A NEW festival organised by Aberdeen University is set to shine a light on the history of north-east Scotland.
Hame, created in partnership with the Elphinstone Institute, will run from July 7 to 10 and celebrate the region’s people, culture, history, heritage and diversity.
Audiences will be given an insight into architectural secrets of Old Aberdeen, the best of the north east’s literature and an exploration of the songs and poetry that have shaped its cultural heritage.
Aberdeen University’s director of external relations Jenny Fernandes said: “The Hame festival will deliver a new and exciting format in which to champion all that makes this part of Scotland so special, offering audiences a fascinating and grounded story of the region that touches on the important themes of identity and belonging.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to our Old Aberdeen campus as well as to other city venues both indoor and outdoor as Hame explores the incredible cultural diversity of this area and what it means to those deeply connected to it.”
A contemporary look at the city’s 1964 typhoid outbreak which seen the city locked down will be on offer, through the lens of the covid-19 pandemic.
Sessions will also explore the living song tradition of the centuries-old bothy ballad and its continued repurposing for folk bands and dance floors today.
Public engagement officer at the Elphinstone Institute Simon Gall said: “Hame is a unique celebration of the creativity of the people of the north east of Scotland.
“By designing the majority of the programme together with local organisations and performers, we see the festival party as a vehicle for regional self-representation.”
There will also be public talks, guided walks and slam poetry at the festival.
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Gall added: “As such, the content of the programme has been heavily influenced by those involved, making for a grassroots celebration of ‘north-eastness’ which showcases the many languages, traditions, stories and practices of the region today.
“We hope that the festival offers audiences an interesting story of ‘hame’, one that shows reverence towards traditions old and new and venerates the people that practice them.”
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