Whit’s on this weekend?
At a loss for what to do this weekend? Have no fear! The Orcadian is here with a few peedie suggestions…
Orkney Blues Festival, Stromness
Music fans in Orkney are gearing up for a marathon of live music this weekend, as the Orkney Blues Festival kicks off from today, Friday.
The streets and hotels of Stromness will come to life, celebrating not just blues music, but also the wave of versatile talent here in Orkney.
This yearâs visiting artists are Bex Marshall, The Robin Bibi Band, the Andy Gunn Band and The BBC (The Blues Broadcasting Company).
The opening events of the festival take place tonight, from 8pm, in the Ferry Inn, Royal Hotel, Stromness Hotel and the British Legion.
For the full line-up of acts, and where and when to catch them, click here.
OKPA Booze Cruise, Tankerness Hall
If you fancy a fun night out in aid of a good cause, why not hop aboard the O.K.P.A Dialysis for a Booze Cruise, this Saturday night?
A group of local fundraisers have banded together to host this special event in aid of Orkney Kidney Patientsâ Association (OKPA).
Set to take place in Tankerness Hall tomorrow night, starting at 7pm, this event will involve a âtrip across the continentsâ as attendees are given the opportunity to sample food, drink and light entertainment from Italy, the Philippines, USA, Australia, and Scotland. This will be followed by a dance, with music from the Eastie Boys.
Orkney Aviation Festival
Orkney Aviation Festival got off to a flying start yesterday, with talks from aviation historian Iain Hutchison.
With a packed itinerary full of fun and educational activities throughout the weekend, this yearâs festival celebrates two important events in aviation history â the 50th anniversary of Loganairâs Orkney inter-island air service, and the centenary of the worldâs first landing of an aircraft onto a moving ship by Squadron Commander Dunning.
Tonight, itâs time to get the popcorn ready for a fun fancy dress night at the Phoenix Cinema, Kirkwall, where cult comedy Airplane will be shown. There will prizes on the night and if you can prove your name is Shirley, you could win yourself a free ticket for the show!
Rounding off the weekendâs events will be a visit, on Sunday, by the seaplane G-DRAM to commemorate Squadron Commander Dunning. The aircraft will be touching down at Orkneyâs WW1 Naval Air Station sites. Meanwhile, itâs all aboard for an Open Day at HMS Tern/Twatt Aerodrome, hosted by Birsay Heritage Trust & Argoâs.
Orkney Motocross Beach Race
Join Orkney Motocross Club for their annual Beach Race, this weekend. Saturday will see racing start at Heddle Hill, Finstown, while Sunday’s events are set to take place at Bu Sands, Burray.
There will be fun for all the family at these events, with categories for juniors, rookies, and seniors.