Around 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Royal National Mòd kicking this evening in Oban.
The nine-day event offers a packed programme of concerts, competitions, exhibitions,
sessions and sport.
The prestigious event celebrates all things Gaelic language, culture and music in the streets and venues around the Argyll town until Saturday 19 October.
The historic event was first held in Oban in 1892, some 132 years ago and last returned in 2015. This will be its seventeenth outing in the town and one to remember, with around 10,000 competitors, performers and visitors estimated to attend over the coming nine days to soak up a packed programme of concerts, competitions, exhibitions, sessions and sport.
A dazzling torchlit procession through the streets of Oban led by Deputy First Minister
Kate Forbes, members of An Comunn Gàidhealach and the local organising committee
will get things formally underway this evening, before history-making Scottish music
outfit Mànran take to the stage in front of a packed Corran Halls crowd. Tomorrow
night will see Argyll talent of all ages shine for Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language
Our Music) concert.
The town itself has also rolled out the red carpet, with dozens of local businesses in and around Oban taking part in a window dressing competition, bringing their premises to life with the look and feel of the Mòd in a display of welcoming warmth.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “What a feeling to be back in Oban for this milestone Mòd as we welcome thousands of Gaels and Gaelic supporters to the town to honour our language and culture. The Gaelic language continues to have an irreplaceable place in daily Scottish life and over the next nine days we will see that strengthened and celebrated.
In addition to the host of in-person events held across the week, a clutch of events
will be livestreamed to Gaels around the world including this evening’s Mànran gig,
Saturday night’s Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert and Monday
and Tuesday evening’s Cogadh nan Còmhlan (Battle of the Bands) finals.
10,000 people expected to attend Royal National Mòd in Oban
11 October 2024
