A HYBRID approach at this year’s Gaelic showcase, the National Mod, which is being held in Inverness, will hint at a return to normality when it gets under way next month.
Organisers yesterday unveiled the programme for the eight-day event, which will include face-to-face concerts and competitions, as well as a schedule of online performances to be broadcast between October 8 to 16.
More details on the online streaming content will be announced in the coming weeks.
The host venue for the festival will be the Eden Court Theatre, which will feature its first indoor shows in a year.
Major competitions, including the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal final on October 13 and the Traditional Gold Medal final the following day, will be part of the proposed in-person proceedings, along with key junior contests. Choirs have not been able to practice together, and so a celebration of Gaelic choral singing will replace the contests.
Several live shows are expected to be part of the physical element of this year’s event, including a lively opening concert on October 8, featuring music from new outfit Staran, the famous Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and the legendary Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart.
Duncan Chisholm (above), dubbed “the new sound of a traditional Scotland”, leads an all-star line-up on October 9.
Taking to the stage with Mairearad Green, James Duncan Mackenzie and the Ar Canan’s Ar Ceol House Band, with some of the most talented up-and-coming young musical talents in the Highlands, they celebrate the area’s thriving musical heritage.
Fiddler Lauren MacColl will also showcase a newly commissioned work inspired by coastal happenings and stories from around the Moray Firth. She will be joined on October 12 by Green, Anna Massie and Rachel Newton.
In line with government guidelines, planned physical events will cater for restricted audience numbers, but if restrictions are eased, organisers will try to increase these capacities wherever possible.
James Graham, CEO of An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: “We are delighted that we can once again showcase the best that Gaelic culture has to offer at this year’s Royal National Mod. The last year has certainly not been without its challenges but to be able to bring certain elements of the Mod back with a hybrid approach is a huge boost for the event and its community of competitors, performers and fans.
“It will be a magical moment to hear live performance ring out in Eden Court once more and we look forward to welcoming people from Inverness and across Scotland to enjoy Gaelic song and music with one another.
“The online element of this year’s programme will also allow us to reach audiences around the world and we’re looking forward to celebrating the unique language, culture and spirit of the Gaels with thousands globally.”
Deputy provost for Inverness, Bet McAllister, said: “Hosting this high-profile event in Inverness was of huge significance financially to the business community in the city.
“However, we understand that the 2021 Mod will be different due to the pandemic and current restrictions, but the blended approach will attract viewers from other areas and countries.”
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