Blas & Gael Force

Discover a wealth of traditional music and art events taking place this summer and autumn, from the Highlands all the way to Dumfries & Galloway.

Blas: 4 - 12 SEPTEMBER 2009, HIGHLANDS

Gaelforce: 1 AUGUST - 26 OCTOBER 2009, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

The Blas Festival in the Highlands is a fantastic way to find out about the culture of the Highlands, with more than 80 events based on traditional music, Gaelic language and song, clan history and, of course, the region’s wonderful food and whisky.

Creating its own "Scottish Embassy", whereby revellers can get ticket price incentives and "visa rights" is just one way in which Blas Music Festival is pushing the template of traditional Celtic music forward and keeping it exciting. Held from the 4 - 12 September 2009 throughout the Highlands, from Caithness right down to Lochaber, the fastest growing music festival in the UK will continue to improve on previous year’s programmes by again welcoming a truly electric range of performers, all centred around Gaelic song and language, whisky, clans and food. With big names like Dougie MacLean,  Michael Marra and Tread playing across venues from The Mill Theatre in Thurso to the Ben Nevis Distillery in Fort William.

As well as traditional music, expect whisky to take centre stage. The special Homecoming programme will see a series of special concerts performed in distilleries across the region in honour of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. It is said the Bard's favourite whisky was known as the Ferintosh, which was once produced in the Highlands.

Find the full programme and buy tickets at the Blas Festival website.

Gael Force meanwhile is a major celebration of the arts across Dumfries & Galloway throughout August, September and October.

Encompassing a range of festivals and events across this stunning region, which has provided inspiration for the arts community for centuries thanks to its beautiful rolling countryside and miles of unspoiled coastline, GaelForce is offering 3 months of rich, home-grown culture to enjoy. From live music on the Solway shore to full-on glitzy cabaret to writing weekends, the range is eclectic and the programme can be found here.

The Bladnoch Folk & Blues Festival , which was voted Scotland number one concert of 2008, will be stirring Celtic roots music, no doubt with performers and influences from across the pond, or put a spring in your step at the Celtic Feet's Irish Dance Show, in Stranraer.

The programme for 2009 is yet to be announced, but 2008's festivities ranged from blues music performed on the Solway shore to cabaret, tango and a brand new beer festival.

Check the Gael Force website for updates.