Mod Paisley and The Spree

Paisley set for unique festival double

Paisley is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors as the town gets set for a unique festival fortnight double.

The Royal National Mòd is coming to Paisley for the first time in its one hundred years-plus history.

Paisley will host the world-famous celebration of Gaelic language and culture from 11-19 October.

Running alongside the Mòd, from 10-20 October, The Spree, Scotland’s national arts festival, returns to venues across Paisley.

(All photographs taken by Digitalpict Photography)

This year’s event includes a unique collaboration between Admiral Fallow, The Twilight Sad and the RSNO, plus live music from Edwyn Collins, Capercaille, and Donnie Munro, and comedy from Fred MacAulay and Craig Hill.

With more than 70 Spree and Mòd fringe events taking place over ten days, in addition to the Mòd itself, the town will have a festival feel, with a full kids’ programme, as well as workshops in everything from drama to Gaelic language and fiddle playing.

Council chiefs in Renfrewshire believe the combination of both events will deliver a significant boost to the ongoing regeneration of Paisley town centre.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said:  “It is an honour for Paisley to welcome the Mòd and the thousands of visitors and competitors who make it such a special event for the host town.

“I am sure that the welcome from the people of Paisley, and the town’s rich cultural, historical and architectural traditions will provide an appropriate setting.

“There’s something extra special this year for our visitors and our own community with the Mòd running in parallel with The Spree.   That combination offers a unique chance for people to try different performances and activities that they might not have done before. There’s something for everyone to appreciate, enjoy or take part in personally.

“The unique combination of Scotland’s oldest and newest cultural festivals will also support the continuing regeneration of Paisley town centre.

“As part of the council’s regeneration programme for Paisley town centre, we have significantly expanded our events programme.  Paisley’s Fireworks Display, and Christmas Lights Switch-On attract crowds approaching 40,000 people into the town centre.

“We’re seeing people coming back to live in the centre of Paisley.  There are recently-agreed proposals for retail and residential development to revive the iconic former Arnotts store.

“There’s a lot going on to boost Paisley and we have the perfect opportunity to showcase that to residents and visitors alike.”

Ealasaid MacDonald, Convener of   Mòd Phàislig said:  “We are very excited about the arrival of the Royal National Mòd in Paisley.

“There’s a special celebration to start the proceedings with a torchlight parade through the centre of Paisley starting at 7pm on Friday (October 11) from the top of the High Street and culminating at Paisley Town hall where the Mòd flag will be unfurled.

“Organisations, businesses and members of the public in Paisley have showed tremendous support to the local organising committee as we have been preparing to host The Mòd.

“Now it’s time for the town to see at first-hand this world-class cultural festival.”

John MacLeod, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said:  “The opening of The Royal National Mòd, Gaeldom’s biggest national festival celebrating Gaelic language and culture is almost here, and we are delighted that the town of Paisley is hosting this special event.

“This has been an important year for Gaelic in educational and social terms and we can now confidently face the future in the knowledge that our language and culture will continue to prosper in the care of the new generation of Gaelic speakers.”

Information and booking details on all the events is available at www.thespree.co.uk and www.modphaislig.org

Photographs taken by Digitalpict Photography in partnership with Paisley on the web.

Photographs of, Ealasaid MacDonald,   Convener of   Mòd Phàislig   Emma Creighton, 11, Councillor Jim Harte, Renfrewshire Council’s Culture Spokesperson, Sarah England, 10, and Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan are pictured outside the Spiegeltent in the  centre of Paisley as the town prepares for a unique festivals fortnight  with The Royal National  Mòd and The Spree, Scotland’s national arts festival.

Emma and Sarah will be performing at the  Mòd as part of RJ’s, the Renfrewshire Junior Gaelic Choral Association

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X