The Isle of Bute World Ceilidh Band Competition

The World Ceilidh Band COmpetition has been held on the Isle of Bute for the past six years. They are now trying to gauge whether there is sufficient interest to expand and have regional heats around the country prior to the actual competition itself, with winners getting free travel to the finals at the festival itself.

If you are interested, or would like more information, please send mail to Peter Morrison (peter.morrison@virgin.net) (Isle of Bute Folk Festival Vice-Chairman).

Some notes provided by Peter Morrison:

• 2 years ago to mark the 5th year the 1st prize was a £1000 and a return paid gig and digs to the island in 1996.
• 1997 was £500 of recording time and more importantly the prestige of being officialy known as the World Ceilidh Band Champions.
• There is of course a trophy, a beautifully carved harp, donated by Billy Connolly and named the Norman Buchan Trophy.

The Isle of Bute International Folk Festival is held over 5 days on the second weekend of July.

The competion requires a 15 min sets of dance tunes a song and 1 other piece from the band. The judgement is of course on the music but most importantly is the ability to get the audience up dancing and calling of the dances. The competition is always very well attended with willing dancers.

The Festival

Last year's event brought Tom Paxton and Eric Bogle appearing on the same bill. Wolfstone made one of their gigs. Donald Black with Malcolm Jones of Runrig supported Wolfstone.

Along with this were workshops in voice, step dancing, harmonica (Donald Black and Rory Mcleod) guitar ...

People appear on the island and don't even go to formal events, the pubs having great sessions.

£5 for the weekend is the cost of a tent/caravan pitch. Some people don't even leave this to go to events! The campsite is fully stewarded, well lit, and food and facilities are available.

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Information provided by Peter Morrison (peter.morrison@virgin.net).