Over 150 musicians from Highland schools will provide a weekend ‘Winter Festival of  Music’ and entertainment for members of the public and Resort residents in Aviemore starting on St. Andrew’s Day, Friday 30th November through to Sunday 2nd December.

Four of The Highland Council’s Regional Music Groups will offer a diverse variety of music-making in both formal and informal settings at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “This is an exciting opportunity for both our young Highland musicians and for the lucky people who will be hearing them in Aviemore. The creation of this Winter Festival of Music clearly supports the Council’s pledges to work with partners to provide a year round programme of events which encourage the growth and local involvement in music festivals and contributes to the economic development and well-being of our Highland communities.”

The ceilidh band ‘snas and Highland Youth Big Band (HYBB) begin the weekend with a dance and ceilidh on Friday 30th at the Resort’s Peregrine Suite. Booking for this event which takes place from 9 to 11pm can be made through the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

On Saturday 1st December from 12:30 to 2pm, Highland Youth Big Band offer an informal free public performance that afternoon in the Resort’s Food Court.

Highland Youth String Orchestra and Highland Schools Wind Band will host their Winter Festival Concert in the Resort Theatre that evening at 7:30pm. Bookings canbe made by contacting 0871 230 9830.

Sunday 2nd December will see ‘snas perform at the Food Court from 12:30 to 2pm. No booking is required to this free event. Following ‘snas there will be a community event from 2-3pm at the Osprey Arena which will involve all the young performers who will also be joined by local schools in a Christmas celebration. Proceeds for this event will go to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and ClicSargent. Bookings can be made by contacting 0871 230 9830.

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For further information please contact Norman Bolton, Music Development Officer,
The Highland Council, Education Offices, Castle Street. Dingwall  IV15 9HU Tel: 01349 863441 e-mail: norman.bolton@highland.gov.uk

Notes to editor: A full copy of the Winter Festival of Music programme can be found below:

The Highland Council Regional Music Groups - Winter Festival of Music
Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort - 30 Nov – 2 Dec 2007

FRI 30 NOV

Performances:
9-11pm Ceilidh/Dance in Peregrine Suite  
  Dancing & entertainment from ‘snas & HYBB
  Contact Aviemore Resort for booking information

SAT 1 DEC

Music activities:
10 -11am Music funtime (ages5+) – Academy Hotel Lounge
11.15-12.15
  (Provided for resort residents by Highland YMI staff)

Performances: 
12.30 – 2pm HYBB (raised area in Food Court) – FREE (no booking)
6-6.30pm singers and players (outside main reception)
6.30pm lights switch-on/Santa (+ piper & reindeers too!)
7.30pm HYSO & HSWB: Winter Festival Concert – Theatre  
  £8/£5 - £22 family (+ booking fee) Booking tel: 0871 230 9830

SUN 2 DEC

Performance:
12.30 – 2pm ‘snas (raised area in Food Court) – FREE (no booking)
2-3pm  Community Christmas Celebration (Carols & Music) – Osprey Arena
£5/£4 £3standing (no fee)Proceeds to Princess Royal Trust for Carers & ClicSargent (250 seats/200 standing)  Booking tel: 0871 230 9830

www.aviemorehighlandresort.com