Yahoo News Fèis an Iar Dheas set to return to Dumfries and Galloway in June 2024
Fèis an Iar Dheas – the Festival of the South West – is to make its Dumfries and Galloway comeback in June after two-year absence.
The celebration will take place at The Bridge Centre in Dumfries on June 8 and offers young people the chance to develop skills in Gaelic song, dance, drama and traditional music on a wide range of instruments.
Castle Douglas woman and Gaelic tutor Sarah Stevenson is on the committee organising the Dumfries and Galloway fèis.
She said: “I have been involved in the children’s Gaelic music fèis since 2021 and we had an event in 2022.
“We are holding another one in June 8 and I am looking forward to this one being just as successful.”
As part of preparations for the festival, Sarah is running a new beginners Gaelic class, sponsored by Gàidhlig Dumgal, the local Gaelic organisation.
It will commence at Castle Douglas Community Centre on April 24 and will run for 10 weeks from 6-7pm.
She said: “We will be using the Speak Gaelic level A1 resources and everyone is welcome.”
According to Fèisean nan Gaidheal, the national body responsible for promoting and developing Gaelic language and culture, tuition at Fèis an Iar Dheas is accessible and fun, but professional and effective.
The festival is the country’s most southerly fèis and seeks to build on the region’s Gaelic heritage.
A spokesperson for FnG said: “The last fèis took place in 2022 and was a brilliant success.
“More than 30 young people attended and they had the chance to take part in classes in Gaelic singing, guitar, fiddle, whistle, drama, games, ceilidh dancing and group work.
“Fèis an Iar Dheas is delighted to have Emily Smith, Jamie McLennan, Leona Mason, Oliver Rigg, Clare Mann, David Bass, Dora Carter and Stuart MacPherson teaching this year.
“The participants don’t need to already speak Gaelic to come along as they will have the opportunity to learn lots while they are at the fèis. Dumfries and Galloway Council have a Gaelic Language Plan that supports Gaelic events in the area.
“The fèis committee is happy to be offering the opportunity to young people in the area to come along and improve their language skills.”
They added: “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.
For more information about the fèis or Gaelic classes, contact Sarah on gaidhligsarah@btinternet.com
