Hooley in the Highlands hits high note with global audience as coronavirus crisis forces rethink
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THE decision to throw a virtual version of an eagerly anticipated music bash in Ross-shire after its initial cancellation due to coronavirus proved a global success.
The Hooley in the Highlands due to have been hosted at the iconic Strathpeffer Pavilion would have been a sell-out success with hundreds of happy country and Irish music fans.
In the event, the online bash hosted by Black Isle-based Lorraine and Liam Christie attracted an astonishing 20,000 viewers from as far afield as the United States, Dubai and Spain and £1200 in donations for the Highland Foodbank, which has been severely stretched during the lockdown.
Lorraine Christie, also well known in her role as general manager at Ross County FC, said: "It was a huge success, we had musicians from Thurso, Golspie, Ayrshire, Elgin and Ireland all play live for viewers and importantly we raised money for the foodbank.
"The decision was taken at lockdown to cancel the event and we then decided to arrange the virtual version. We felt people would enjoy it and probably needed something like this too."
She said she was "blown away" by the lovely comments and donations.
The annual event, which normally attracts people from all over who stay locally, back on the calendar for next year.
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