Summer of culture
If you’re looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, then visit the 19th annual Aboyne and Deeside Festival, writes Lauren Tims
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WITH a programme covering everything from classical music to gardening, the Aboyne and Deeside Festival has something for everyone.
The festival, known as the Festival in the Hills, has long been a favourite with those looking for an event with a difference, and is celebrated for its wide variety of excellence in the arts.
With a range of exciting shows and activities to choose from, visitors will be spoilt for choice. The festival, set in picturesque Royal Deeside, has always attracted big names from the arts, including Prunella Scales, Timothy West and Jacqui Dankworth.
This year is no exception, with TV presenter and solo explorer Benedict Allen entertaining audiences with a show recounting some of his fascinating adventures.
Organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, from Gardeners’ Question Time, will be on hand with a talk entitled Of Pots and Plants.
If you’ve always wondered whether you have any valuable heirlooms, then don’t miss the talk by the Antiques Roadshow’s Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury, who will be telling their favourite antique stories in Have You Had It Long, Madam? Tickets for this show are selling fast, according to festival spokesman Hugh Moffat, who said it is set to be the highlight of the festival.
Stand-up and musician comedian Rainer Hersch will put a light-hearted spin on the world of the professional musician in his show All Classical Music Explained. Showing how it’s done, violinist Leland Chen, accompanied by pianist John Lenehan, will return to the show, as well as one of Scotland’s finest pianists, Joseph Long.
Drama fans won’t want to miss festival favourite, Michael Lunts.
He will be appearing as Franz Schubert in A Wanderer Fantasy, an evocative drama with live music, which portrays aspects of the composer’s life.
Mr Moffat said that Lunts is a particular coup for the festival, and described him as “excellent at what he does”.
For those who prefer their drama on the big screen, the festival prides itself in showing movies which the organisers feel portray some of Britain’s best talent. This year’s films include the much anticipated Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Oscar-winning drama Revolutionary Road, which features Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, and I’ve Loved You So Long, starring Kristin Scott Thomas.
Another popular feature in the festival is Country Houses. Seven houses in the countryside near Aboyne host a wide range of musical afternoons with music from a diverse selection of composers.
Mr Moffat said: “All the houses are virtually sold out, so get your tickets as soon as you can.”
The art exhibition will once again be a key feature of the festival, with paintings by more than 50 Aberdeenshire artists and an opportunity to visit the studio of north-east painter Alison Ewan. The exhibition will take place in the Victory Hall, Aboyne and admission is free.
A number of workshops are available at the festival for those who fancy honing their creative skills, including a writers’ workshop with author Tania Kindersley, a pottery workshop, the ever popular cello workshop and a violin workshop with performer Leland Chen. Mr Moffat added that the festival was the perfect way to enjoy the arts this summer.
“It really is great value for money, and I'm feeling quite confident that this is one of our best yet.”
The Aboyne and Deeside Festival runs until August 16. Tickets for the festival can be bought at the Deeside Community Centre in Aboyne or call 013398 86222. For Country Houses, contact the festival secretary on 013397 56308. Festival programmes are available from outlets across Deeside or check online at www.enjoyaboyne. com/aboyne-and-deeside-festival/
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