Orcadian fiddle group Fara to head north this autumn

Orkney fiddle group Fara will be returning to Shetland this September to launch their debut album.

The quartet – featuring three fiddles, piano and vocals – will be celebrating the release of their debut album Cross the Line.

Fara perform an eclectic mix of songs and tunes – both traditional and self-penned.

The group, which features Jennifer Austin, Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price, were a hit locally when they performed at the 2015 Shetland Folk Festival as a five piece.

Although they will be returning to the isles a member light this is unlikely to dampen the lively musicianship of the up-and-coming Orcadians.

Also on the bill at Mareel will be Danish five-piece Himmerland, who previously appeared at the Lerwick venue shortly after it opened in 2012.

The band features Eskil Romme on saxophone, Andrzej Krejniuk on bass and Ayi Solomon on percussion.

On vocals and violin the band boasts Danish “Musician/Singer of the Year’ Ditte Fromseier, who played at this year’s Shetland Folk Festival as part of the double act Fromseier Hockings.

Fromseier Hockings guitarist Sigurd Hockings will also be performing with Himmerland having recently joined the band.

Local traditional outfit Haltadans will also be in support, fresh off the back of appearances at the Halkær Festival in Denmark.