Information Bulletin
Flavour of Shetland Launches in Style on Victoria Pier
Flavour of Shetland got off to a flying start yesterday (19 June) at Victoria Pier. The
event, now in its fourth year, will provide a packed programme over the weekend aiming to celebrate the best of the islands.
Some of Shetland’s finest musicians have come together with 10 food and drink stallholders, 15 talented craftspeople, and local storyteller Davy Cooper to create a memorable weekend for those attending.
Event goers will be able to choose from a great range of savoury dishes both with a traditional and international flavour which show off the versatility of local produce including lamb, beef, salmon, pork, scallops and mussels. A range of locally made fudge, toffee, ice-cream, preserves will also be available along with traditional Italian style coffees, teas and home bakes.
Event organisers are also delighted to welcome the Wee Hut to the event for the weekend which ties into the Hanseatic theme of the Johnsmas Foy. Originating in Bremen, and based in Edinburgh since 2003, The Wee Hut offers various kinds of traditional German sausages (Bratwurst, Thueringer, Nuremberger, smoked sausages and Weisswurst) with either deliciously cooked white or red cabbage or fried potatoes. A very famous Hanseatic dish is "Labskaus" served with pickled herring will be on offer.
Exhibiting in the craft village for the first time this year are Aamos Designs with its range of woven textiles, Pink Fish with a range of uniquely designed cards, badges and key rings and Oksana Peterson Designs producing a range of handmade items of jewellery from glass beads, crystals, silver wire and semiprecious stones.
Today’s line up (Friday 20 June) includes live music sessions from Gemma Donald, Jordan Ogg, North Country Fair, The Gordon Tulloch Experience and Jamieson’s Big Pockets. Tom Morton’s BBC Scotland daily afternoon show will be aired live from the entertainment marquee from 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Special guest on the show will be Edwyn Collins who will give an exclusive live performance accompanied by Roddy Frame and Andy Hackett. Local musicians Sheila Henderson and Kollifirbolli will bring a real taste of Shetland talent to the show.
Davy Cooper's stories from Shetland’s past include the sagas of the Norse to the days of the "far haaf", and from the trows to njuggls and run from 1.30pm-5.00pm at 30 minute intervals every hour.
For the children, a range of activities are planned including face painting, traditional craft activities and the ever popular rowing challenge. Back for his second year is Cheeko the Clown who will be performing balloon modelling, circus skills and magic shows throughout the event.
Commenting on the opening of Flavour of Shetland 2008, Event Organiser Nicola Halcrow said, “Once again we have a fantastic line up of activities and participants at this year’s event. Now in our fourth year the event continues to attract a huge amount of interest from local business wishing to take part. There is no shortage of local talent taking to the stage which combined with the other activities available on the Pier it is guaranteed to be a great weekend for both visitors and locals.”
For full details of the event programme, participants and artistes please visit www.flavourofshetland.com