In just one month’s time, Oban will be bustling with the lively sights and unmissable
sounds of the Royal National Mòd as the prestigious event makes its much-anticipated
return to the west coast.
The premier Scottish cultural event will be held in the town between 11 - 19 October
and the people of Oban and its surrounding areas, who are hosting the iconic celebrations
for the 17th time, are gearing up to make it one to remember.
With competition entry levels up by almost a third from last year’s Paisley edition,
the 2024 edition of the Gaelic event will see competitor numbers back up at pre-Covid
levels, and Oban residents, businesses and musicians are all ready to welcome the
country’s Gaels and Gaelic supporters with open arms.
The Oban Mòd local committee are hosting a series of Gaelic workshops for local business owners and their staff to ensure they can provide people with the warmest and most familiar welcome possible. Furan Gaelic Centre and Mòd an Òbain have partnered up to provide the complimentary taster sessions in the Corran Halls, the Mòd’s flagship venue, with a host of local businesses taking part and brushing up on their Gaelic phrases.
Local businesses in and around Oban will also be invited to take part in a window dressing competition in the run up to the Mòd, with premises coming alive with the look and feel of the cultural phenomenon.
Anticipation is also building for much-loved musicians from the area who are looking
forward to welcoming the incredible volume and calibre of musical talent to their
hometown.
Local musician Joanie Garvin has been involved in the making and promotion of traditional music in Argyll for many years. Among her family of professional musicians, her daughter Anna Garvin is working on a film for the Argyll Choirs exhibition taking place as part of the Oban Mòd.
Joanie Garvin said: “There’s always an amazing atmosphere in Oban when the National Mòd takes place in the town. We’ve so many young folk learning traditional music in this area and the town is very proud of its pipe bands, its local Fèis Latharna and the School of Traditional Music at Oban High School.
“The National Mòd is a great opportunity for these local musicians to perform and be inspired by others. I’m so looking forward to seeing Oban buzzing with live music in all sorts of venues, with something for everyone.”
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The final countdown for this year’s Mòd is here and Oban is all set to roll out the red carpet and give Gaels across Scotland and beyond a very warm welcome.
“To see the local community and businesses opening their arms wide to this event is heartwarming. With competition numbers up and preparations in full swing, we can’t wait to see the people of Oban and all those involved in the Royal National Mòd embracing the Gaelic language and its important culture in just one month’s time.”
Proceedings will get underway on Friday 11 October when multi award-winning trad
supergroup Mànran wow audiences with an electrifying concert at Corran Halls. Across
the week there will be concerts, exhibitions, book launches, children’s activities,
sporting events and more taking place as part of the event’s fringe programme, before
Celtic sensations Trail West close the party on Saturday 19 October.
Just one month to go until Royal National Mòd hits Oban
12 September 2024