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Singing and stringing along to the sound of music at Selkirk Sessions
Selkirk Sessions 2012. The special prize winner.
Pubs, clubs and hotels echoed to the sound of music at the weekend, during the annual Selkirk Sessions traditional music festival.
The weather was kind, which delighted visitors who elected to camp at The Haugh.
The first arrivals hit the town on Thursday, with the main sessions taking place on Friday and Saturday.
However, for reasons the organisers are trying to fathom, Sunday was a great deal quieter musicwise than normal.
Venues this year were the Town Arms, O’Malley’s, The Fleece, the Conservative Club, the Heatherlie House Hotel and Selkirk Bowling Club.
A percussion workshop on Saturday morning embraced the spoons, tea-chest bass and washboard.
In the competitions, inscribed quaichs were presented to winners David Rogers (16-and-over song); Scott Brown (16-and-over instrument) and Cacic Rogers (under-16 instrument). The Chorus Cup – for the singer who generates the best chorus from the audience – went to Shiela Knox.
Sessions chairman Davie Scott hailed the weekend a success. He told us: “Attendances at a lot of festivals have been down this year, probably because of the economic climate and the poor weather over the summer months.
“We have been busier in the past, but most of our regulars were here and there were also some new faces. Townsfolk joined in and I believe everyone had a great weekend.
“The structure of the festival is tried and tested, but each year there are some changes and nothing is set in stone – although the concept of musical sessions open to all will remain at the forefront of future festivals.”
Next year’s festival is 12 months away, but secretary Bob Burgess used the platform of Saturday’s competition to issue a plea for people to come forward and assist.
For the past two years the festival has been organised by Davie, Gordon Munro and Bob.
Bob commented: “There is no threat to Selkirk Sessions – it is extremely popular and will continue. But with the work falling on just three sets of willing shoulders, I would appeal for a few more people from the town to come forward and join our ranks.
“It doesn’t involve rounds and rounds of long committee meetings because the format is well established.
“It is just a case of a few quick get-togethers to discuss any adapations or changes that might be needed. And, of course, fresh heads can result in fresh ideas.
“The main input is really in the final couple of months before the festival and, of course, many hands on the weekend make light work.”
Publicans have praised the weekend for producing much-needed trade.
One told us : “Pub trade across the country is slow, so anything like Selkirk Sessions is fantastic.
“And that’s not just because of the welcome income, but also the fun and variety that the musicians bring.”
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Weather for Selkirk
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South west
