FIDDLERS’ BID SPECIAL FROM SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL ON BBC ALBA

BBC ALBA will be broadcasting a special programme from this year’s 30th Shetland Folk Festival, on Saturday 31 July at 9pm.

Popular presenter Mary Ann Kennedy will host a special one hour concert featuring the legendary Fiddlers’ Bid from Shetland, as they staged a very special performance live to their home audience to mark the 30th Annual Shetland Folk Festival.

The programme, produced by Bees Nees and directed by Bridget Caldwell, will offer viewers exclusive coverage of the band’s performance along with special interviews and background information on the inspiration for their music.

The festival, showcasing the best folk music from around the globe, took place from 29 April – 2 May with Fiddler’s Bid performing at the sold out Clickimin Concert on the Saturday night.

Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “We are delighted to be broadcasting this special concert showcasing the best folk music Scotland has to offer. Shetland is renowned for its unique musical heritage and rich fiddle tradition and we are extremely excited to offering a special one hour show dedicated to Fiddlers’ Bid, the leading exponents of Shetland’s folk music.

“In the year that the festival celebrates its 30th year, and the band their 20th anniversary, we are pleased to be continuing our commitment to event-based music coverage which appeals to a wide audience base of music fans tuning in to BBC ALBA.”

Since their formation in 1991, Fiddlers' Bid has played an extremely important role in the success of numerous Shetland Folk Festivals. They have acted as global ambassadors for the Festival and Shetland as a whole, as they’ve astounded audiences all over the world with their expressive, high-energy music and performances.