WHY?

The festival brings the very best UK songwriters and tutors to Shetland to encourage and nurture creativity. During four tutor-lead workshops you will develop your skills and write songs in a relaxed, friendly and collaborative learning environment. 

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WHO?

Workshops are open to EVERYONE, from complete beginner to experienced songwriters.

 

You don't need to play an instrument or read music to take part. We will ensure that everyone's needs are met - the workshops are tailored to suit you! 

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WHAT?

Over the weekend you will develop your skills during workshops run by two of the UK's best songwriters. Workshops will focus on the 'tools' of songwriting - including song structure, lyrics, melody, meter, song subject, and collaboration. Each workshop will focus on a different set of skills.  

 

Each class is restricted to eight participants. The classes will rotate between the two tutors.

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Your ticket for the weekend includes 12 hours of workshops, a ticket to the tutor concert on Friday evening, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday evening there will also be an opportunity for you to share what you've been working on over the weekend during a relaxed and friendly 'sharing session' with the other workshop participants.

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WHERE?

The Shetland Songwriting Festival takes place in mainland Shetland. Shetland is a hugely inspiring and beautiful set of islands right at the north of Scotland. The festival is based in Lerwick town centre at The String -  a fabulous restaurant and music venue. The String produce an excellent, diverse and tasty menu from locally sourced ingredients. The space provides an intimate and comfortable learning environment for the festival.

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Food at the string includes vegan and vegetarian options. They also make great coffee!

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WHEN?

17th-20th September 2020

The festival opens with a tutor concert, followed by 2 days of workshops. Finishing up on Sunday evening with a 'sharing session'.

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GETTING HERE

You can get to Shetland by ferry or flying.

Northlink Ferries - for fares and timetables (sailings from Orkney and Aberdeen). 

LoganAir - flights run regularly between Sumburgh (Shetland) and Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Kirkwall, Manchester, Bristol, London Southend, Dublin, Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, as well as several other small airports. Book your flights as soon as possible to get the cheapest possible fares! 

 

There are local buses between Sumburgh airport and Lerwick. For bus timetables across the isles visit ZetTrans. 

 

The String is right in the centre of town and walking distance from many of the hotels and B&Bs.

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Please get in touch if you have an questions about travelling to or within Shetland.

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ACCOMMODATION

There are various places to stay in and around Lerwick. It is worth looking on Air B&B or a quick google search will show up local B&Bs as well as hotels in the area. If you need any advice please get in touch.

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