Feis Glaschu

05 April 2007

Today, Fèis Ghlaschu, run by An Lòchran - Glasgow’s Gaelic Arts Organisation – announced details of this year’s Gaelic Children’s’ Festival. Taking place from Monday 9 April until Saturday 14 April, this week long Fèis (festival) – now in its fourth year - offers young people the chance to experience Gaelic arts and culture, within a series of fun and creative workshops.

During the week, Gaelic and non Gaelic speaking children aged 4yrs – 14yrs will have an opportunity to come together to discover new talents in an open, friendly and stimulating environment. Activities include workshops in Clarsach, Fiddle and Drumming, as well as opportunities to be creative with art, singing, dance and storytelling.

Fèis Ghlaschu adds to the expanding Gaelic Arts Programme developed in the city and which continues to promote a re-awakening of a Gaelic identity in the city. In November 2005, Glasgow City Council launched the City’s first, three year Gaelic Arts Programme and in August 2006, the new Gaelic High School - first ever of its kind – opened its doors to students.

Rona MacDonald, Gaelic Arts Officer, Glasgow City Council said: ‘It’s important that we provide young people (and their non-Gaelic friends) a fun environment outwith formal Gaelic education, which has a focus on developing their musical and creative appetites. Fèis Ghlaschu is that environment and it is growing year on year – last year we had 77 children this year we have (at last count!) 92 – and many more dropping in for informal sessions in Tai Kae-kwan Do, Shinty and knitting!!’

The CCA provides a ‘cool’ environment for the kids – within a beautifully designed building with a thriving café culture surrounded by cutting edge exhibition spaces, where parents can meet, it places Gaelic Arts in a contemporary environment.

Fèis Ghlaschu 2006 participants and guardians said: ‘It was a good opportunity to mix with other children and participate in an event like this and enjoy the experience of using Gaelic with the music and arts. It has given my child more confidence.’

‘I loved the Fèis! I want to give the Fèis a kiss.’

‘My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed herself and can’t stop talking about her day from when I pick her up to when she goes to bed. She particularly enjoyed all the new musical skills she’s picked up.’

This year Fèis Ghlaschu opens it’s doors to another festival – the Gaelic Storytelling Festival, which is being held in Lewis from 25 – 28th April by Pròiseact nan Sgeulachd. As part of an audience development project, a Story-teller booth will be at Fèis Ghlaschu allowing participants to listen to stories from the festival and to contribute their own stories to an online storytelling archive. Storytellers will also be taking workshops at the Fèis.

For further press information, photos and interviews in Gaelic and English, please contact: Rona MacDonald, Gaelic Arts Officer, Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 8915 rona.macdonald@cls.glasgow.gov.uk