Countdown to Royal National Mòd 5/7/14
The Royal National Mòd is preparing to take place in Inverness this autumn for the
first time since 1997.
In October, the nine day event will feature competitions in Highland Dancing, Gaelic
music and song, literature and drama, offering Gaelic speakers of all levels to compete.
It will bring thousands of competitors and spectators from throughout Scotland, the
UK and from all corners of the globe including USA, Australia and Canada to Inverness.
The Mòd is set to light up the city, kick starting with a vibrant Torchlight procession
from Inverness Castle to Eden Court - the main venue for the event - where the opening
concert will be staged. Acts confirmed for the opening concert include Skipinnish
and the up-and-coming Scottish folk band, Gria.
2014 will also see the biggest Fringe event ever take place alongside the competitions.
This will include concerts, book and CD launches, music sessions, poetry, dance and
other art forms of every description. Around twelve pubs have signed up to providing
traditional Celtic music in their venues, while street theatre will take place across
the city. The fringe will encompass Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness to
Fort George and the Culloden Visitor Centre and all areas in between.
John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are delighted
to be returning to Inverness for the first time in 17 years and to be bringing the
biggest Fringe in the event’s history.
“The competition is the heart of the Mod and we have had substantial entries this
year. The Fringe also means we can bring Gaelic Culture to a new audience, Gaels
and non-Gaels together and celebrate talented musicians from around the world with
our exciting programme of events”.
The Provost of Inverness, Councillor Alex Graham said: “The 2014 Inverness Mod is
shaping up to be one of the best ever. The recent Inverness Local Mod was a huge
success, and there is great awareness in the City that the National Mod is coming
in October. The wide range of competitions and the large Mod Fringe will provide
tremendous entertainment for locals and visitors alike”.