The Christmas street ceilidh in Stornoway is on for tonight (THU) and it will be outside in Perceval Square as planned.
The revamped event, now being run by a community group working with Stornoway Amenity Trust, will feature many local performers and dancers for a stramash and many town businesses will help out with other treats.
Organisers have stressed that it is important everyone wraps up warmly and hot drinks will be available.
Please come along for 6.55pm. A minute’s silence for the victims of the Glasgow helicopter tragedy will be held at 7pm. Two of the aircrew had family ties to the islands.
All the money raised at the Stornoway event will go to the Clutha Appeal Fund for the families of the victims.
Niall Iain Macdonald will be the host. The BBC presenter and adventurer is planning to row solo across the Atlantic next year.
As well as a host of music and dance performers who will be taking part in the stramash, other attractions include a hog roast. Local businesses and volunteers have also said they will put on free soup and stovies.
The gales that hit overnight had made the organisers consider having the ceilidh in Stornoway Town Hall. However, after gauging many islanders’ opinions, co-ordinator Jane Hepburn said: “After careful consideration, we’ve decided to host the event outside. I think this is what most people want to do so wrap up warm, sing your hearts out and dance as much as you can.”
The Perceval Square car-park will close at 6pm. Cromwell Street and North Beach Street in the centre of Stornoway will be closed to vehicles at 6.30pm from the Kenneth Street / Bayhead Street junction all the way to the Crown Hotel on Castle Street. Police also advise all drivers to take extra care and keep speeds down as the cold weather could mean that road conditions will be unpredictable.
First aid personnel will be on hand and anyone feeling too cold should contact one of them for immediate help. Hot drinks will be available.
The planned programme so far. All times may, of course, be subject to change:
7.00 A minute’s silence
7.01 Switch-on. MC Niall Iain Macdonald and Councillor Charlie Nicolson
7.10 The Nativity Story with Reverend Tommy
7.20 Sharon Macdonald Highland Dancers
7.30 Faram
7.50 Lynne Maclean Dancers
8.00 Carol singing by local singers and brass band
8.20 Kirstie Anderson dancers
8.30 Stramash ceilidh singalong and dancing
8.50 Lynne Maclean Dancers
9.00 Stramash resumes
9.25 Auld Lang Syne
Later, an after-party – for adults only, of course – will continue in the Crown Hotel.
The Clutha Appeal Fund has been set up by Glasgow City Council for the families of the victims. Donations are being accepted on 0141-287 7878.
