Inverness sets the scene for summer festivities on 27 June

Inverness is set to be awash with festivities this Saturday, 27th June.  A riverside party for families, centred on Huntly Street and a zombie festival in the city centre will ensure there is something for everyone.

The Riverside Party, is set to dazzle as the public and local businesses are invited to get together to celebrate the beauty of the Riverside and the completion of phase one of the River Ness Flood Alleviation works.

The Riverside Party will feature activities and attractions for the whole family, including Fly Agaric Stilt Walkers, face painting, and Inverness College Student Association’s Charity Duck Race. The Duck Race, in aid of the ARCHIE Foundation, will quack off at 3pm. Tickets are on sale in the ARCHIE cafés in the Eastgate Centre and Hilton Community Centre and will be available at the Royal British Legion Inverness Branch building on Huntly Street from 11am on the day of event. The prize for the winning duck is two weekend tickets to the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in August.

The Moray Firth Radio Street Team will be on site to provide musical entertainment while the Cash for Kids team will help children to become their inner superhero with the help of “green screen” special effects.

As well as becoming superheroes, children can meet Princess Ariel (of the Little Mermaid) who will be in Saint Mary’s Hall, Huntly Street from 2pm.

For those interested in the arts, Connor Ross will be showcasing his talents in spray paint artistry throughout the afternoon.

There will be performances from Fiddle Forte and the Elizabeth Fraser Highland Dancers and those who fancy finding out more about traditional Scottish dress, can learn all about the kilt-making process in an exhibition from the Highland House of Fraser.

The city centre is set to be the scene for Zombie-Ness, a Zombie-themed game which will be taking place throughout the day which includes face-painting and a treasure hunt before a gathering at the castle at 4pm. Hundreds are already signed up to attend both events.

Cllr Glynis Sinclair, Chairperson of the Inverness Festivals Committee, welcomed the celebration saying: “Inverness will be brimming with excitement on Saturday, with a huge range of planned events.  Zombie-Ness should be really spectacular in the city centre and there is something for everyone at the riverside party. I would encourage people to take a walk down to Huntly Street on Saturday to join in the fun.”

Chairperson of the Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Audrey Sinclair said: “I have heard lots of positive comments about the newly completed street-scape by the riverside. The riverside party is an opportunity to really enjoy the new space which has been created.  I am glad to see that lots of people are planning to attend. The entertainment on offer will provide a great day out for families and friends. All we need is some sunshine!”

For further details of timings and events on Saturday, please contact Gerry Reynolds on 01463 785006 or visit http://www.invernessfestivals.com/