The Fèis movement is one of the most dynamic grassroots initiatives in Scotland.There are currently more than 40 Fèisean throughout Scotland, which have played a major part in bringing forward thousands of young musicians. But a Feis is not just for the young: it can span three and sometimes four generations...
By population, London is Scotland’s third largest city. Until recently, it did not have a Fèis. Now we too can experience the beauty, excitement and relevance of one of the United Kingdom’s most vital artistic traditions.
The first Feis Lunnainn (to give it its Gaelic name, pronounced "Faysh Lunnan"), was launched in a blaze of glory at the House of Commons in 2007. This September the third edition will take place, as before, in the beautiful setting of Froebel College, Roehampton (see gallery for pictures)
This year's London Fèis will start with a bar session on the evening of Friday 11 September, feature a concert and ceilidh on Saturday evening, and end with a collective farewell "Stramash" on Sunday 13 September (see programme for details, and download for booking form).
Fèis London is a company limited by guarantee with registration number: 6080956
The registered office of Fèis London is 7 Pilgrim Street, London EC4V 6LB.
The aims of the trustees of Fèis London is to raise the profile of Scottish music and culture in London. They are:
Christine Yorston:
Christine is a former headteacher with a passion for life-long learning. As a head teacher in central London, she ran an after school Scottish fiddle class which was attended by primary aged children who came from all over the world.
Christine hails from Stirling and was born into a musical family. She is the sister of famous Scottish fiddle artistes Alasdair and Iain Fraser and spent her earlier years immersed in that culture. She has now taken up fiddle herself.
Donald Stewart:
Donald is a solicitor based in central London who has been heavily involved in the Scottish music scene since his early teens. He ran the Edinburgh University Folk club and has performed solo or in bands ever since.
He is keen to establish Fèis London as a forum which will allow those who are not familiar with Scottish music and dance to participate alongside more experienced players who can pass on their knowledge, talent and passion
Etienne Duval:
Etienne is a Franco-Scottish TV journalist and amateur fiddler. Scottish music and culture, he believes, are under-represented in the UK's capital. He would like to see it gain the place it deserves.
He sees the London Fèis as a rare chance for the many musicians and dancers who are scattered all around the South-East of England to share their passion for, or interest in, Highland culture.
He hopes the Feis spirit will spread, introducing new people to the joy of making music together, irrespective of background or level of skill. |
