The massively popular Culture Day is coming back as part of a 10-day celebration of arts and culture this autumn.
The Findhorn Bay Festival returns this year, running from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October, promising to transform Moray with a vibrant celebration of creativity inspired by this year’s theme, Connection.
And the one-day street event – Culture Day – is making a welcome comeback, right in Forres town centre.
Taking place on Saturday 26 September between 11am and 4pm, artists, community groups, businesses and cultural organisations are invited to showcase their work and celebrate the creativity that thrives locally all year round.
The first Culture Day took place in 2013 as a standalone event across Kinloss, Findhorn and Forres. It served as a prelude to the first-ever Findhorn Bay Arts Festival in 2014, where it then became firmly embedded within the programme.
The last Culture Day was held in 2018, and it was estimated that more than 2,000 people attended across the day.
Organisers say that by taking part, you can:
- Share your work in creative ways
- Open your doors to the public
- Connect with new audiences
- Inspire others to get involved in your activities all year round
A previous particpant said: “Culture Day is all about engaging with the public and encouraging greater awareness of the arts in and around Forres.”
Connection
And to start the momentum of this year’s festival theme – Connection – local communities are invited to connect, create and take part in the activities.
Findhorn Bay Arts (FBA) has launched its Get Involved programme to help you.
The festival brings eclectic mix of live performance, theatre, music, visual art, circus and outdoor events, all set against the region’s striking coastal and rural landscapes. From large-scale spectacles to intimate, one-of-a-kind experiences, the festival offers opportunities to discover new work close to home, encounter fresh perspectives and experience culture in unexpected places.
With a blend of free and ticketed events, Findhorn Bay Festival warmly invites both local communities and visitors to explore, discover and take part – not only during the festival itself, but in the lead-up through its inclusive Get Involved programme.
At its heart, the festival is rooted in community participation, welcoming people of all ages to connect, create and play a part in this multi-award-winning celebration.
Kresanna Aigner, Festival Director, said: “The lifeblood of Findhorn Bay Festival is the chance for people of all ages to get involved. From sharing stories through our Storylands Sessions and joining our Pop-Up Street Band, to taking part in Culture Day Forres, which is back by popular demand, there are so many ways to connect.”
She added: “We’re also delighted to be part of the Theatre in Schools Scotland 10th Anniversary programme, bringing the much-loved My Friend Selma to Moray schoolchildren – we can’t wait to share it with them.”
How to get involved
As well as participating in Culture Day, there are other ways to get involved.
Become a Volunteer – Join the team behind the scenes and help bring the festival to life. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant team, experience the festival from a different perspective while supporting events and welcoming audiences and artists.
Calling all Brass Players and Drummers – Local brass players and drummers are invited to join an exciting, fun and friendly workshop led by Oi Musica, Golden Grooves Street Collective and Moray Concert Brass. Be part of a one-off, inter-generational pop-up band and perform in a vibrant finale at Culture Day Forres.
Storylands
Storylands Sessions – Festival favourite Hamish Napier returns to the Findhorn Bay Festival with his acclaimed project, Storylands Sessions. With support from Creative Scotland, the festival is delighted to bring this special performance to Duffus Village Hall on Wednesday 30 September.
Inspired by this year’s festival theme of Connection, Storylands Sessions blends music and storytelling in an intimate, welcoming setting, inviting participants and audiences alike to share in a truly memorable experience.
Whether you’re a professional singer, fiddler, poet or storyteller – or simply enthusiastic to give it a go – you’re invited to take part.
Schools
Free School Production: My Friend Selma – As part of the Theatre in Schools Scotland (TISS at 10) programme, Findhorn Bay Festival will bring My Friend Selma to Moray schools for two days of free performances.
Based on writer Victoria Beesley’s true childhood story, the production follows one girl’s journey from war in Bosnia to safety in the UK and is a powerful tale of resilience, friendship and courage.
A nine-year-old audience member called Erin, saw the performance, said: “I would give this show 280,00,00 out of 5,” while a teacher added: “One of the most emotional and powerful productions I have seen in a school.”
For full information and how to apply, visit findhornbayfestival.com
Flashback: Culture Day in previous years
