Show goes on for Inverness Music Festival – despite coronavirus crisis
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ORGANISERS of the annual Inverness Music Festival are all set to ensure the show will go on – despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The historic event, which marks its centenary next year, is being run as a virtual festival for 2021 with the 10-day programme of performances now under way.
More than 300 performances from all age groups and abilities, both competitive and for fun, have been submitted.
The categories include a broad range of musical instruments, singing and poetry.
There will also be free workshops including step dancing, Highland dance and a music jam session.
Association chairwoman Jean Slater said moving it online had been a steep learning curve.
“To say that this year’s festival has been challenging is an understatement,” she said.
“With two options to either cancel our 2021 festival or go virtual, the committee opted for the latter. We thought it was very important to try and keep it going and to keep in touch with all those who support the festival every year.
“Next year is going to be our centenary and we thought that giving up at 99 years was not going to be an option.”
Ms Slater thanked everyone for their dedication and support to make this year’s event possible.
“I think we have put together a really good programme,” she said.
“We have also tried to broaden out the festival to encompass everyone from nursery children to senior citizens.”
The winners, decided by specialist adjudicators, will be announced on the website at www.invernessmusicfestival.org daily, while a selection of performances will be released on the festival’s Facebook page.
