The Royal National Mòd is celebrating an "inspiring" opening weekend for its Oban homecoming.
Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the principal Gaelic language festival celebration was founded in Oban in 1891 with the first event held in the picturesque coastal town in 1892.
This Oban Mòd is set to stage a further six days of celebrations, with Celtic sensations Trail West closing the iconic festival this Saturday.
Music, art and sport have all been on the menu already this weekend. Gaelic-speaking football players gathered for the first of a two-day National Team Training Camp hosted by the Alba Football Association.
Saturday night also saw the much-anticipated Ar Cànan’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at the Corran Halls in a showcase of Argyll musical prowess.
READ MORE: Oban welcomes long-awaited return of Royal National Mòd
The concert, musically directed by Sileas Sinclair and compered by John Joe MacNeil, presented an array of local talent including performances from celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians, Oban Gaelic Choir, The Garvins, Sorren MacLean and Hannah Fisher, and what is thought to be the world’s first Makaton Gaelic Choir, ‘Aon Ghuth’.
The shortlist for this year’s Highland Art Prize has also been unveiled, with 12 impressive works from across Scotland hand-picked by celebrated artist and teacher Ishbel Murray. This year’s winner will be announced at a prestigious prize giving ceremony at the Rockfield Centre on Friday.
Also to come, the competitions continue with Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of The Bands Competitions) taking place on Monday and Tuesday, the Literature Prize Giving, Mòd Drama Final and Gold Medal competition taking place on Wednesday, the coveted Traditional Gold Medal final taking place on Thursday and much-loved choir competitions on Friday.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “The outstanding musical and artistic talent on display at the Royal National Mòd 2024 here in Oban has set an incredible tone for the week ahead. From Mànran’s electrifying performance to the remarkable talent of local artists, the opening weekend has brought the Mòd’s birthplace to life in spectacular style. The Mòd has an incredible power to invigorate and inspire and this is already being felt as we hear Gaelic being spoken and sung in every corner of Oban.
“This weekend wasn’t just about the music— today’s Church Service and Celtic Praise concert provide an important opportunity for coming together in reflection and gratitude. It’s truly a joy to see Gaelic’s premier event kick off with such a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultural opportunities, celebrating the richness of our language."
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