NEXT April will see the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, or as it should be known, Scotland’s Declaration of Independence.
From April 3 to 6, a festival of art, music and culture to celebrate the 700th anniversary will be held in and around Arbroath, and the organisers have used the town’s old name to mark it – Aberbrothock 700.
Four days of events are planned. On Friday April 3 at 7pm there will be “a brief history of Scotland in song” with singer/songwriter Eddie Cairney in concert at the Webster Memorial Theatre Assembly Hall.
On Saturday April 4 a special All Under One Banner 700 March will leave from Inchcape Park at 1pm.
Also on the Saturday the Arbroath 2020 Festival Concert with newly commissioned choral work by Paul Mealor and Grahame Davies will take place at Arbroath Abbey at 4pm.
From 7.30pm to 11pm on the Saturday there will be a ceilidh featuring Callum Wallace and The Tay Ceilidh Band in the Community Centre at Marketgate.
The main Declaration 700 Celebration is at 8pm on Saturday April 4 in the Webster Theatre.
It will feature special performances by 2019 Scots Singer of the Year nominee Steve Byrne and Traditional Music Hall of Fame member Sheena Wellington who so memorably sang A Man’s a Man at the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Also featured will be a unique narrative performance piece on the common fowk that supported Robert the Bruce by acclaimed storyteller and author Dr Donald Smith.
A Speech on the Declaration will be given by BBC broadcaster and writer Billy Kay. Original art by Andrew R Barr will be seen in the event which is to be hosted by National columnist and BBC presenter Alistair Heather.
Read the Yes DIY page on Saturday for more information about this historic event.
The organisers have launched a crowdfunding appeal to raised £2000 towards the costs.
They say: “The festival is self funded and run by like minded volunteers who want to promote the historical significance of Arbroath as the birthplace of Scottish Nationhood.
“The Aberbrothock 700 Festival is coming from small beginnings and although success will be guaranteed through the efforts and hard work of the Aberbrothock 700 Team, things do cost money. There are up front costs that will need to be met for next year’s festival.
“If you can spare a small amount to help ensure the future of the festival, your donation will be much appreciated.”
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/aberbrothock700
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