From 7th – 12 August 2014, Aurora welcomed Dancers and Musicians from the group Le Poutou de Toulouse, from Gascony in France, to Aberdeen and the surrounding area to give performances and workshops. Their coach finally arrived at Newmachar around 9pm after a mammoth journey from Toulouse and our guests were tired and very hungry. Luckily, Aurora are well experienced at providing a warm welcome and plenty of refreshments! Friday 8th was warm and sunny, but the weather went downhill as the remains of hurricane Bertha arrived. By the time of the coach trip to Glenfiddich and the Speyside cooperage there were extensive floods. The visit was highly successful in spite of having to make alterations to the programme due to the weather. Some Aurora members had enough energy left to wave goodbye as the coach left Newmachar at 5.30 on Tuesday morning!
Photos of the festival can be found in our online album.
Friday 8th August
We hosted a Festival Ceilidh in Stonehaven Town Hall with music by the Aurora Ceilidh Band and performances by special guests Le Poutou de Toulouse.
Saturday 9th August
Le Poutou de Toulouse and Aurora gave free public performances in the Aberdeen Bon Accord Centre and the MS Society Stuart Resource Centre.
Le Poutou de Toulouse also gave a Family French Dance Workshop in Citymoves Dance Space.
Sunday 10th August
Le Poutou de Tolouse gave an outdoor performance at Crathes Castle; a parade was followed by a dance performance.
Aurora gratefully acknowledges the financial support we received from Aberdeen City Council and TOTAL.
Additional photographs from the festival can be seen in our online gallery.