A spectacular torchlight procession will brighten the streets of Perth this October at 6.30pm on Friday 14th October to mark the opening of this year’s Royal National Mòd.
The brilliant display will kick start the annual celebration of music and culture, which this year takes place between the 14th – 22nd October, and is expected to attract hundreds of people for a night of celebration and camaraderie.
This will be the Mòd’s first torchlight procession for a number of years and its return is highly anticipated by adults and children alike.
Marching under the light of around 60 flaming torches, the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and District Pipe Band will lead the procession down Perth High Street, igniting the spirit of all those involved.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “It is wonderful to have the torchlight procession back after a number of years without it. The event brings the community together for a night of excitement, and creates an immense feeling of anticipation for the celebrations, concerts and competitions ahead. This year, we have some truly incredible talent gracing stages the length and breadth of the city for audiences to enjoy, and the torchlight procession is a truly spectacular way to kickstart the festivities.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland said: “The torchlight procession is a spectacular way to welcome the Royal National Mòd back to Perth for the first time in 18 years with the sound of the pipes ushering in the festivities. The local community and those from further afield are sure to be treated to a uniquely Scottish introduction to the Mòd’s world-class celebration of Gaelic culture and Perth will serve as the perfect stage for the event in the days that follow.”
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade said: “This will be a spectacular start to the Mod and I am sure there will be a big turnout to watch the procession.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The torchlight procession signals to Gaelic speakers and learners that the major celebration of the language and culture is about to start. It is particularly pleasing to welcome the procession back and the events that will follow it. These all contribute to the aim of the National Gaelic Language Plan that more people will use Gaelic more often and in a wider range of situations.”
A host of performances showcasing and celebrating the very best in Gaelic and Scottish traditional music and culture will take place over the nine-day festival. Tickets for a vibrant programme of concerts, shows, ceilidhs, competitions and exhibitions taking place as part of this year’s Royal National Mòd are on sale now via Horsecross Arts.
Some of the biggest names in the Scottish traditional music and the Gaelic cultural scene will delight audiences when the 130-year-old event returns to Perth for the first time in 18 years. More than 50 shows and activities involving around 1,500 musicians and participants will fill over 10 venues across Perth, over the nine days.
Tickets are also available for the event’s multiple flagship competitions, including the prestigious Gold Medal, The Lovat and Tullibardine choral contest and the Mòd Drama Final. Hundreds of people of all ages will compete in around 140 competitions across a range of categories covering singing, poetry, music, drama and Highland dancing as well as a new Battle of the Bands event.
The Royal National Mòd is supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Perth and Kinross Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
Tickets for the Mòd Perth 2022 fringe events went on sale last week and are available online at www.horsecross.co.uk/festivals/the-royal-national-mod or by calling the Box Office on 01738 621031.
