AN international line up of speakers has been announced for a new festival celebrating Scotland’s ancient Nordic connections and close ties with Canada.
Running from October 7-16, the Northern Stories Festival will welcome performers and storytellers from the Highlands, Scandinavia and Canada, in a programme of online and in-person talks, workshops, films and exhibitions.
Highlights include Circo Rum Ba Ba’s The Tale Of Whale which will see a 50ft sperm whale wash up in the heart of Wick. Families will be welcomed inside the belly of the beast to hear seafaring stories of pirates battling plastic and explore mermaid museums.
Drawing on the people of Caithness’s heritage as Pictish “painted people”, there will be a specially commissioned series of photographic portraits by award-winning photographer Susie Mackenzie in a new exhibition at the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso. Personal stories from local people and the pride and prestige of Pictish body art will combine with contemporary inking to celebrate the rich history of the area’s tattoo culture.
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Music events include Highland/Shetland trio Salt House, Mairi Campbell and a special performance of Cattachs And Gallachs Of The Grey Coast from Andy Thorburn, Gordon Gunn and George Gunn. Performances will take place in village halls, distilleries, heritage centres, cafes and even a disused salmon bothy in Dunbeath – home of prolific novelist, critic and dramatic Neil M. Gunn. A special event will mark the celebrated author’s life and the continuing cultural importance of the landscape that inspired him.
In a series of online events, there will be readings from acclaimed Norwegian and Canadian writers and poets.
Other special events include Orcadian writers Linda Gask, author of Finding True North and Samantha Clarke, author of The Clearing, discussing the healing power of place and the North.
The festival, which is supported by Event Scotland as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories, will close with a special online reading from former Edinburgh Makar Christine De Luca.
Charlotte Mountford, director of Lyth Arts Centre, which is producing the festival, said: “We’re excited to be a part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Caithness has really strong ties with our northern neighbours and it’s been a great chance to work with partners and colleagues in Norway and Canada.
“We hope our local community will find something to enjoy on their doorstep, and that our online programme will attract a national and international audience.”. It’s a great opportunity share our stories and celebrate international connections.”
For more information on the Northern Stories Festival, visit the website at: www.lytharts.org.uk/northern-stories-festival/
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