Royal National Mòd entries open for Oban competitions

Competition entries for this year’s Royal National Mòd are now open, An Comunn Gàidhealach has announced.

Competitors wishing to take part in the 2024 event, taking place this October in Oban, have until the end of May to enter. .

Oban is fondly recognised as the home of the Mòd, with An Comunn being founded there in 1891.

The full list of competitions taking place for Oban’s 2024 Mòd, including singing, bàrdachd, instrumental, drama and Highland dancing categories, can be found on An Comunn’s website.

A number of competitive performances are taking place online again this year and will be showcased via the Royal National Mòd’s social media channels.

Outside the syllabus, the popular TikTok competition and Sruth event will make a welcome return to the programme. Sruth is an event aimed at encouraging more natural conversation among young people and is a fantastic opportunity to meet and chat with some of the most well-known faces in the Gaelic world.

The senior competition syllabus will also welcome back the latest addition of an accompanied choirs’ competition, aimed at harmony singing groups consisting of between five and ten singers. The CalMac Competition, a solo singing contest newly introduced at last year’s Mòd, open to adult learners, will also return for 2024.

The Mòd art exhibition and competition will also enjoy its third year as part of the Mòd. Co-ordinated by the Highland Society of London, the hugely popular event champions creative works from across the Highlands and Islands. The exhibition will feature a special exhibition of last year’s winner, David Greenall of An Lanntair, Stornoway.

Marina MacKay, Mòd officer at An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: “I strongly urge anyone thinking about applying for the 2024 Mòd to take the step to submit an application.

“Year after year, we see an incredible array of talent showcased, and we expect this year’s festival in Oban to be no different. New faces often bring a fresh perspective to the Mòd, enriching our community with their talent and enthusiasm, so we encourage those who have not competed before to get involved.

“As ever we expect to welcome the very best singers and players from across the Gaeldom to compete, and also to socialise and celebrate at this important annual gathering. We are so looking forward to welcoming some of Scotland’s most outstanding talent to Oban in October."

Royal National Mòd entries open for Oban competitions

19 February 2024

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