The sixth Findhorn Bay Festival has got off to a record-breaking start with 96% of tickets sold across the opening weekend and estimated audiences of more than 4,800 people attending ticketed and free events.
The festival, which brings an ambitious programme of arts and culture to communities across Moray, has seen audiences flock to performances, exhibitions, workshops and events since opening its doors on Thursday 24 September.
One of the weekend’s highlights was Culture Day Forres, which attracted an estimated 2,000 people and brought the town centre alive with arts, entertainment and community activity.
Bigger and better
The response from local audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, with festivalgoers describing the experience as:
- “It makes me proud to live in Forres.”
- “It’s so nice to see the town so alive, and it seems bigger and better each year — just so joyful.”
- “It’s really amazing to see such high-quality art in such a small place.”
Kresanna Aigner MBE, Festival Director, said: “Our sixth festival went off with a bang. After months of planning, it’s wonderful to finally see art on our walls, on the streets and in parks, in care homes and in venues and spaces that are not normally used for arts and culture.
“For me personally, to see so many smiling faces and people enjoying themselves, of all ages, makes me both happy and proud. Bringing arts and culture of national and international renown to Moray is really important to the Festival.
“People living in rural areas should have the opportunity to experience high-quality events without having to travel to a city.”
Book in advance
She added: “Ticket sales have already exceeded their target and with the festival continuing until Sunday, if you’re still planning to attend an event, it’s worth booking your tickets in advance so you’re not disappointed.”
The opening weekend also saw three sell-out performances of When Billy Met Alasdair, written and performed by acclaimed Scottish writer and performer Alan Bissett.
Bissett said: “I had a fantastic time at Findhorn Bay Festival. Full shows with happy audiences and a unique, relaxed, chilled vibe and great banter in the pub afterwards – all on a gorgeous stretch of shoreline. What a joy to be there.”
Mesmerising
One audience member described the performance as: “…absolutely amazing, captivating and mesmerising. One of the best things I have seen in a long time.”
Tumble Circus from Belfast said: “Our first time at Findhorn Bay Festival certainly won’t be our last! The Findhorn Bay area is stunning, the people are incredibly friendly and they absolutely love a chat. We loved seeing audiences of all ages completely engaged during our shows, and their warmth and appreciation afterwards made the experience really special. We loved performing in Moray and hope to be back!”
With the festival continuing until Sunday, audiences still have the opportunity to experience a diverse programme of performances, exhibitions and events across Moray.
Pictures by Paul Campbell and Marc Hindley.
