January to March
April to June
Orkney events 2010
Where else would you find a packed calendar of events that are as diverse as Orkney’s? From the summer’s agriculture shows to the famous mass yule tide football game ‘The Ba’, with plenty of classical, jazz, folk and traditional music mixed in between, Orkney has every possible taste covered.
Highlights include:
St Magnus Festival
This internationally acclaimed midsummer celebration of the arts focuses primarily on music, but also includes poetry readings, talks, community productions and exhibitions.
The Boys' Ploughing Match
South Ronaldsay is the setting for a spectacular show, where children get dressed up in elaborate costumes that replicate Clydesdale horse decoration.
The Ba
The famous mass football game where the two teams – the ‘Uppies’ and the ‘Doonies’ – rage through the streets of Kirkwall until the triumphant team reaches its goal.
The Ba
1st January 2010
Orkney men split into two teams – the ‘Uppies’ and the ‘Doonies’ – and fight for the prized locally-made Ba' through the streets of Kirkwall until the triumphant team reaches its goal. The Ba’ starts on Broad Street with the boys game beginning at 10.30am and the men’s at 1pm.
Orkney Ceilidh Weekend
7th – 11th April 2010
Visitors are encouraged to try out a range of dance styles at the Orkney Traditional Dance Association’s ceilidh weekend in Kirkwall. Fringe events take place throughout Orkney in the lead up to the event.
Orkney Jazz Festival
23th – 25th April 2010
Visiting and local performers get together for a weekend of mainly traditional jazz music based at the Stromness Hotel. The Festival incorporates the annual Jazz Festival Service of Praise at St Magnus Church in Birsay.
Orkney Folk Festival
27st – 30th May 2010
Now in its 28th year, the Orkney Folk Festival has gained a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most unforgettable visitor experiences in the folk festival calendar. Based in its spiritual home of Stromness, events are also held in Kirkwall, various mainland parishes and outer islands.
Orkney Fine Wine Festival
5th – 12th June 2010
As it reaches its 4th year, Scotland’s only wine festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. A range of events from casual tastings to formal dinners will be held in partnership with leading local restaurants. Indulgent, informative, inspirational!
St Magnus Festival
18th – 23th June 2010
Orkney’s midsummer celebration of the arts attracts visitors from throughout the UK and further afield. Renowned for its unique blend of world-class performances and community participation, the Festival encompasses music, drama, literature and exhibitions. Events are held in Kirkwall’s magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and other venues throughout the islands.
Stromness Shopping Week
18th – 24th July 2010
Community gala week run by local volunteers with various events organised for the enjoyment of both the community and visitors. The emphasis is on family fun with lots of sporting events and novelty competitions as well as music, sideshows and children’s entertainment. The week draws to a close with a grand fireworks display.
Orkney Agricultural Shows
6th – 14th August 2010
The best of the islands' livestock, local produce and crafts are on show for a week of events that are the highlight of the agricultural year. The grand finale is the County Show held on the second Saturday in August.
Vintage Rally Show
15th August 2010
Annual rally displaying a fantastic range of vintage cars, tractors, steam engines and motorcycles. Held at the Orkney Auction Mart.
The Boys' Ploughing Match
21st August 2010
South Ronaldsay is the setting for a spectacular show, where children get dressed up in elaborate costumes that replicate Clydesdale horse decoration. This traditional event dates back to the nineteenth century and ends with a ploughing competition.
Orkney Beer Festival
27th – 29th August 2010
The Stromness Hotel is the main venue for the annual sampling of not only Orkney’s fine ales but also a range of cask conditioned ales and other guest beers, accompanied by some lively music sessions.
Orkney International Science Festival
2th-8th September 2010
It is the rare combination of science, culture, music, hands-on experiments and goodhumoured lively discussion that attracts world-class speakers back to this event - year after year.
Orkney Blues Weekend
17th – 19th September 2010
A weekend of Blues featuring a mix of local and visiting acts – “Orkney sure knows how to party!” (Blues Matters review of 2007 Orkney Blues Weekend).
The Ba
25th December 2010
The Ba' is played on Christmas Day Broad Street with the boys game beginning at 10.30am and the men’s at 1pm. Street rugby - two teams – the ‘Uppies’ and the ‘Doonies’ – must bring the Ba' to their respective goals after a long fight through the streets of Kirkwall!
These are just a flavour of the many events taking place all year round in Orkney. Whether it's impromptu music sessions in pubs, pipe band parades through the streets, summer regattas or music festivals, you will be sure to find an occasion to enrich your time in the islands.
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