Shetland-Music.com

Welcome to the newest event in the Shetland cultural calendar - the Johnsmas Foy.

Centuries ago 'Johnsmas' marked the annual arrival of the Dutch herring fleet to Shetland, always at mid-summer. It also has strong links with the Haaf fishing, both of these fishing activities central to our heritage. Somewhat inevitably social celebrations formed an integral part of this.

Today's event bears little relation or resemblance to the celebrations of the past, although it does retain a distinct maritime theme. Today it's more to do with positively promoting Shetland through its food, crafts and culture and that of course inevitably includes music. You will be able to see many, indeed most, of Shetland's up-and-coming and more established acts of all genres during this time and there promises to be a liberal sprinkling of visiting acts too to add further spice to the rum-pot.

The event runs over a mammoth ten-day period during mid-summer in June (or the 'simmer dim' as its known in Shetland) when the days are at their longest and darkness does not exist.

Throughout the ten days Johnsmas will incorporate all sorts of events all over Shetland, including the Shetland Blues Festival, RNLI day, and the Flavour of Shetland to name but a few of its individual components, while the Bergen to Lerwick Race will also visit Lerwick during this period.

In music terms there will again be something for everyone and for all tastes, especially as the event culminates with a four day cultural extravaganza on Victoria Pier in Lerwick's town centre, where a tented village will offer twelve hours of music per day and.......well suffice to say lots more besides.

A frenetic time to be in Shetland and no mistake

Click here for a link to the official Johnsmas Foy website.