Aberdour Festival 2023 to offer 10 days of village events

The celebration will take place in line with the 900th anniversary of St Fillan's Church and has a programme full of music, talks, sport, dance, literature and visual arts.

It will all kick off with Aberdour ART Festival tomorrow (Friday, July 28) presenting a cornucopia of artwork to excite, challenge and appeal, featuring familiar and new artists in the heart of the village.

Events are to be held at several venues, including St Fillan's and The Institute on Shore Road, where there will be art and craft by local artists, Studio 72 on High Street, which will display contemporary work by Claire Wills, and Ormus on High Street which will provide an opportunity to view the artists and makers displayed.

Events throughout the week include music, talks, sport, dance, literature and visual arts.

Coastal Reflections, on Shore Road, is also taking part and will show photographs by Alan Arnott.

The much anticipated Pet Show will also take place on Friday at Shore Road Park from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

All pets should be registered from 2pm and can compete for awards like Best Any Other Pet trophy, Best Trick Trophy and a prize for the Pet Who Looks Most Like Their Owner.

Lastly, opening night is being celebrated at the Festival Marquee on Hawkcraig Road, next to Silver Sands, with Jimmy Rainbow's All Stars, a group of local signers with a large repertoire of sixties and seventies classics.

Doors open at 8.30pm and tickets are £10.

On Saturday, July 29, the festival's royal party will be crowned at Aberdour Castle by villagers Susan and Michael Proctor.

This will be followed by the festival parade from 11.30am until 12.15pm.

The parade will start at Aberdour Castle before heading to Silver Sands Playing Fields.

It will go from Aberdour Castle along the High Street to Dovecot Gates where it will turn around and walk back through the High Street into Main Street, before parading down Hawkcraig Road to the Primary School, ready for Gala Day to commence with the ever-popular village sports day.

This year's gala is taking place at Silver Sands Playing Fields and will involve village sports, Haughcross and Cyclocross.

The day will end with a family ceilidh is planned at the Festival Marquee from 7.30pm.

Sunday, July 30, will feature the return of Aberdour Festival Village Market, supported by Cala Homes, from 11am until 4pm.

The extremely popular Donkey Brae races, which attract over 1,000 runners across the three races, takes place that morning, with the start and finish line next to the Market.

The renowned Easter vs Wester Football Match will be played in the afternoon.

Helen Pearson, Chair of the Aberdour Festival, said: "We are looking forward to an amazing day at the Village Market.

"Whether it’s joining in the Donkey Brae Run or having a stroll round the many market stalls while the children enjoy the entertainments.

"Come along for a fun-filled family day!"

In addition to the Market, there is the Festival Bar in the marquee, hot food, ice cream and children's entertainment.

The Donkey Brae races are a highlight of the festival.

This year promises to be one of the best Village Markets, showcasing the finest produce and crafts Scotland has to offer.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East) said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Village Market Day at this year’s Aberdour Festival.

“Cala Homes is committed to supporting the communities in which it builds, so we are thrilled to be able to lend our support to a family-friendly event that brings the local community together.

“I’m sure the local food trucks and local craft vendors will prove as popular as ever and we hope that all who attend have a fantastic day out.”

Sunday will end with a comedy night featuring multi-award winning Scottish comic Susie McCabe with support from Liam Farrelly, Scottish Comedian of the Year.

The rest of the week will include events such as rock-climbing at Hawkcraig Cliffs, Will Pickvance's First Piano on the Moon, a talk by children's author Ross Collins Mackay, kids golf taster lessons, a mini animal zoo, a performance by Eagles tribute band Hotel Caledonia, and more.

On Wednesday, August 2, there will be a "Who stole the King's crown?" murder mystery activity between 1pm and 2.30pm for young detectives while later, older crime fans will be able to sit down for "a blether and a bevvy" with award-winning crime writer Val McDermid.

Doors open at the marquee at 4.45pm and visitors will be able to buy Val's books - including special signed copies - from Waterstones during the event.

On Friday, August 4, anyone over the age of 18 can participate in the Village Treasure Hunt.

This will test your skills in riddles and puzzles, general and music knowledge, physical dexterity and creativity.

There will be stops along the way, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available, and food for those who make it to the end, as well as a performance by 90's cover band Cherry Crumble.

The Aberdour Festival 2023 Beach Day, held on Saturday, August 5, is hoped to be the biggest yet.

The raft race is one of the most anticipated events of the 10-day festival.

There’ll be plenty of events to keep you entertained such as the sandcastle competition, beach volleyball, the legendary raft race as well as events with the boat club.

Closing this year’s Aberdour Festival will be the chart-topping Celtic powerhouse Skipinnish supported by Festival favourites The Coaltown Daisies.

Having formed 24 years ago, Skipinnish have rocketed right to the top of the Celtic music scene in recent years.

Their anthemic songs, The Island, Alive, Walking on the Waves, Last of the Hunters, December and many more along with their powering bagpipe led tune sets give their audiences a an unbeatably powerful musical experience.

Further information about the Festival can be found at www.aberdourfestival.org.