Top 10 picks to enjoy at this year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban

With this year’s Royal National Mòd set to make its much-anticipated return to Oban in October, the picturesque coastal town is gearing up to host a jam-packed programme of fierce competitions and Celtic music, art and sport with exciting fringe events and activities for all ages to enjoy.

The premier Scottish cultural celebration will be held in the town between 11 – 19 October 2024, giving the people of Oban and visitors from all over the world the chance to appreciate the beautiful and rich heritage of Scotland and the Gaelic language and culture.

With less than two weeks to go, here are organisers’ 10 top picks of things to see and do at this year’s Mòd.

Hot on the heels of an incredible performance at the newly rebooted Lochaber Live, multi award-winning trad supergroup Mànran will open proceedings with an electrifying concert at Corran Halls on Friday 11th October, starting off the week in spectacular style. Renowned globally for their electrifying live performances, Mànran has captivated audiences with their innovative blend of traditional and modern instruments and exceptional Gaelic and English songs. Their unique sound has earned them international acclaim and a devoted fan base around the world.

Saturday 12th October will see the return of the beloved Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) concert at The Corran Halls. A fantastic night of traditional music and Gaelic culture with performers of all ages from all over Argyll, the concert will showcase local talent including celebrated Mull singer Alasdair Whyte, trad musicians from Oban High School and the Oban High School Pipers, Fèis Latharna musicians and Makaton Gaelic Choir ‘Aon Ghuth’, who combine singing with the Makaton communication system of signs and symbols.

This year’s Mòd sees the return of the fierce Battle of the Bands competitions, showcasing the emerging talent on the Gaelic and traditional music scene. The under-13s final will take place on Monday 14th October at Argyllshire Gathering Halls, while the under-19s final will be held on Tuesday 15th October. The successful finalists in each category will battle it out for the top prize of studio time at a local recording studio. A fantastic chance to see the next generation of Celtic talent take to the stage.

Opening proceedings for this year’s Royal National Mòd, the Torchlight Procession will make its welcome return on Friday 11th October, setting off from Station Square as night falls to light up the town in celebration of the event’s return to its historic home. All are welcome to come along and join in the festivities.

Taking place on Saturday 12th October from 10:30am at Mossfield Park, young players from across Argyll will compete for the Mòd Shinty Youth Cup, before the women’s match gets underway at 12pm with top teams going head to head for the Women’s Shinty Mòd Cup. The men’s cup match will begin at 2pm, with Gaeldom’s best teams vying for the coveted trophy in what is always a hotly contested clash. Free to attend, this event is a must-see for sports fans.

Social media star and baking sensation Coinneach MacLeod, known as The Hebridean Baker, will host a special book launch especially for the Mòd at the Rockfield Centre on Thursday 17th October. The Hebridean Baker and The Hebridean Hutter, Padruig MacQueen, will share stories, songs and craic as part of this exclusive event.

Art will once again be in the mix at this year’s Mòd, with this year’s Highland Art Prize entrants on display in the Ash Room at the Rockfield Centre from Friday 11th – Saturday 19th October. The official unveiling of this year’s shortlist will take place from 5:30pm on Saturday 12th October, before the prestigious prize giving ceremony at 12:30pm on Friday 18th October, where this year’s winner will be announced. Both events and the exhibition are free for all to attend.

A cross between an open mic night and a cèilidh, Let’s Make a Scene offers a chance to perform and enjoy new music and writing in a friendly and informal setting at the Rockfield Centre on the evening of Thursday 17th October. Anyone with a new poem, story or song in any language is welcome to come along on the night and put their name down to take part, with those just wanting to listen also very welcome. Pieces on subjects connected to language, heritage, place and identity – from Scotland and beyond – are especially encouraged.

One of the final events of the 2024 Royal National Mòd will see massed choirs gather outside the Corran Halls on Saturday 19th October before marching to Station Square. Bringing all the choirs who have competed across the week together to sing in unison, this is a truly uplifting spectacle. All are welcome to join the talented singers for a moment of reflection as they welcome the final day of the world-renowned festival before the flag is handed over to Lochaber for 2025.

At the end of the event’s nine days, on the evening of Saturday 19th October, The Mòd Grand Finale will welcome West Coast favourites Trail West to Corran Halls to close out the 2024 edition of Gaeldom’s premier musical and cultural event with a bang.

James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “With less than two weeks to go before this year’s Royal National Mòd gets underway in Oban, we’re very excited to share our top picks of the fringe events on offer. From music and art to sports and literature, there really is something for everyone. We would encourage people to have a look at the full programme to plan out their time in beautiful Oban and the surrounding areas, whether they’re travelling to join us or live locally and want to make the most of having the Mòd on their doorstep. We look forward to welcoming everyone so soon for the premier celebration of Gaelic language, music and culture.”

 

This year’s Royal National Mòd in Oban is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland, The Scottish Government, Caledonian MacBrayne, BBC ALBA, Creative Scotland and SQA.

The Royal National Mòd takes place in Oban from 11 – 19 October 2024. Tickets for select events are on sale at https://ancomunn.eventbrite.co.uk/.

For more information, visit www.ancomunn.co.uk. The fringe programme is available to view here: https://shorturl.at/2bvh5.