The first Fiddler of Strathspey competition was held in 2015 as part of Grantown's 250th anniversary celebration, a major 8 day festival managed by The Grantown Society. The winner that year of the Fiddler of Stratspey trophy played along with Maggie Adamson at a Donnie Munro festival concert in a marquee in the grounds of Castle Grant. Each year since then the competition has been held and the main trophy for the "Fiddler of Strathspey", the "Maggie Adamson Goblet" has been won by a succession of young talented musicians. Last year two more prestigious trophies were added along with £700 of prize money: the "Grantown East Celtic Horn" for the "Railway Fiddler" and the "Clan Grant Trophy" for the "Chieftain's Fiddler", the winner of the former playing later with Gary Innes at an event in Portree.
Each year the festival and the fiddle competition have grown in strength and popularity, despite a calendar clash with several other major events, thus limiting the number of competition entries. In 2020, the profile will be raised yet again with entry to the top level competitions by invitation only (thus emulating the recent "Glenfiddich" competition. As well as the most talented youngsters, invitations will be sent to some of Scotland's top fiddle players, both professionals, leading amateurs and orchestra and society leaders.
Competition winners will be asked to play at a grand gala dinner and concert. The dinner will be both for Princes and Princesses and for Peasants and Paupers the former group invited to wear formal, traditional or period dress.
As well as other traditional music events during the weekend, it is planned to have shop window competitions, community church service, arts and crafts displays and talent shows.
Those planning to attend would do well to book their accommodation soon as September is still a popular time in Strathspey for visitors.
Each year the festival and the fiddle competition have grown in strength and popularity, despite a calendar clash with several other major events, thus limiting the number of competition entries. In 2020, the profile will be raised yet again with entry to the top level competitions by invitation only (thus emulating the recent "Glenfiddich" competition. As well as the most talented youngsters, invitations will be sent to some of Scotland's top fiddle players, both professionals, leading amateurs and orchestra and society leaders.
Competition winners will be asked to play at a grand gala dinner and concert. The dinner will be both for Princes and Princesses and for Peasants and Paupers the former group invited to wear formal, traditional or period dress.
As well as other traditional music events during the weekend, it is planned to have shop window competitions, community church service, arts and crafts displays and talent shows.
Those planning to attend would do well to book their accommodation soon as September is still a popular time in Strathspey for visitors.