Fèis Rois this week launch the 16th Fèis Rois Inbhich (Adult Fèis Rois), a 3-day Highland cultural Fèis taking place in the beautiful village of Ullapool on 29 & 30 April and 1 May 2006.

Famously described as “the best weekend of the year”, the Adult Fèis, open to age 18 and over, offers first class tuition in Gaelic song, Gaelic language, many instruments, group playing, creative writing, step dance and reels and brings over 300 people together for a terrific celebration of traditional culture.

The tutor team reads like a wish list and includes some of the most highly regarded musicians, singers and dancers of the day, such as Iain and Allan MacDonald on pipes, and Fred Morrison, Nuala Kennedy and Cathal McConnell on whistles and flute. Gaelic singers Rona Lightfoot and Maeve MacKinnon (Barra) both have a delightful teaching manner and a wealth of songs for both beginners and the more experienced.

An impressive line-up of Highland fiddle tutors includes Aidan O’Rourke and Bruce Macgregor of Blazin Fiddles, Claire Campbell, Louise Mackenzie, Ronan Martin, Iain Fraser and Angus Grant catering for seven levels of fiddle tuition.

Participants can choose one morning study and one afternoon study from a wide range; a popular highlight is the afternoon Groupwork class in the hands of maestro Phil Cunningham who’s many exceptional talents and skills combine to create very special and memorable group pieces.

Each year the Fèis invites guest tutors to share other traditional music and styles with intermediate and advanced players and this year will be extending a warm Highland welcome to Grace Kelly and Andy Dinan from the Manchester/Irish tradition who both come highly recommended by Mike McGoldrick. Launching the Fèis, Manager Rita Hunter said “It adds an extra spark to introduce a few new tutors and I have heard great things about Grace and Andy and can’t wait to hear them. We’re also bringing in a whole new dynamic young guitar team with the inspirational Anna Massie, Brian Cromarty of Saltfishforty and Ian Stephenson who we heard playing with Thunderstruck in the Celtic Connections Festival Club”.

To extend and deepen the cultural experience the Fèis runs a series of insightful illustrated talks in The Scope of Traditional Music and Song class, led by Allan MacDonald of Glenuig. A brand new creative writing class led by writer and playwright Iain Finlay MacLeod welcomes writers in Gaelic and English, and Gaelic language is taught at beginner and intermediate levels.

Complete music beginners are in the capable and reassuring hands of Valerie Bryan whose Beginners class offers keyboards, whistle and guitar. After the daily classes participants can enjoy sessions, ceilidhs and a dance; all are held in a very friendly atmosphere in stunning scenic surroundings. Reasonably priced at £90 and £60, booking is now open and forms are available from 01349 862600 or feisrois@feisean.org