Revealing Shetland Folk Scene: Insights from Ferry Company
Serco NorthLink Ferries is teaming up with the Shetland Folk Festival to highlight the remote gigs on this year’s lineup, showcasing the unique heritage of the Shetland Islands. Encouraging visitors to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, NorthLink Ferries aims to promote the hidden gems of Orkney and Shetland that are often overlooked. Through their latest advert, “Adventure Awaits; Uncover Hidden Treasures,” tourists can gain insight into local knowledge for planning a more authentic island experience.
One of these hidden gems includes the traditional folk music celebrated on the islands and the talented musicians behind it. As part of NorthLink’s Hidden Sounds series, the company has made a donation to support rural gigs at North Roe and Baltasound, Unst, in collaboration with the Shetland Folk Festival taking place from 2 – 5 May.
The rural village hall at North Roe will host bands like The Hackles, Kirsten Adamson & The Tanagers, Ross Couper Band, and Scott Moncrieff on Friday 3 May. On Saturday 4 May, Tenement Jazz Band, The Friel Sisters & The High Seas, and Da AnnLynn Sessions will entertain the crowd in one of Shetland’s rural halls on Unst, making it the most northerly gig in the British Isles.
Louise Jamieson from the Shetland Folk Festival committee expressed excitement about the event, especially the Foy concerts on Sunday night, where audiences can see various acts in one evening across different venues. Stuart Garrett, managing director of NorthLink Ferries, emphasized the importance of supporting the Shetland Folk Festival to preserve the islands’ musical heritage as part of their Hidden Gems campaign.
NorthLink Ferries operates year-round, with different vessels connecting Orkney and Shetland from Aberdeen and the MV Hamnavoe serving Orkney on the Pentland Firth. To uncover more hidden sounds, stay tuned for part two of NorthLink Ferries Hidden Sounds series.
For concert details and ticket information for the Shetland Folk Festival, visit www.shetlandfolkfestival.com.
