Posts for February, 2024

Over the last year, artists Elizabeth Reeder and Amanda Thomson have been working with local communities and Cairngorms Connect to create a Commonplace Book for the Cairngorms.

With over 50 submissions, including photography, drawings and writing, the final collection captures a snapshot of our lives in this landscape.

Join us at the Spey Bank Studio for an event to celebrate the project, view the submissions and get involved in weaving the Kist which will hold them, with expert guidance from willow weaver Helen Jackson.

Chainsaw Carving Competition
Grand Auction
Pipe Band
Children’s Activities
Beer Tent & Tea Tent
Onsite Caterers
Craft and Trade Stalls

The event is organised entirely by local volunteers and all profits are invested in local projects.

Over coffee or tea, browse eight different stalls offering practical opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint. Bring along a garment for repair, have your knives sharpened, or your broken ceramics fixed. Collection point for small electrical appliances which ILM Highland will take care of. There will be soft plastic and battery disposal – bring yours and dispose of them safely. Letter writing stall and a climate action petition. Climate focussed activities for children, too.

It’s long been said that Cubans sing when they speak, dance when they walk, and woo with a love song.

So it should be of little surprise that The Cuban Brothers’ peerless funk soul review blends sexy, SOULFUL MUSIC, with jaw-dropping B-BOY ACTION and RIOTOUS COMEDY.

From humble beginnings, Miguel Mantovani, Young Dominico and Kengo San have built Los Hermanos Cubanos – The Cuban Brothers – into a legendary outfit that continuously sells out shows across the globe.

The Brothers have recently been extending their family, with Shaka Loves You becoming honorary members and touring together.

This will be kick ass. And will sell out. Don’t hang about for tickets.

They played here at Hogmanay, they played our re-opening after our mega flood, they played our first gig back after Panny Dee. And they’ve torn the roof off here a good few other times.

Since then they’ve released an album, toured Australia, sold out Celtic Connections and are about to take over the USA. The Langan Band are back. Don’t miss it.

You can believe our blurb, or have a look at the boys in action…

Celebrating the longest day, with a solid dose of dancing. It’s been a long time in the making and a bit of a musical bucket list moment for team OBI, but finally we welcome SambaYaBamba to rock your world. Here’s what they say…..

Pure, organic, dance music – powerful and irresistible. SambaYaBamba is a musical tour-de-force hailing from the sundrenched streets of tropical Glasgow. A 30-odd-piece drumming bateria and brass section rooted in the musical traditions of the Brazilian carnaval yet at the same time, very much tailored to a the Glasgow crowd. They are equally at home on a huge stage, in a street parade or in a basement club. Their set twists and turns from full scale samba to drum and bass and beyond with a tightness and commitment to the rhythm that is a joy to behold. Local legends and loved across the samba scene.

And who better to jump on the DJ float for this carnival, but Karawane. DJ / producer / promotoer of good music and good causes, Afrobeat – salsa – cumbia – world edits – proper party music dug from the crates of the globe.

Your host OC will also play spin a few numbers, in celebration of a 15th summer at the helm of this wonderful river side oasis.

Food trucks, outside bar – fun fun fun – sun sun sun.

Kids welcome, dogs on leads, leave no trace, be nice, good vibes only.

(then hang around for Sunday night, as Scotland take on Hungary in our potential Euro decider)

An all day, outdoor free party, on the banks of the river spey.

The Keiller Brasserie 5pm – 8.30pm. Join us in the lounge and enjoy a range of locally sourced Scottish steaks from Menzies Butcher in Braemar. Reservations are essential.

Sunday roast lunch is available every Sunday in the Keiller lounge.

6:45 PM – COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS RECEPTION IN THE OLD ROYAL STATION, BALLATER (KINDLY SPONSORED BY BAXTERSTOREY)

7:30 PM – 3 COURSE DINNER AND BALL IN THE VICTORIA HALL, BALLATER

£70 PER TICKET

DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE

HEADS & TAILS, SILENT AUCTION, CASH BAR, MUSIC BY ‘THE LIMIT’ BAND & CARRIAGES AT I AM

ENQUIRES TO:

WENDY COBBAN – 07591 921 521

IN SUPPORT OF: A BEAR NAMED BUTTONY & FRIENDS OF ROXBURGHE HOUSE.