Whit’s on this weekend?

This year’s St Magnus Festival kicks off tonight, Friday.

The 42nd festival to be held in Orkney at midsummer time, it has become throughout the world and one of the UK’s leading summer arts events.

This year sees a richly engaging programme filling venues as diverse as a tall ship, an outdoor stage at Skaill House and, of course, St Magnus Cathedral. Meanwhile, 2018 is the Year of Young People across Scotland and this will be reflected in many of the events throughout this year’s offering.

The festival is set to open, this evening, with one of the hottest choral groups of the moment, Sonoro, who will present the profoundly mystical Rachmaninov Vespers in St Magnus Cathedral. This choir will also join the festival’s own chorus in a side-by-side performance of Rossini’s ever-popular Petite Messe Solennelle, giving the singing talents of Orkney their annual outing, on Sunday night.

To find out more about what’s on at the festival, you can visit www.stmagnusfestival.com

The Excellent Exciting Exquisite Extreme Animal Art Exhibition

The kids at ‘Hope Primary School have been busy coming up with their best arts and crafts inspired by animals.

You can go check out their exhibition tonight, Friday, from 7-8.30pm in the Cromarty Hall, Str Margaret’s Hope, or during the afternoon this Saturday and Sunday.

Proceeds from this event will be donated to SSPCA and RSPB.

Coffee Concert

June 23, 2018 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

There will be a special joint fundraiser, this Saturday morning, hosted by The Orckney Traditional Music Project (OTMP) and Kirkwall East Church.

The event at the King Street Halls, Kirkwall, will feature performances from OTMP students young and old, playing fiddles and accordions.

Head along to help celebrate a fantastic year of music making and the end of the OTMP term from 10.30am until 12pm.

RNLI Open Day

June 23, 2018

This Saturday, Kirkwall Lifeboat Station will be holding their annual Open Day.

There will be various events taking place throughout the day, including:

• A chance to get a look inside the lifeboat!
• An opportunity to speak to crew members and to meet Stormy Stan.
• Children’s competitions and a raffle, as well as a chance to grab a hot filled roll and some homebakes.

Ola Sunday Session

June 24, 2018 4:00 pm

Fancy catching a peedie bit of live music, this Sunday?

Or do you feel brave enough to get up and play a tune or two yourself?

You can head on down to the St Ola Hotel, Kirkwall, for their Sunday Session, starting at 4pm, all musicians welcome.