Annual Ulster-Scots festival for Cranny

The programme of events and activities are as follows: Tuesday, November 27 at Desertmartin Orange Hall (7.30pm) it’s ‘A Living History of the Ulster-Scotch’

Delivered through talks and displays of Ulster-Scots history, this event will feature a special focus on a townland study of Co Londonderry. Talks will also include ancestry and genelogy of the Scottish and Irish clans.

Other attractions will include displays and exhibitions of artefacts visual arts and media as well as performances of traditional Ulster and Scottish music. Taking part will be Markethill historian Charles Neville, George Logan from Living History Ireland, Eden Accordion Band Group and Curran Flute Band. Admission is free.

On Wednesday, November 28 at Desertmartin Parish Church Hall (7.30pm) it’s ‘Getting ta know tha Hamely Tongue of the Ulster-Scotch’.

An evening dedicated to Ulster-Scots language this will include storytelling, readings/recitials and song.

Taking part will be local primary school children, Gary Blair, George Shiels, Victor Brownlow and Anne Morrison-Smyth from BBC Radio Ulsters’s A Kist o Wurds and the Ullans Centre, Ballymoney. Admission is free.

On Thursday, November 29 at Desertmartin Parish Church Hall (7.30pm) it’s ‘Traditional Ulster-Scotch Cultural Music Workshop and Ceilidh’.

This is an evening dedicated to the history and culture of traditional Ulster-Scots music and dance. This event will be delivered through talks, displays and performances by professional musicians on a variety of traditional instruments and traditional dance.

Among those taking part will include the well renowned Alistair Scott Ceilidh Band and Highland and Country Dancers. Admission is free.

On Friday, November 30 at the Royal Hotel, Cookstown (8pm) it’s ‘St. Andrew’s Night.’

This will be the finale of the festival which this year falls on St Andrew’s Day. This event will be a celebration of Ulster-Scots traditions and culture. There will be a wide variety of entertainment that will appeal to all where they will be encouraged to wear something tartan on the night.

The line up of artistes who will take part will include the well renowned Ulster-Scots Folk Group Risin’ Stour from County Down, Cranny Pipe Band, Highland and Country Dancers along with others.

There will also be a buffet supper served at this event where admittance will be by ticket only. Tickets will cost £10 per person and are available at The Bridewell Tourist Information Centre, Church Street, Magherafelt, from group members, or alternatively contact the group secretary, Gareth Campbell on 07740 175745 or email [email protected].

Cranny Cultural and Community Group would like to thank everyone for their support at the many events held throughout the year and especially the Ulster-Scots Agency for part-funding this year’s festival.