Shetland Folk Festival shortlisted in 2010 Scots Trad Music Awards

The Shetland Folk Festival has been nominated in the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2010 for the “Event of the Year” category.

Staged by Hands up for Trad, an organisation dedicated to increasing the profile of Scottish traditional music, the award winners will be announced at a televised gala concert on 4th December where Phil Cunningham, Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag, The Chair and Jenna Reid are among the acts booked to appear.

Having been nominated against Celtic Connections in the inaugural awards in 2003, the volunteer organisers of Shetland’s most profiled and internationally renowned musical event are hopeful of picking up the coveted award this time around.

Mhari Pottinger, from the festival committee said: “It’s fantastic to be nominated again and for our event to continue to be recognised as a leading festival within the Scottish traditional music scene. It’s a brilliant boost for the many volunteers that contribute to its success year on year and a real triumph of community effort. Let’s see if our supporters can help us win this time!”

Many of the visiting artistes who have performed at previous Shetland Folk Festivals have also been shortlisted in categories up for the public vote including Breabach in the Scottish Folk Band of the Year Award, Anna Massie and Martin O’Neill in the Instrumentalist of the Year category, Matheu Watson in the Up and Coming Artiste section with Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain shortlisted for the Live Act of the Year award.

One of the festival’s founders, Dr Tom Anderson, is also set to be recognised in a non-voting category as he enters the Scots Traditional Musical Hall of Fame for his impact on the traditional musical landscape over the past 30 years.

Voting is open between 1st and 20th November and fans can place their vote by visiting: www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/index.htm