step dance
ayrshire tunes
singing
fiddle
willow weaving
The workshops are fun and supportive and tutors will tailor the teaching level to the group.
Don’t see a workshop that you’d like to attend? Tell us!
Workshops are included in a Weekend Ticket. Non-weekend ticket holders can purchase an Individual Workshop Ticket.
Historic trad tunes from Ayrshire
11:00pm–1:00pm – Saturday 3rd May
Wee School Art Space
Come with us on a deep dive into the often-overlooked traditional tune heritage of Ayrshire.
Ace Ayrshire fiddler Alistair McCulloch will lead us on a journey into a range of fantastic lesser-known fiddle tunes from Ayrshire. The workshop will explore music made by generations of Ayrshire fiddlers and ‘dancing masters’ including John Riddell the blind fiddler of Ayr (1718–1795), John French of Auchinleck (c.1751–1803) and “Blind” Hugh Gilmour of Stevenson (1758–1822) — and will reveal an incredibly rich world of tunes from across Ayrshire that are seldom heard today.
The workshop is particularly suitable for fiddlers but all melodic instruments are welcome. Alistair will tailor the teaching level to the group but we recommend that workshoppers are at an intermediate level or above. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult.
Teas & Coffees will be available during the break.
The Ayrshire Tunes workshop is included in a Weekend Ticket. Non-weekend ticket holders can purchase an Individual Workshop Ticket.
Fiddle with Charlie McKerron
3:00pm–5:00pm — Saturday 3rd/sup> May
Wee School Art Space
One of Scotland’s finest fiddle players Charlie of Session A9 and Capercaillie, will teach some tunes and gives us some hints and tips on traditional style, ornamentation and practice.
Charlie will tailor the teaching level to the group but we recommend that workshoppers are at an intermediate level or above. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult.
Teas & Coffees will be available during the break.
The fiddle workshop is included in a Weekend Ticket. Non-weekend ticket holders can purchase an Individual Workshop Ticket.
Come & Try – traditional percussive step dance
3:00pm–5:00pm – Saturday 3rd May
Wee School Art Space
Come & Try the traditional style of Scottish, Irish and contemporary percussive step dancing with live music! Traditional step dancing is lively, energetic, healthy and above all, great fun.
The dancers from the Sound of Dance project will start with warm ups, then some basic steps and combinations of steps, and move on to learning an easy dance. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners and all ages, but under 16s should be accompanied by an adult.
Please wear comfortable clothes, and shoes with hard leather soles and low heel or trainers. Teas & Coffees will be available during the break.
The Step Dance workshop is included in a Weekend Ticket. Non-weekend ticket holders can purchase an Individual Workshop Ticket.
Song and groupwork singing with Brian Ó hEadhra
11:00am–1:00pm — Sunday 4th May
Wee School Art Space, Old Invergarven School
Join Brian Ó hEadhra and members Girvan’s community choir, The Strandline Singers for a workshop exploring traditional song.
Teas & Coffees will be available during the break.
The singing workshop is included in a Weekend Ticket. Non-weekend ticket holders can purchase an Individual Workshop Ticket.
Weave the Wicker Fire Sculpture
11:00am–1:00pm — Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May
Wee School Art Space
Discover the Art of Willow Sculpture with CRAG Community Arts.
Join us in the Wee School Art Space for a hands-on creative workshop with local artist David Powell. You’ll learn how to sculpt and shape natural woven willow into striking artistic forms — guided by experienced community artists who will share their knowledge and techniques.
Drop-in and stay for as long as you like and help craft the final sculptural elements for the spectacular Seilach Fire Show. Whether you’re an experienced maker or a curious beginner, your contribution will help illuminate the Carrick shore during our dazzling Festival finale of fire, folklore, and community participative arts!
No experience necessary—all materials provided. Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get creative!