A popular folk festival will return to the north-east this year – with a line-up of octogenarians.
All but one of the performers at Portsoy’s 11th annual Haal are in their 80s, and organisers are performing a weekend to remember.
Bob Philips started Haal to fulfil a dream of bringing together performances from across the world – using contacts in Ireland, America and locally to pull together a varied programme.
He named it the Haal as fishermen would historically haul in fish and their nets in for repair. It has now grown into a celebration of tradition and culture.
Headliners for the June 5-7 at the Salmon Bothy event will include Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Peggy Seeger, Calum MacColl, Archie Fisher and Arthur Watson, who will perform songs, poetry and dance.
Mr Philips said: “The headline acts are, with the exception of Eliza Carthy, octogenarians but having seen them all in the last few months I am convinced their performances are every bit as strong as they were 20 or 40 years ago.
“Eliza is the daughter of Martin and a massive force in the folk scene in her own right.”
There will also be workshops, free sessions, competitions and sing-arounds.
The full programme and ticket information can be found at www.bothyfolk.org or call Mr Philips on 07968 872217 or e-mail bobphilips25@live.co.uk
