'Virtual Mod' helps Gaelic's big showcase event overcome disappointment of coronavirus cancellation
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The move follows the cancellation of the showcase event which had been scheduled for October this year but joined the long list falling foul of the coronavirus crisis.
Organisers An Comunn Gàidhealach said the revamped event would allow the Gaelic community to celebrate and showcase its language and music.
Junior and senior participants will be able to record performances in their respective categories and upload and submit them online with performances being showcased via The Royal National Mòd’s social media channels in October.
The full list of disciplines including singing, bàrdachd, instrumental and H ighland dancing categories can be found at https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/air-loidhne/ as well as further information on the Virtual Mòd. Performances must be sumbitted by 31st July, information.
In addition to the performances of participants taking part in the Mòd, a programme of exciting online events is planned to run alongside the online celebration.
Further details on a programme of events will be released in due course.
Marina MacKay, Mòd officer, said: “We hope that participants will take full advantage of the opportunity to record and submit their performances to us, without the pressure of performing in front of a live audience or adjudicators. The event isn’t comparable to a typical Royal National Mòd event, but, instead, it is hoped that people can embrace, enjoy and celebrate our music in a less formal setting.”
James Graham, chief executive, said: “Like everyone else in the Mòd community, we were saddened that we are unable to come together in person this year in Inverness for the Royal National Mòd. However, we are excited to engage with our Gaelic community, albeit online, and celebrate our language and culture in this way. The current situation in which we find ourselves presents opportunities to be creative and engage with others using a different approach.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig Director of Language Planning and Community Developments, David Boag said “Bòrd na Gàidhlig and, no doubt, people around the world, will welcome the news regarding the online Mòd. It’s more important than ever just now that the Gaelic community comes together to promote the use of Gaelic and celebrate our valued language and culture. We wish An Comunn Gàidhealach and everyone who takes part in the Virtual Mòd in October every success.”
An Comunn Gàidhealach are are continuing their association with Caledonian MacBrayne as a main sponsor for this unique event.
Caledonian MacBrayne’s commercial director, Diane Burke, said: “We have been involved with the Royal National Mod for many years, it is a fantastic way to show support for the Gaelic community and culture. We hope that the format in 2020 will bring the event to a large global audience.”
To find out more visit www. ancomunn.co.uk or contact info@ancomunn.co.uk
