Comhairle Issues Details on e-Cèilidh!

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has today issued more information about the debut broadcast of e-Cèilidh on Saturday 25th April.

At 7:30pm on Saturday 25th April, host Willie Campbell will be joined by local musicians for the debut broadcast of e-Cèilidh - a production by the Comhairle's Education department and Multimedia Unit.

Livestreamed fortnightly, e-Cèilidh will be available to watch  online through the new dedicated e-Cèilidh website www.eileansiareceilidh.com.

Every fortnight the cèilidh will feature an MC or host performing a few items as well as introducing pre-recorded video contributions from other musicians and members of the local community including school pupils. 

Contributions are invited from members of the local community of any age, to give the events a true community involvement feel. These contributions should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length and can be in any musical genre. Full details are on the website.

Each e-Cèilidh will include items from a mix of musical genres with scope to have genre specific nights as the bank of musical contributions grows.

A Rich Cultural Heritage

Speaking on the e-Ceilidh project Rhona Johnstone, project co-ordinator said, "The Western Isles has a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of musical talent exists amongst those living in our communities, from the Butt of Lewis right down to Barra, as well as many musicians from the islands now living on the mainland and further afield. "

"There is normally so much musical activity which takes place on a daily basis here in the Western Isles such as music lessons,  concerts, sessions, various group rehearsals, choir practices but sadly that has come to a halt due to the current period of lockdown created by the coronavirus pandemic."

"We wanted to find a way to share the musical talent of our islanders, keep the music flowing, use it in a positive way to engage & unite our communities and lift our spirits during these difficult times. I hope that the e-Ceilidh project will do just that and contain something for everyone of all ages regardless of their musical tastes. "

As well as being the platform for the broadcast of each e-Cèilidh and providing general information on the project, the e-Cèilidh website will also contain full information for the public about how to take part, including  guidance on the technical requirements for contributed items.

Eilean Siar e-Ceilidh contributors form 

Each broadcast will include links to information on the host musician and links to their websites/social media/You Tube channels/Bandcamp etc. to help promote their work.