Renfrewshire’s musicians are being urged to show their Gaelic roots in a brand new traditional music showcase withFèis Phàislig as part of this year’s Spree Festival.

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The Ceilidh Trail – part of the Spree sessions in support of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 – will bring together musicians young and old to learn traditional tunes and songs over the October school holidays.

Anyone who can sing or play an instrument – such as the accordion, clarsach, fiddle, guitar, piano and whistle – at an intermediate or advanced level are being urged to sign up to one of the sessions across the week.

-Monday 17 October, 10am to 4pm in Paisley

-Tuesday 18 October, 10am to 4pm in Renfrew

-Wednesday 19 October, 10am to 4pm in Erskine

A concert rehearsal will take place on Thursday 20 October, before a free afternoon performance takes place in the Spiegeltent on Friday 21 October at 1.30pm.

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Grant McFarlane of Fèis Phàislig said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for young people across Renfrewshire. We’re looking for musicians to put together a concert with us in just a few days and showcase some great traditional tunes and songs. No previous experience of traditional music is required – just lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to take part.”

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Chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board, Council Leader Mark Macmillan, said: “Paisley has some great Gaelic connections, such as MOD Phàislig in 2013 that took place alongside our second Spree Festival. As Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 gathers pace, we want to build upon these connections and the Ceilidh Trail is a great way to do that.”

The Spree sessions include James Grant with Create Paisley and Rockus Community Choir – both hosting a series of open events for people in Renfrewshire. Each session culminates with a final performance as part of The Spree festival.

Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 Bid Director, said: “As a result of our weaving history, Paisley has a proud Gaelic heritage that is now being celebrated within our contemporary culture events programme including The Spree and Paisley’s Halloween Festival.”

For more info and to apply for the Ceilidh Trail, visit  feisphaislig.com/the-spree-sessions or call 07595175099.

Find out more about The Spree sessions at  www.thespree.co.uk/events.