Blas 2015 audiences flock to Festival Finale

Issued by BLAS Festival

Halfway through the weeklong events at the 11th Blas festival, which has been taking place at venues across the Highlands and Argyll since 4 September, organisers have confirmed that the festival Finale on 12 September is a sell-out.  

Now entering its second decade as one of Scotland’s leading music festivals, Blas 2015 audiences have once again confirmed the pulling power of the annual international event showcasing Highland culture.   

Speaking as arrangements were being completed for the finale at Eden Court Theatre Inverness, Blas Festival Director, Donna MacRae, said: “We have been extremely pleased with the turn-out at various events with the first couple of nights on Friday and Saturday particularly successful.   Few bands have had a bigger influence on Gaelic song than Runrig.  The songs, written by founder member brothers Calum and Rory MacDonald, will feature in our specially commissioned event “Òran: A celebration of the songs of Runrig” which is the Grand Finale of Blas 2015 on Saturday night. It is no surprise really that this has sold so well, and there is plenty more to keep people entertained for the rest of the week.”  

Amongst the other top acts still to grace this year’s festival programme will be J.P. Cormier from Canada, the Scottish Traditional Song Collective “Bring in the Spirit”, The Alan Kelly Gang with special guests Eddi Reader and John Douglas.  Gaelic singers are, as usual, be to the fore. Cathy Ann MacPhee and Julie Fowlis, Margaret Stewart with Ingrid Henderson & Alan Nicolson and Eilidh Mackenzie with Anna Massie & Mairearad Green will all be making an appearance at venues throughout the Highlands.   

There are some cèilidh dances to come, too, with top dance bands including the Fergie MacDonald band in Strathy, and the Robert Nairn Band in Broadford, both on Friday September 11th.  

The fourth 2015 Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Dinner will be hosted by Hands Up for Trad, in partnership with Blas, on Friday, September 11th.  This celebration at Inverness Airport will acknowledge the 2015 inductees to the Hall of Fame and feature music from Rona Lightfoot and UHI students.     

Tickets for all Blas events can be bought online, or by phone, with details on the festival’s website blas-festival.com where further information is available on the full programme of events.