Tuesday, 23 May 2006
RAISING THE TEMPERATURE IN THE ISLES
As Shetland gains a reputation as a ‘cool’ place to be, organisers of Shetland’s summer festival ‘Johnsmas Foy’ are set to raise the temperature in the islands by a few degrees as they host two major yacht races and get set to party with a full programme of maritime, music and cultural events from 16 to 26 June.
The theme for the festival is ‘a celebration of sail’ to coincide with the arrival of the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race to Lerwick Harbour as it celebrates its 40th anniversary, and also the Bergen-Shetland Races, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Sailors will be welcomed in style to Lerwick’s Victoria Pier as Flavour of Shetland gets into full swing with a marathon session of live music performances, the very best of the islands food and drink – with everything covered from the more exotic Unst oyster which you can wash down with shots of the islands’ own vodka to a taste of real tradition in the form of ‘reestit mutton’ soup!
Leaving the quayside and travelling north, the island of Fetlar is set for an invasion of outstandingly talented musicians as it hosts the Fetlar Johnsmas Foy Concert. Neighbouring island Unst will also be pulsating with musical talent as a midsummer barbecue takes place on Burrafirth beach.
Carrying on the nautical theme, there will be boat trips in restored fishing vessels and the replica Viking longship ‘Dim Riv’, maritime exhibitions, a visit from Britain’s only touring theatre ship and guided walks to explore the historic Dutch Connection.
Returning to the music, the third Annual Blues Festival is also part of the Johnsmas Foy, combining local talent with visiting artistes from throughout the UK, and from Norway and the United States.
Have we missed anything? Come and see for yourself. Travel to Shetland by sea from Aberdeen with NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries or by Smyril Line from Faroe, Iceland, Denmark and Norway. By air, British Airways connects from most major UK airports and, from 23 June 2006, Atlantic Airways provides a direct service from London (Stansted) and the Faroe Islands on Mondays and Fridays.
Further information from:
Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email
Or,
Nicola Halcrow, Shetland Islands Council, tel 01595 744944 or email