Word on the Street opens in Dingwall; talks and walks, workshops, comedy and drama feature

A NEW chapter opens today on a four-day festival which has gone from strength to strength since being launched in Dingwall five years ago.

The theme of Dingwall’s Word on the Street Festival this year is Travel with a packed programme including two talks by David Grant recounting his experiences of travelling round the world in a horse-drawn caravan and kayaking from Sweden to the Black Sea.

James Miller will talk about the history of air travel in the Highlands whilst Warwick Lister-Kaye also takes to the air with his story of how he started exploring the Highlands as a paraglider.

With feet firmly on the ground author Brigid Benson will give an illustrated talk about the merits of slow tourism round the north of Scotland.

Children’s and family events include a talk and reading about the author of the Little Prince, and an interactive smuggling session with local writer and puppeteer, Barbara Henderson.

Drama and comedy will feature in events at the Ross-shire Club and the National Hotel, including a piece about travelling on the Megabus and, as part of the festival finale, three short drama pieces by Dingwall Players.

There will also be comedy workshops for aspiring comedians and an opportunity to have a slot in the comedy night bill.

Added to all this is the Women in the Highlands Choir, close-up magic, crime writer Douglas Lindsay’s talk on novels set in Dingwall, an exhibition on

migrant and refugee movement, guided walks, a new event in Evanton Woods.

Full details of the programme can be found on www.word-on-the-street.weebly.com with printed copies available in various shops and public buildings.

Word on the Street is supported by the Highland Council, Dingwall Arts Promoters, WEA and Scottish Book Trust.

The festival runs from October 17 – 20 in a variety of venues in Dingwall.

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