Whit’s on this weekend?

If you brave the wind and snow, there’s plenty of fun still on the go

We’re well into December noo, but if you’re still stuck for what to do

Here’s a very special list, crafted with care,

So you can enjoy this weekend with festive flare! 

Oh yes they are! Pantomimes Galore…

Last night saw the launch of this year’s Stromness pantomime — Jack and the Beanstalk — and now the season of theatrical entertainment is in full swing.

This weekend, you can catch performances in Stromness, Kirkwall, and Westray, as each community present is comedic take on a well known fairy tale.

In Kirkwall, Palace Players will be launching their production of Beauty in the Beast, on Saturday, at the Orkney Theatre. This pantomime version of of the classic fairy tale follows the traditional story that everyone will know. The Prince gets turned into a Beast by a wicked sorceress for being selfish, and has to learn to love, or he will remain a Beast forever. Enter Belle to make him change his ways.

In Westray, the community are staging their first pantomime in years, this Saturday night — Dick Westray (and his cat) — at the island’s community hall. This panto tells the story of Dick, who leaves Westray to seek fame and fortune in London town. A long way from home, he realises his heart remains in Westray. He may have to walk 500 miles (could that be a cue for a song?!), overcome evil, danger, custard pies and bad jokes to get back home, but he is the determined Dick Westray from Westray!

Fayres, Fancies and Festive Fun

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there’s bound to be a special buzz out and about this weekend, as folk dive headfirst into a mountain of Christmas shopping. Kirkwall will continue to play host to seasonally themed fairs, pop-up shops, and exhibitions, and there will likely be plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of the man himself — Santa Claus!

Old Saint Nick is set to make an appearance at William Shearer’s, this Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The shop will be overflowing with fun and Christmas capers, as they host a weekend full of face painting, falconry, and festive balloons.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Kirkwall Youth Cafe will play host to a special Christmas Fayre, packed full of kid’s activities, sales tables, and much more, from 1-4pm.

Tree Lighting, Kirkwall

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as all the lights and decorations bring an extra warm glow to he county’s villages and towns, each night. Orkney’s tree lighting season will conclude, this Saturday night, with the grand finale that is the Kirkwall Tree Lighting and St Lucy Procession.

For both Norwegians and Orcadians, who experience some of the longest and darkest nights of the season, this strikes a chord with our ancient Yule traditions. As we approach the shortest day, many of us find ourselves rejoicing, as this beckons the slow return of the light – even if the worst of winter is yet to come.

As part of our modern celebrations, each year, a young girl is selected from Orkney’s Primary 7 class to play the role of St Lucy, whose feast day is commonly celebrated in Norway. Wearing a spangled robe and crown of candles, she is given the honour of leading the tree lighting procession, as well taking part in the music and merriment inside the cathedral.

The Orkney Islands Council recently took their annual delivery of Christmas trees for both inside and outside St Magnus Cathedral, which have travelled all the way from Grimstaad and Hordaland respectively.