Our flagship outdoor summer festival UNDER CANVAS, co-curated with Fèis Rois, will return this summer from 1 July - 30 September 2021.
Further to the Scottish Government’s publication of their plans for easing restrictions and on the one-year anniversary of our initial closure, we are delighted to confirm the planned return of UNDER CANVAS. Our hope is to run a three-month festival of live performance, at Eden Court, on the beautiful banks of the River Ness.
The welcoming, family-friendly festival will boast live music sessions, performance and DJ sets, a bar serving local beers, gins and whisky and an outdoor pizza oven. Further activities for children, young people and families, and a full programme, will be announced in the coming weeks ahead.
UNDER CANVAS began life in 2018, showcasing traditional and contemporary Scottish music. A reputation as the go-to summer destination for locals and tourists was consolidated in its second year, when the event was nominated for Event of the Year at the 2019 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
UNDER CANVAS will proudly provide paid employment opportunities to at least 100 freelance and independent musicians whose work has been devastated as a result of the pandemic.
This year’s third UNDER CANVAS is being redesigned to maintain the spirit of socialising and shared enthusiasm for the arts, whilst mitigating the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and fully following recommended guidance. To this end, a job opportunity has arisen for a Scottish-based theatre/events designer to join our team in delivering the event. As the festival evolves we are looking for a cohesive aesthetic, designed around the safety of our visitors, staff and artists whilst matching our artistic ambitions. Anyone interested can find more information on the Eden Court website.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Eden Court’s Chief Executive, said:
“After such a challenging 12 months it’s fitting that in the one-year anniversary of closure, thanks to the publication of the Scottish Government’s revised Strategic Framework for easing lockdown restrictions, we are able to announce our planned return of Under Canvas in 2021. We are incredibly proud of all that the festival has achieved. I’m delighted that Fiona Dalgetty, and her wonderful team at Fèis Rois, will once again partner with us to bring the best live music to Under Canvas audiences. Myself and my team can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Eden Court this summer.”
Fiona Dalgetty, Fèis Rois’ Chief Executive, said:
“After a year of digital output, it is a joy to be planning live music events that will showcase many of the internationally acclaimed musicians that we have living right here in our communities across the Highlands. Under Canvas will provide much needed paid performance opportunities for established artists at this time, as well as a space for emerging musicians to showcase their work. We look forward to bringing people together in a safe, comfortable setting to reconnect and enjoy music together.”