Shetland is festival crazy!!

In the 'About Me' post I mentioned that one of the reasons I chose to relocate here is due to plenty of cultural events/activities available.  Often one of the questions people ask me is 'what do you do in your spare time?'  I have to laugh.  There are so many events/festivals and activities throughout the year, there's little time for rest!  You just have to read 'Shetland My Love' blog archives or go to my 'Facebook page' to realise that Shetland is not a sleepy backwater, but a dynamic and thriving place!  Oh yeah!

I've just booked a 1-day animation workshop with Red Kite.  I can't wait.  Animation is another one of my passions and I'm hoping to get 'the Raincoats' moving - quite literally!  This workshop is part of the annual Screenplay festival (2nd-5th September).   The festival is curated by Linda Ruth Williams and Mark Kermode.  The acclaimed Director, Julien Temple is visiting our shores and Irish film maker Ken Wardrop too.  The sinister Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs), a Harry Potter villain, is also making an appearance. 

The annual book festival - Wordplay is one of my favs (4th and 5th September).   Book signings and launches, workshops, poetry readings... I've signed up for the Egmont Book Camp Master-class. 

If you're a muso - we have the 7th Shetland Blues festival from the 3rd - 5th September.  I attended last year and had a great night out!   The Peerie Willie Guitar Festival is another prestigious event on the musical calendar.  Named after the late Willie Johnson, one of Shetland's best loved, not to mention internationally acclaimed musicians.  Workshops and concerts are organised with some of the world's leading exponents of the instrument (last year I saw Lulo Reinhardt play). 

For yachties - the Bergen-Shetland Race happens every June and the Tall Ships Races is currently being organised for July 2011 (host port Lerwick).  It's going to be a massive event. 

If you're a foodie (we have excellent local produce).  You can indulge at Flavour of Shetland.  Crafts, culinary delights and music makes for a merry time had by all!

At the moment Fiddle Frenzy is happening.  It's not all about the Fiddle though!  Local musicians, artists, knitters and writers come together to share their expertise and talents and offer unique island experiences.  Cultural trips, storytelling and concert dances are some of the other activites on offer.

Perhaps one of the most outstanding visual events I have ever attended is Up Helly Aa.  The biggest fire festival in Europe is held in Lerwick every January.  Vikings galore, songs of old and a burning Galley - fabulous!  24 hour festivities and much hilarity - a top festival experience.  The torch-lit procession is something else.  The Lerwick festival is the biggy tourist attraction with visitors travelling to Shetland from all over the world to see this spectacular event. There are smaller regional Up Helly Aa celebrations across the islands too, for several months therafter.

I could talk about the Simmer Dim bike rally, The Big Bannock, Vunk Fest...but I won't! 

Come summer or winter, Shetland is a hive of activity.  It suits me just fine; because although I like the quiet country life (well, quietish, what with sheep, birds and cows making a racket!)  I also love the ability to step outside my door and visit an art exhibiton, attend a talk, learn a new skill and mix with incredibly talented people; locally and from the mainland. I feel pretty fortunate to have found a place that offers so much, so often.

Have a look at the 'Events/Festivals' page on Shetland My Love for the monthly goings-on..

My answer to all those who enquire about what I do in my spare time -'I'm exhausted having fun!'