LIST ADVERTISING FEATURE BRING ON THE WINTER
With St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night on the horizon, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate this winter. Locals and tourists alike are encouraged to get in the spirit over the coming months, with a dynamic range of special events taking place across Scotland. It could be enjoying delicious food and drink with loved ones, having a family day out at one of the many festivals, or bringing in the bells with live music and dancing.
As well as championing Scotland’s own heritage, Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme relects the diverse ethnic and cultural minority communities that call Scotland home. Join in St Andrew’s Day celebrations with Bollywood dancing, Senegalese drumming and Ukrainian folk music at the St Andrew’s Day Fusion Festival in Dundee, or take part in a stunning torchlight procession through the west end of Glasgow accompanied by street band Samba Ya Bamba.
For a Hogmanay with a difference, Fire and Light at Helix Park in Falkirk focuses on New Year folklore aimed at deterring bad spirits and bringing good fortune for the year ahead. Taking in the spectacular backdrop of the majestic Kelpies, this mesmerizing display combines ire, sound and light for an unforgettable family experience. When it comes to celebrating the nation’s Bard, a classic Burns Supper of haggis, neeps and tatties with a side of poetry is the traditional choice. If you want to put a contemporary slant on proceedings check out the nine- day Big Burns Supper Festival in Dumfries, with cabaret, comedy and the biggest street carnival in Scotland.
However you choose to celebrate this winter, ensure you make the most of the valuable opportunity to experience other cultures, share your own, and enjoy some of Scotland’s top talents as the nation comes together in a spectacular showcase of heritage.
BRING ON THE
WINTER
EDINBURGH DIWALI Sat 12 Nov, Ross Band Theatre edinburghdiwali.co.uk
Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, the festival of lights signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. In addition to a traditional mela festival with music, dance, food and fireworks, there will be a colourful Diwali parade comprising bagpipes, highland dancers, hundreds of lantern bearers and four spectacular floats carrying Hindu gods.
OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL Fri 18 – Sun 27 Nov obanwinterfestival.com
flagship evening of music featuring 13 piece supergroup Treacherous Orchestra and award-winning folk-rock outfit Skerryvore attracting music-lovers from far and wide.
GLASGOW'S ST ANDREW'S DAY TORCHLIGHT PARADE Sat 26 Nov westendfestival.co.uk
This annual extravaganza sees the town come to life with live music, ceilidhs, art exhibitions and market stalls, whilst foodies can sample fine wine and whisky before watching local butchers battle it out for the coveted Golden Haggis award. Highlights include a community parade and a bespoke heritage trail accompanied by a local theatre performance to showcase key architectural sites in the area. THE SALTIRE FESTIVAL
BRING ON
ST ANDREW'S DAY ST ANDREW'S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN ST ANDREWS
Thu 24 – Wed 30 Nov, East Lothian saltirefestival.com Fri 25 – Wed 30 Nov visitstandrews.com
Celebrating the best of Scottish music, arts and food and drink, the Saltire programme has something for everyone, from comedy for kids to a nighttime 10K with a party atmosphere. From fiddle-led folk to classical and choral, a selection of concerts cater to all tastes, with a concerts cater to all tastes, with a
Where better to celebrate our patron saint than the picturesque town bearing his name? An open air street party, the world’s biggest ceilidh and a St Andrews v Rest of the World golf match on the world-famous St Andrews Links will be on offer, while T The St Andrew’s Day Conversation w will see a panel of leading Scots b brought together to discuss what ‘Scottishness’ means to them.
S ST ANDREW'S DAY F FUSION FESTIVAL S Sat 26 Nov, Dundee City Square l leisureandculturedundee.com
W With an emphasis on embracing the d diversity of the local community, the F Fusion Festival aims to highlight the m many different groups and cultures t that comprise modern day Scotland. P Performers from Scottish, Eastern E European, Middle Eastern, African a and Indian backgrounds bring t together their distinct cultures in a v vibrant celebration of music and d dance.
This inaugural event invites you to take part in a stunning torchlight procession through Glasgow’s picturesque west end, with local brass and drums street band Samba Ya Bamba providing some carnival flair. Torches can be purchased for £10, and in keeping with the generous spirit of St Andrew, a donation will be made to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
BEMIS & TRACS: ST ANDREW’S DAY OPEN CONFERENCE Wed 30 Nov, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh tracscotland.org
Scotland's history and heritage belongs to all of Scotland's people. Ahead of 2017’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology and part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals this conference explores how we can realise the creative potential of our diverse cultural heritage in local communities and promote a dynamic, inclusive Scottish national identity. Join a dynamic day of presentations, participative workshops, live performances and networking opportunities.
ILLUMINATION: HARBOUR FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Wed 30 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine illuminationfestival.co.uk