It’s a long way from Bavaria to Braemar, but there’s a hint of an Alpine extravaganza in the air as Christmas spirit begins to envelop Deeside.
Every small community needs dedicated stalwarts to organise new events and Colin Hunter, who’s on the board of governors at Robert Gordon University, fits the bill perfectly. He may be technically “retired”, but this fellow is a livewire of activity with a hundred different things on his to-do list while he and his colleagues prepare to unveil the packed schedule at Braemar’s Festival de Noel from December 9-11.
A trustee at St Margaret’s, Colin has been instrumental in the launch of two small-scale festivals, which have combined such different components as music and cultural events by the likes of Fiona Kennedy and Paul Anderson and the art of chocolate making in the build-up to the most magical period of the year for many.
It’s a festive carousel in Braemar
As he said: “Our Festival de Noel creates the ambience of an alpine village with a market and a programme of workshops and events. December is a quiet month in the village, so it’s great to welcome people to our shops and restaurants.”
This winter, they have gained the support of the Regional Food Fund, allowing them to create a more diverse and exciting programme. They also enjoy the backing of a number of local businesses and the Fife Arms is sponsoring a horse and carriage which will connect all the venues on the showpiece Sunday market day – and promises to offer some resplendent photographs if there’s any snow in the region next weekend.
The latter attraction, featuring in excess of 40 stalls, is designed to showcase the best of north-east produce, whether it be food and drink or crafts and artisan products.
There should be a festive glow during the Celebration of Christmas concert which features Braemar Primary School and choirs from Aberdeen University and Albyn School. It includes classical, brass, jazz and folk music and, of course, an opportunity for the audience to join in with their favourite Christmas carols and songs.
Colin is confident it’s both a terrific way for local people to get into the Yuletide spirit and for visitors to leave the village with a glow of anticipation in their hearts. But these events have to be meticulously organised for months in advance and it’s a testimony to Braemar’s tireless efforts that they have assembled an enticing array of events which wouldn’t look out of place in a city or large town.
All the planning is worthwhile
He said: “This is a joint effort between St Margaret’s Braemar, the Gillie’s Market, the Village Hall, the Highland Games Visitor Centre, Braemar Tourist Group and local businesses. In a small community like Braemar, virtually ‘a’body kens a’body’ and we have a working group of around 10 folk with representation from the various groups.”
They’ve been working on this venture since July with regular meetings – fuelled by an occasional glass of wine – dotting the Is and crossing the Ts.
Colin is among those whose exertions deserve to be rewarded when the fun begins.
Further information is available at stmargaretsbraemar.org.uk
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