Tattoo Metagama & Grand Concert

The Western Isles Lottery Team have confirmed more detailed plans of the upcoming events they are organising, culminating in an International showcase for everyone to enjoy.

The programme of events marks the 100th anniversary of the sailing of the Metagama from Stornoway, transporting impoverished islanders to Canada in search of a new life. The separation of families and the departure of so many young and old islanders left an enduring mark on the Hebridean psyche and resonates with the plight of modern day.

An extravaganza of both local and international performers will entertain the expected crowds during Tattoo Metagama week.

The fun for everyone starts on Tuesday 8th August when the Fairground, Continental Market and Craft Fairs open in the town centre and the week’s activities will increase as all the performers arrive.

Tickets are available from https://bit.ly/41578Oq

The following programme may be subject to amendments with more performers to be added. You can follow updates  by following the Team’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/westernisleslottery

FRIDAY 11th AUGUST will see a Grand Concert take place in Lewis Sports Centre at 7.30pm at which most of the acts will perform, including the World Class 78th Fraser Highland Pipe Band from Ontario, Canada and Alyth McCormack & her Irish Band.

SATURDAY 12th AUGUST starts with a Mass Pipe Band Display leading a spectacular Parade through Stornoway Town centre with all performers – at 2pm.

Lews Castle Green opens to the public at 3.00pm. Numerous activities, are fun fair rides, Inflatables, Marquees hosting Country & Western/Line Dancing, Children’s Folk Singing/Highland Dancing and a Ceilidh/Strip the Willow alongside a variety of food and drink outlets, to entertain the crowds before the main Tattoo Metagama Event starts at 7pm.

Performances at the main event are varied with Lewis, Lewis & Harris Youth, Uist, Sgoil Lionaclete, Skye and Strathaven & District Pipe Bands joining the lead Pipe Band from Canada. Additional acts are travelling from throughout the UK.

Expect to be mesmerised by Danny the Fire Performer, a world class act from Somerset, England who will have his own stage. Also billed are the Ragtime Dolls from Glasgow, a fabulous 1920s-1940s inspired, Female Close Harmony Trio with choreographed dance routines.

They are joined by Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Academy in their spectacular costumes who have been recognised by the Martial Arts World as being champions in Lion Dance.

Alyth McCormack, with her Irish Band, makes an exciting home return to Lewis. Alyth is a singer, songwriter, actor and filmmaker, known for her pure voice and diversity. Raised on Lewis, but now living in Ireland, she has been the featured singer with the Chieftains for the last 15 years.

Sambayabamba is a Glasgwegian musical melting pot that has raised the roof around Scotland, the UK and across Europe. They are an exuberant outfit with a heavy-weight live act including a thunderous 25 piece bateria and stomping brass section.

Additional artists, a Mass Choir, dancers and fireworks will complete the line up!

Tony Robson, Lead Organiser said “We are preparing for an exciting International Event involving the whole of the Outer Hebrides, from the west shore of Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis. It culminates with Tattoo Metagama on the Lews Castle Green on Saturday 12th August. Everybody is invited to enjoy this historic event”.

The Team have chosen to support Stornoway RNLI through donations received at the checkout point of ticket sales.

To join the Western Isles Lottery and help continue the improvement works across the entire Western Isles, you can log on to www.westernisleslottery.co.uk To date, more than £400,000 has been distributed to over 100 projects.

We look forward to seeing you there!