An appeal has been made for individuals willing to volunteer in organizing the annual celebration of traditional Gaelic music and song in the region
Fèis an Iar Dheas is looking for support to run the yearly Fèis, where young people are given an opportunity to pick up an instrument and enjoy a weekend of Gaelic Traditional Music and Song.
A Fèis is an opportunity for individuals to come together to develop skills in the Gaelic arts – song, dance, drama, and traditional music on a wide range of instruments and tuition is accessible and fun, but professional and effective. Fèis an Iar Dheas is the most southerly Fèis in Scotland and is run by a committee of enthusiastic and dedicated local volunteers who work to ensure that as many local young people as possible have access to traditional music making.
Fèis an Iar Dheas play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Gaelic culture, language, and music and provide a platform for passing down traditional knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. The Fèis brings the local community together and fosters a sense of belonging and shared identity for the young people who live locally and local tradition bearers and musicians.
Previous tutors at the Fèis have included Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan, Mischa Macpherson, Kim Carnie and Artair Donald. Tuition is always of a high professional standard however the focus is on fun and enjoyment and giving the young people a positive experience. You don’t need Gaelic to be involved with the Fèis but we can’t promise you won’t leave having picked some up! Gaelic is growing in status in Dumfries and Galloway and the Fèis is an easy way to get involved and find out more.
The next Fèis is going to take place in June 2024 and the committee are currently looking for more members to ensure that this event can go ahead. The committee meets roughly 4 times a year, with more regular meetings in the run up to Fèis week. The Fèis can only take place if enough volunteers are willing to lend a hand. Any offers of help would be gratefully received, however big or small.
If you feel that you would like to support the Fèis, then please do come along to the next Zoom meeting on 06/11/2023 at 7pm to find out more.
There is no pressure to take on an office bearing role, however a committee is needed to develop the Fèis going forward and to make sure shape the future of activities.
If anyone would like to participate in the meeting, please feel free to reach out to Sarah via email at [email protected]
