The call is out for young performers - amateur and professional - to register their interest in participating at the Edinbane Festival from 1-2 July 2005.

Àrd Urlar, as it is now mostly referred to, moves into its second year with the continued support of An Drochaid for the traditional element of the programme. In 2004 the Edinbane Festival in partnership with the traditional music project launched a new opportunity and venue for up and
coming young talent in Skye and Lochalsh. It was hugely successful and added a new
dimension to the festival. Among the sixteen varied acts that took part in ’04 were “Inflatable Haggis” who made their debut, performed a few months later at An Drochaid ‘Celtic Chaos’ traditional music festival and are now one of the “hottest acts” on Skye. They have been invited back to perform on the main stage this year.

The initiative provides the under 26-age group with their own venue and this year organisers are planning to develop Àrd Urlar even further. Àrd Urlar will continue to run into the evening, alongside the concerts and dances in the Marshall Centre, providing more choice and options for festival goers and performers alike.

So its time to put out the call to young performers. Register interest now.  Get in on the act, get in touch with Rosie Somerville on 01470 532436 or email rosie49@btinternet.com.

This year’s festival falls on July 1st and 2nd. The main programme is in place, the format is much the same as previous years with a Friday night of traditional music and dancing, a concert head lined by John McSherry’s “At First Light”, Irish musicians of the highest calibre. Saturday’s headline bands will be Shooglenifty (returning by popular demand) and Orchestra Macaroon! Both evenings will be full of surprises, many other musicians and acts, including circus and dance. Programme details at www.edinbanefestival.com