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BBC News
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Maiden City Festival: Highland dancers join cultural celebrations
Highland dancers from Scotland have been performing on the historic city walls in Londonderry as part of the annual Maiden City features a host of cultural events leading up to the main Apprentice Boys demonstration this the first time, a group of dancers travelled from the Isle of Harris in Scotland to take part in the Georgina Kee-McCarter, from the Sollus Highland Dance group, said the event was about much more than just dancing. "We're extra excited this year as we've been joined by another dance school from the Isle of Harris and Lewis, which is way up at the top of Scotland," she said."They've brought their dancers here to compete alongside our girls. "They've had little pen pals, they've been sending letters back and forth, and today they're performing together on these city walls."It's about real friendships, real connections -and these kids had never met each other before this week." Visitors to the festival can also enjoy historical re-enactments, with actors in period costume sharing stories and yarns from the time of the Siege of director Jonathan Burgess said many visitors considered this a highlight of their trip to the city."The walls are still very underutilised," he said. "We think that's probably a legacy of The Troubles. "You don't get a lot of people up on them, but during this week, we've seen increasing numbers over the years."A lot of tourists are coming, especially from overseas and, of course, from down south [of the island] as well." The Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, said it was a wonderful week that celebrates the story of the Siege of Derry, while also offering tea dances, workshops and musical performances."I think it's very important that everybody learns the history of why the Apprentice Boys are here," he said."It's not just about flags, drums, and bands. "It's about the significance of what the brave 13 did — what the people endured during the 105 days of the siege." For some of the young dancers, it's also a chance to build lasting friendships."I liked meeting all the dancers and forming new friendships and just seeing all the culture around here," said friend Erin, also from Harris, added: "It's been really good making new friends. "It's been really fun and I've enjoyed all of it - every bit."Eight-year-olds Piper and Jamie, who became pen pals before the event, are now close friends."We're very excited to meet each other and dance together," said Piper.
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Hundreds take part in Race for Life at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, sounded the horn at the start line to send the runners off on the 3k, 5k and 10k courses in the picturesque grounds. More than £108,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Ms Sullivan said: 'It's a privilege to support Race for Life in honour of everyone going through cancer right now. 'Almost every family, including my own, has been affected by cancer. The outlook for people with cancer has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to the efforts of Cancer Research UK and wonderful fundraisers making sure the best research is available to help get the best outcomes. 'Thankfully, there are many more effective treatments out there today, making it possible for people to live well with cancer for many years. But it's important we continue to make progress and to ensure the research is there to support that.' A group from the award-winning Sarah Hendry School of Dance in Glenrothes entertained the crowds with Highland Dance moves along the route. The Rock Choir from Livingston, Linlithgow and Edinburgh also performed hits including Green Green Grass by George Ezra and Club Tropicana by Wham. Volunteers from Queensferry Sea Cadets helped at the event. And Sharon Holgarth from Event Buddies Scotland was at the picnic area offering face painting. Race for Life events will be taking place across the country this spring. Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research. 1 . Warming up Participants get ready with a warm up at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Hopetoun House | supplied Photo Sales 2 . Sounding the horn Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan sounds the horn to start Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Hopetoun House on Sunday May 4 | supplied Photo Sales 3 . Team Abhilasha Team Abhilasha at the Race for Life, inspired by Dr Abhilasha Sinha (centre with pink sunglasses) a psychiatrist from Edinburgh who is in remission from breast cancer. They completed the 5k raising more than £800. | supplied Photo Sales 4 . Streamers Streamers at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Hopetoun House | supplied Photo Sales Related topics: Cancer
