 11th HAAL.
"I was hopeful that our event in June may be safe, but it is now obvious that that is not going to be the case.
"Nearly all performers have confirmed their availability for 2021, so I am delighted to report we will almost certainly have the same line-up next year.”
The annual HAAL is a celebration of tradition and culture, through music, songs and stories, attracting a large audience from across Scotland and beyond.
Folk at the Salmon Bothy hope to host a smaller HAAL on October 23 and 24. It is anticipated the Greig Duncan Song Competition will be held at the Salmon Bothy, with a concert and ceilidh in the Station Hotel to present the Wheeler and Folk at the Salmon Bothy Award to the Aberdeen Music School pupil. Additional events will take place across the pubs in the town.
Proceeds from the smaller event will be used to offset costs already incurred for the 2020 HAAL, with surplus funds to be donated to a Scottish charity supporting musicians.
Full details will be available in due course on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy website and social media platforms.
The annual HAAL will return on June 4, 5 and 6, with performances from Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Peggy Seeger, Calum MacColl, Archie Fisher and Arthur Watson to name a few.
