RSS Press releases
We publish all of our recent press releases online so you can keep up to date.
You can use special RSS software (or newer web browsers) to subscribe to an RSS feed of our recent press releases . Email pressenquiry@dumgal.gov.uk if you'd like further details on any of our press releases.
If you want to speak to a communications officer, you can find their working-hours telephone numbers and what areas of the council they cover at www.dumgal.gov.uk/pressenquiry.
Read our press releases as HTML >>
Recent releases
Last Updated: 14/11/2024 11:14:37
Fèis an Iar-Dheas Castel Douglas Festival of the South West 16 June 2013
Wednesday, 22 May 2013 15:41
Fèis an Iar-Dheas means Festival of the South West; it is a day of Gaelic music and culture and will be held in Castle Douglas from 10am to 5pm on 16 June 2013.
This is the second Fèis in Dumfries and Galloway; the first was in Wigtown in October 2012, which went really well, with 34 people of all ages present. This time we wanted to do one in the Stewartry. The workshops on offer on Sunday 16 June at Castle Douglas Community Centre will be: Gaelic for the ‘terrified’, Gaelic song, Step dance, all of which need no previous experience.
There will also be Gaelic còmhradh,, Clarsach, piano accordion, fiddle and whistle. All the music ones require at least some experience, as people need to bring their own instrument, and Gaelic conversation is for those already learning. Bookings can be made to Andrew.Wilson3@dumgal.gov.uk Tel. 07722114518
It is hoped that local parents, children and traditional musicians will be keen on a Fèis in Dumfries and Galloway, where there is a growing interest in Gaelic language and culture. We have the location, tutors and catering all lined up.
Though true native speakers no longer exist, Gaelic (Scots and Irish) language is still evident in our place names, gaelic tunes are played by many local musicians and don`t forget, Robert Burns used Gaelic melodies for many of his best loved songs.
Gàidhlig Dumgal, the community-based group, was formed in February 2011 with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig to promote awareness of, and interest and involvement in Gaelic language, literature, music and other aspects of Gaelic culture throughout Dumfries and Galloway. One way to do this, is through a Fèis. The idea of a Feis (pronounced fay-sh, meaning feast, gathering, festival) happened on Barra in 1981. Local piper Angus MacDonald along with Fr. Colin Macinnes and interested parents, came up with the idea to promote, encourage, foster and develop the practice and study of Gaelic language, literature, music, drama and culture on the island.
Since its inception , the idea has gone on to become a movement with 45 Feisean ,each one community led and tailored to local needs. They take place every year throughout Scotland (though no further south than Glasgow at present) and many yearlong activities happening in addition.
The emphasis is on the younger generation and the atmosphere is non competitive and holistic. Tuition is accessible and fun, but professional and effective.
Tutors are either local tradition bearers, experts in their field or, increasingly professionals who have come through the Feis to pursue careers in the burgeoning traditional arts scene.
At a national level, the Feisean are seen by many as one of the most successful arts initiatives in Scotland.
This is the second Fèis in Dumfries and Galloway; the first was in Wigtown in October 2012, which went really well, with 34 people of all ages present. This time we wanted to do one in the Stewartry. The workshops on offer on Sunday 16 June at Castle Douglas Community Centre will be: Gaelic for the ‘terrified’, Gaelic song, Step dance, all of which need no previous experience.
There will also be Gaelic còmhradh,, Clarsach, piano accordion, fiddle and whistle. All the music ones require at least some experience, as people need to bring their own instrument, and Gaelic conversation is for those already learning. Bookings can be made to Andrew.Wilson3@dumgal.gov.uk Tel. 07722114518
It is hoped that local parents, children and traditional musicians will be keen on a Fèis in Dumfries and Galloway, where there is a growing interest in Gaelic language and culture. We have the location, tutors and catering all lined up.
Though true native speakers no longer exist, Gaelic (Scots and Irish) language is still evident in our place names, gaelic tunes are played by many local musicians and don`t forget, Robert Burns used Gaelic melodies for many of his best loved songs.
Gàidhlig Dumgal, the community-based group, was formed in February 2011 with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig to promote awareness of, and interest and involvement in Gaelic language, literature, music and other aspects of Gaelic culture throughout Dumfries and Galloway. One way to do this, is through a Fèis. The idea of a Feis (pronounced fay-sh, meaning feast, gathering, festival) happened on Barra in 1981. Local piper Angus MacDonald along with Fr. Colin Macinnes and interested parents, came up with the idea to promote, encourage, foster and develop the practice and study of Gaelic language, literature, music, drama and culture on the island.
Since its inception , the idea has gone on to become a movement with 45 Feisean ,each one community led and tailored to local needs. They take place every year throughout Scotland (though no further south than Glasgow at present) and many yearlong activities happening in addition.
The emphasis is on the younger generation and the atmosphere is non competitive and holistic. Tuition is accessible and fun, but professional and effective.
Tutors are either local tradition bearers, experts in their field or, increasingly professionals who have come through the Feis to pursue careers in the burgeoning traditional arts scene.
At a national level, the Feisean are seen by many as one of the most successful arts initiatives in Scotland.
Page last updated: 20/05/2022
