Oban is preparing for an extra economic boost over the bank holiday weekend when the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival takes place.
For the first time ever, the event, which generates £3million annually for Oban, will see live entertainment being laid on at stages in the middle of the town centre at Stafford Street and Station Square.
It is hoped that this will help to let tourists know about all of the competitions taking place in halls and venues throughout the town.
This will be the 34th Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival to take place in Oban and more than 1,000 participants are expected to take part.
Tickets are now on sale for the festival, which recently held a launch event and has become well-established in Oban’s cultural calendar.
Kathryn Wilkie, festival education officer, said: “This is a very inclusive event where all the hard work and practise are allowed to shine. Music and dance are so good for the soul I would encourage young and old to join in.”
The Highland Fling has become a huge part of the proceedings and this year more dancers than ever are expected.
The choreography will focus on the themes of History and Heritage, and “Scotland – A spirit of its own”.
Dancing is not alone. The competitions for piano, clarsach, woodwind, brass, fiddle, accordion and piping attract some of the best musicians around, from as far as the US, Ireland and the central belt.
The event has become a major staging point for competitors hoping to increase their gradings over the years.
A varied programme of workshops and Feis events will also be taking place, including a ceilidh in Skippinnish.
Breege Smyth, committee chairwoman, said: “This is my first year being involved but the level of enthusiasm and coordination the volunteers have put in is extraordinary.”
