Mid Argyll Music Festival makes welcome return

The annual Mid Argyll Music Festival began 45 years ago, attracting up to 600 entrants in its heyday, however repeated attempts to relaunch it after the Covid pandemic have failed until now.

The determination of a band of volunteers has led to the announcement of the popular event’s return with two days of competitions and concerts, kicking off on Friday March 22.

Festival organiser Cathleen MacDonald appealed to the wider community to support the volunteers’ efforts.

She said: “There is a new, enthusiastic and motivated committee who are keen to see the festival thrive.

“Please encourage your young musicians to attend the festival and help us re-build this annual event for the benefit of all in our community. The committee would welcome volunteers from the wider community to support us on the day in roles such as clerking for the competitions, door duty, serving teas and coffees or running the gift stall. Please get in touch if you think you can help.”

The festival’s syllabus and entry forms have been issued to all local schools and advertised publicly. The two-day event will feature a range of competitive classes including vocal solos, duets and choirs, instrumental solos, duets and ensembles and non-competitive classes including a music-is-fun class and action songs for the youngest performers.

Entry forms are available on request by emailing mamusicfestival@gmail.com or by messaging the festival’s Facebook page and should be submitted by February 7.

Competitions on the Friday will be held in Ardrishaig Public Hall and in Dalriada Mid Argyll Church and Hall in Lochgilphead, with the Saturday competitions being held in Lochgilphead Joint Campus.  

Cathleen added: “To celebrate the end of the festival there will be a winners’ concert on the Saturday, highlighting the best performances from over the two days.

“Trophies will be awarded as well as the main festival awards for woodwind, brass, choirs and for the most promising performer from throughout the festival.”

Among those hoping to get their hands on a coveted trophy will be the young members of the Mid Argyll Youth Chorus.

A spokesperson for the choir told the Advertiser: “The Mid Argyll Music Festival is something that Mid Argyll Youth Chorus has taken part in for more than 20 years and we are delighted that the group will have the opportunity to participate again this year.

“The Youth Chorus has performed in several community events over the last few years, however, have not had any chance to perform competitively since the last music festival in 2019 which none of our current members were part of.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for our members to take their performance to the next level.”