April 2012
What's happening in Shetland in September 2011
Despite the summer drawing to a close, there's still plenty to do in Shetland during the month of September!
At the start of the month, Screenplay - Shetland's Film Festival, and Wordplay - Shetland's book festival draw big names from the UK film and publishing industry to the islands, with a host of lectures, screenings, book signings and workshops to particpate in.
Screenplay, which takes place between 26th August and 4th September 2011 is curated by respected film critic Mark Kermode and film professor Linda Ruth Williams. This years festival will see a book launch by Mark Kermode, a screening and Q&A session with actor Jim Broadbent, a screening of The Crying Game and Q&A session with producer Stephen Woolley and a screening of Made in Dagenham with a Q&A session with producer Elizabeth Karlsen. 
Another popular feature of Screenplay, which celebrates its' fifth anniversary, is 'Homegrown in Shetland', a screening of ten short films made by local filmmakers!
Wordplay meanwhile takes place between 3rd - 4th September 2011 and is curated by author Donald S Murray and teacher Charlene Storey and has a strong emphasis on getting the public involved, with workshops for adults and children about book making and writing children’s fiction, poetry and non fiction. Now in it's tenth year, Wordplay attracts some of the country's best authors and poets, including Andrew Greig, Liz Lochhead, Margaret Elphinstone, and Viv French.
Also in Shetland in September, and related to books, is an exhibition at Bonhoga Gallery at Weisdale Mill. 'The Illustrators' is an exhibition of contemporary children’s book illustration curated by Julia Donaldson (author of the Gruffalo) and is an ideal way to put a smile on anyone's face (especially younger art enthusiasts!) 
Admission to the exhibition is free and it runs from Saturday 20th August to Sunday 25th September 2011. Opening times are Tuesday - Saturday: 1030-1630 and Sunday: 1200 - 1630
Later in the month is the 8th Shetland Blues Festival, which sees superb music from local and visiting blues artistes at various venues throughout the isles. Taking place over the weekend of Friday 9th September - Sunday 11th September, enjoy a variety of concerts from Gerry Jablonski and the 
Electric Band, Cherry Lee Mewis, Ramon Goose Band, Earl Grey and the Loose Leaves, Lewis Hamilton and the Boogie Brothers, The Grey Goose, Al Hughes and Sleepy Eyes Nelson amongst others! For more information, please visit http://www.shetlandblues.info
Autumn is a great season for bracing walks, and Shetland has plenty coastal walks to offer! This September, we recommend a visit to Eshaness, a headland on the northwest coast of Northmavine which has been sculpted by the sea! There are cliffs, stacks, coves, blowholes, natural arches and caves made of volcanic rock, with superb names - Da Hols o' Scraada ('the Devil's Caves') and Da Grind o' da Navir ('Gate of the Borer'). Stunning views of the cliff scenery can be seen from Eshaness lighthouse or from Braewick Café.
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking 
with another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!
