Paisley set to host national music and arts festival

Jun 15 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY will play host to a Celtic music extravaganza as it gears up for next year’s Royal Mòd.

The town aims to make the most of ‘Mòd-mania’ by laying on an action-packed festival showcasing the best of Scottish music and arts.

The four-day spectacular – dubbed The Spree – is scheduled to start on October 25 this year and will kick-off a series of shows aimed at whipping up excitement ahead of the Mòd 12 months later.

Included in the star-packed line-up are artists such as Roddy Frame, Francois and the Atlas Mountains, Damien Dempsey and comedian Craig Hill.

It’s hoped the event will give Paisley a “cultural legacy” that will invigorate Buddies.

Lisa Whytock, the festival’s organiser, said: “This is such an exciting time for Paisley as we look forward to hosting such a fantastic event.

“We’ll be releasing more information once further acts have been confirmed.

“The Mòd is coming to Paisley next year and this year’s festival will help to prepare the way.”

Creative Scotland, Renfrewshire Council, EventScotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig – the Scottish Government department that is responsible for promoting the Gaelic language – are all involved in The Spree.

The festival will take place in four venues across the town and events will include Gaelic workshops and comedy sessions, being staged in association with The Stand Comedy Club.

The venues chosen to host events include Paisley Abbey, the Wynd Centre, Paisley Arts Centre and a specially-erected Spiegeltent at County Square.

And, on Sunday, October 28, a special gig produced in association with Celtic Connections will be held in the centre of town.

Artists at that event will take to the Danny Kyle Stage – named in honour of the much-loved late Paisley folk singer.

Mark Macmillan, Renfrewshire Council Leader, said: “Cultural events like this are central to our plans to regenerate the town and we hope The Spree will encourage people to visit us and find out for themselves just how much is going on.

“With the Royal National Mòd coming to Paisley in 2013, these are exciting times for the town. The Spree will help to deliver an enduring cultural legacy.”

Tickets are already on sale for the festival events. For a full timetable and to buy tickets, go to www.tickets-scotland.com or www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/thespreerenfrewshire.gov.uk/thespree