Area: Orkney

The Category Orkney is a subset of Highlands and Islands.

Meet 'every Wednesday of each month (Sept - April)'.

‘Orkney Arts Forum supports the development of arts and culture within Orkney. The forum consists of representatives from artforms including music, visual arts, literature, drama, dance, storytelling, craft, architecture and new media, and film as well as key organisations and community groups. The forum meets quarterly to discuss the priorities for the arts in Orkney and acts as a consultation group for the arts development service within Orkney Islands Council.’

'Orkney is a group of around 70 islands, situated just off the northern coast of Scotland. The festival is based in Stromness, in Orkney’s West Mainland, where around two thirds of all events take place. Other venues and locations vary year to year.' Held Late May.

‘Traditional accordion and fiddle music has always been popular in Orkney, with musical talent and tunes passing from one generation to the next. The project helps to encourage and inspire involvement in traditional music, with a group of approximately 90 children and adults benefiting from weekly tuition. We would be delighted for anyone with an interest in music to take part, so please get in touch if you would like to get involved!‘

'Orkney's midsummer celebration of the arts. Founded in 1977 by a group including the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the Festival has grown from small beginnings into one of Britain's most highly regarded and adventurous arts events.' Held Mid June.

‘On the 23rd November 1919, a pipe band was formed to parade through the streets of Kirkwall to commemorate the Armistice of 1918. Appearing only in civilian clothes, this was the first public appearance of what was to become the Kirkwall City Pipe Band (KCPB). One hundred years later, Kirkwall City is now a thriving and sociable band of around 70 pipers and drummers, including both learners as well as established players, with members ranging from their teens to their 70s.’

'A small chamber choir that is based in Orkney, a group of islands to the north of Scotland. It was founded in 1988 by Neil Price for the purpose of performing any choral music for a choir of such a size that would challenge and stretch its abilities. Although the aim is to achieve high standards, the choir is run informally, never losing sight of the fact that its main purpose is to provide recreation for its members. The choir performs frequently throughout Orkney and especially in St Magnus Cathedral, a magnificent building constructed by the Vikings in 1137.'