Young Gaelic voices and up-and-coming musical talent are taking over Paisley today, as junior competitions for fluent speakers and the Battle of the Bands return to The Royal National Mòd.
Yesterday, youngsters competed in a number of events including the junior choirs competitions and coveted junior solo singing titles.
This evening will see the girls An Comunn Gàidhealach Pendant and boys An Comunn Gàidhealach Kilt Pin competitions take place at the Methodist Church Auditorium. Starting at 6pm, youngsters will perform set Gaelic songs for an esteemed panel of judges.
Today also sees the return of the Battle of the Bands competition, showcasing the emerging talent of groups on the Gaelic and traditional music scene.
Following last night's heats, the final will take place at 7.30pm tonight at The Sanctuary at Re:Hope Church, where the successful finalists Alt, Darroch, Fraven and Amadan will battle it out for the top prize of studio time at JJ Recordings Studio in Paisley.
Children's fringe event Sruth is back for a second session today, from 10am to 3pm at Paisley Town Hall.
Aimed at school-age Gaelic speakers, the drop-in workshop offers the opportunity for young people to practise their conversation skills with their peers as well as some well-known Gaeldom stars, including acclaimed singer and BBC Alba broadcaster Ellen MacDonald, and Lewis radio personality and TikToker Mark Smith.
Tomorrow, the girls and boys Traditional Silver Medal competitions kick off at 2pm at the Methodist Church Auditorium. Teens aged between 13 and 15 from across Scotland will perform their own choice of solo Gaelic songs, competing for national recognition.
Historically, Wednesday is the Mòd’s literature day, and tomorrow the Jacquard Suite at Paisley Town Hall will host the annual Literature Prizegiving, celebrating some of the finest work from the past year across writing, art and media categories.
There will also be the launch of two new books, as well as the chance to see Peter MacKay, An Comunn’s Bàrd for 2022, in conversation with the newly appointed Bàrd for 2023.
Later on, The Sneddon in Paisley will host the Stephen Drummond Trio as part of the new Mòd Festival Club sponsored by Isle of Skye Candle Company, offering the chance to carry on the fun once the day’s events are over with outstanding live music and a welcoming atmosphere.
James Graham, chief executive officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: "Young people are so vital to the preservation of traditional Gaelic culture, so today is a fantastic opportunity for them to shine.
"From the youth singing competitions to the Battle of the Bands, and with a number of fringe events aimed at young Gaelic speakers and learners such as Sruth, breakthrough talent and young voices are at the forefront of today's programme.
"After a successful run of workshops in local Renfrewshire schools in the lead up to the Mòd, it’s wonderful to see young locals making the most of having the Mòd on their doorstep and getting involved."
The Royal National Mòd runs in Paisley until Saturday, October 21. To find out more about Mòd Phàislig events or to book tickets, visit www.modphaislig.com.
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