Whit’s on this weekend?
At a loss for what to do this weekend? Have no fear! The Orcadian is here with a few peedie suggestions…
Orkney Rock Festival
It’s time to get ready to rock as Kirkwall hosts the fourth annual Orkney Rock Festival, this weekend. This year’s festival is set to be one of the biggest yet, with nine visiting acts scheduled to perform along with a host of local artists.
Throughout the weekend, Kirkwall’s pubs are likely to be packed, as a hefty helping of acts of take centre stage.
Saturday will also see the festival’s annual showcase gig, complete with six of the visiting bands, at Matchmakers (The Neuk). This will be a chance for youngsters to experience some of the live music action, as this ticketed event is open to all ages.
Five Barrier Fun-Run/Walk
This Sunday sees the return of Amnesty International Orkney’s Five Barrier Fun-Run/Walk.
Having first started in 1998, this event — which involves a journey between The Commodore and The Sands Hotel — ran annually for over 10 years, raising vital funds for the charity. But this weekend will be the first time since 2009 that the Five Barrier Fun-Run/Walk has taken place.
This Sunday, runners and walkers of all ages will take on the five barrier challenge. With a small entry fee, or the option of raising sponsorship, this looks set to be a fun way to raise money for Amnesty International.
This event is also aimed at raising awareness of what Amnesty International do, and at each barrier there will be signs and posters highlighting one of the many campaigns the charity has undertaken.
You might be thinking to yourself — “but there are only four barriers?” Organisers have explained that the run/walk loops back on itself at the final leg, re-crossing the fourth barrier to reach their final destination at the Sands Hotel.
Further information on the Five Barrier Fun-Run/Walk is available on the Amnesty International Orkney Facebook page.
Belonging: The Truth Behind the Headlines, Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall
The director and producer of a new feature documentary, about where power lies in the UK, is to visit Orkney this weekend for a special screening event and a question and answer session.
Morag Livingstone, who is also a two-time best-selling author, is due in the county for  a special screening of her new film Belonging: The Truth Behind the Headlines. Two screenings, as well as question and answer sessions will take place at the Pickaquoy Centre
The first showing will be a matinée this Sunday, September 3, at 12.30 noon, with the second showing taking place at 7.30pm on the following Tuesday.
According to the filmmaker, the documentary investigates events surrounding three industrial disputes, three governments and over three decades, showing the impact of government and corporate power on democracy and human rights. Personal stories are told by those at the centre of these industrial disputes, highlighting the impact of the actions of those in power on individuals and communities and also raising questions of what lies ahead.
Trongate Rum Riots, The Kelp Store, Papa Westray
If you’re looking to get out of the town this Sunday, but still want to catch some of the live music action, a special gig hosted by The Kelp Store, Papa Westray, could be just what you’re looking for.
Following their headline performance at Matchmakers on Saturday night, Glasgow eight-piece Trongate Rum Riots will be descending on the tiny island of Papay, for a stripped-back, intimate gig.
According to organiser, Sinead Fortune, the night’s entertainment will be a nod to the maritime history of the building and community, as the band revitalise the traditional sea shanty style of music. All proceeds from this event will go to the Papay Development Trust for the continuation of cultural events in the Kelp Store in the future.