2nd – 11th September.

This year, despite formidable funding difficulties, the McLellan Arts Festival is as exciting and varied as ever. The immensely talented students from the Royal Northern College of Music will be here again, contributing an Opera Gala on the Friday night, 9th September, and local singers will be joining them in a performance of the glorious Mozart Requiem the following evening in Lamlash church.

 The festive week kicks off on Friday 2nd with the popular ‘Arran and Beyond’ event in the Ormidale Hotel glasshouse. Music is by the singing group, Wild Myrtles and words are contributed by the well-known poet Alexander Hutchison, together with local poets and musicians and the Wild Myrtles. It starts at 8pm and entry is by voluntary donation.

On the following morning, Saturday 3rd, Alexander Hutchinson will be running a Poetry Workshop in Corrie Hall at 11 am. Everyone is welcome, and no poetry writing experience is called for – though those who do write will find Alexander’s professional insights both valuable and interesting. Admission £5.00. Contact David Underdown tel 01770810640 or email arranunderdown@btinternet.com if you’d like to take part – or just turn up on the day.

That same evening, Saturday 3rd September, will see a great ceilidh in Corrie and Sannox Hall, with the fabulous singing group Wild Myrtles and a guest list of some of Arran’s most talented artistes. There will be supper, entertainment and dancing – all for the modest price of £5 at the door.

On Sunday evening, 4th September the Royal Northern College students with their tutor Peter Alexander Wilson will take part in a Corrie Church Service at 7.30pm. There will also be a reading of a McLellan short story by John Sillars.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 6th-7th September see an amusing McLellan play called Jeddart Justice, directed by John Sillars andperformed with gusto by local players in Corrie Hall. On the same bill is a lovely archive film of the McLellan short story, The Daftie. Entry £5.00. 8.00pm.

For anyone interested in Arran’s history, Arran on Film, onThursday 8th is not to be missed. This showing of archive films made on Arran provides a nostalgic and fascinating glimpse of island life and holidays from 1900 onwards. This, too, is in Corrie & Sannox Village Hall, starting at 8.00 pm. Entry by donation.

Friday 9th September sees the fabulous Opera Gala in the Community Theatre, Arran High School. Anyone who came to this last year and was stunned by the glorious voices of these young stars of the future will welcome a chance to hear them again. The Royal Northern College students will give us golden moments from opera and, in lighter mood, from the classic musical shows. This stunning event starts at 8.00pm. Tickets at £10 include a glass of wine or a soft drink at the interval and are available from the Book and Card Centre, Brodick or at the door.
The festival comes to a climax on the final night, Saturday 10th September, when local singers join with soloists from the Royal Northern College in a performance of the glorious Mozart Requiem, with a small orchestra, in Lamash Church. Entry £5.00.

If you would like to take part in the chorus, please contact Heather Gough on 01770 302 670 or email gough.carlo@virgin.net by 26th August 2011. You will need some ability as a sight-reader.

Children and young people of school age are welcome to all events, free of charge. Please note that a Festival Season Ticket at just £20 gives you admittance to all the events at a truly bargain price!

For latest updates see www.mclellanartsfestival.co.uk