Performing Art

Be entertained

As a small island, Arran is extremely creative in terms of performing arts. The island community draw together to gain inspiration from each other and many villages have drama clubs, bands or other performance related activity.

There are often one-off drama, poetry or music performances in halls, in pubs and at island events, so it’s worth checking out the Arran Banner for a full list of what’s on.

The one-act competitive Arran Drama Festival is held annually in February, and clubs involved are both junior and senior – this takes place in the Community Theatre at Lamlash. Although competitive, the camaraderie and support amongst the friendly clubs is obvious.

Isle of Arran Music Festival is held in Whiting Bay, usually at the end of March, with adjudicated classes for school pupils and adults alike. This festival comprises verse speaking, music, singing and even country dancing – with even the youngest school pupils doing their pas de bas!

The McLellan Arts Festival is an arts festival held annually each Autumn, in celebration of the life of Scots playwright and poet, Robert McLellan OBE (1907-1985). Robert lived at High Corrie, wrote in Scots language and based many of his works on Arran. The festival includes all aspects of performance art.