The Falkirk Mod 2008 Committee has received a major boost to its funds with the news that Falkirk councillors have approved a £25,000 grant from the Falkirk Common Good Fund towards the cost of the Mod 08 Fringe.
The money will be used to fund and promote events in Falkirk including events such as music workshops, children's creative workshops, art exhibitions, lectures/talks, live music (in various pubs and on High Street), concerts, civic events (launches), shinty matches, pipe band parades and much more, all related to Gaelic culture, language and music.
Welcoming the news, Mod 08 Convener Councillor Angus MacDonald said: ‘The local Mod 08 organising committee are currently working extremely hard with Council officers to pull together an extensive Fringe programme which will highlight the best of Gaelic music, language and culture.
‘We are immensely grateful to the trustees of the Falkirk Common Good Fund who have given the committee such a tremendous financial boost that will help to ensure that we have a fantastic Fringe and a memorable Falkirk Mod.'
Local pubs and nightclubs have already shown a keen interest in getting involved in the Mod 08 Fringe.
Members of the band Skerryvore drop by to Falkirk's Behind The Wall to sample some of the specially produced Mod 08 ale.
Popular local Falkirk hostelry Behind the Wall has been the first to realise the potential of the Mod coming to Falkirk and have booked a number of popular acts for the Mod 08 Fringe, including the popular contemporary Ceilidh band Skerryvore, who played to a packed audience in Falkirk Town Hall at the recent Ceol na h-Alba concert, which also included the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Boxclub.
Behind the Wall also have other popular contemporary Ceilidh bands lined up to play at Behind The Wall including Daimh and Face the West.
Skerryvore took time out to visit Behind the Wall when they were in town to help launch the Mod 2008 beer on draught. The beer, produced locally by Tryst Brewery in Larbert was recently launched in bottles, but is now also available on draught at Behind the Wall.
Joint owner of Behind the Wall, Brian Flynn said: ‘I think it really is a fantastic boost for Falkirk that the Mod is coming here in October. Behind The Wall is looking forward to being one of the entertainment hubs for the festival and we hope our regular customers and visitors alike will enjoy the high standard of live music we intend to stage.
‘It's a great thing for the local economy with so many visitors and performers coming to town and it will surely help to raise the profile of Falkirk as a tourist destination. In addition we now have the Falkirk Mod beer on draught for locals and visitors to try and we are also changing our name and logo during the Mod 08 festival to Behind the Mod.'
Commenting on the news that Behind the Wall has booked a number of high quality bands for the festival Councillor MacDonald said: ‘The Mod 08 Fringe committee are delighted that Behind the Wall has grasped the opportunity of the Mod coming to Falkirk and have recognised the popularity of these bands.
‘We are encouraging other members of the licensed trade to come on board to make sure that there is plenty entertainment in the town to satisfy the 10,000 plus visitors that are expected in Falkirk for the festival.
‘We are working on the Mod 08 Fringe programme just now and would be happy to discuss with any publicans how we can help them maximise the potential from the Mod and how they can ensure that they are closely involved in making the Royal National Mod in Falkirk one of the most memorable ever.'
Above: Falkirk Mod Gold Beer and Falkirk Mod Traditional 80/- now available on draught at Behind the Wall, or in bottles at Falkirk Farmer's Market and other local events, or online at our merchandise page http://www.mod2008falkirk.org/product.asp
- Falkirk Council (16/06/2008 )
