28th-30th Sept

Durness, the most north westerly and remote village on Britain’s mainland with a population of just 356 will witness one of the most extraordinary festivals ever to be staged in the country. This September, some of Britain’s greatest artists will travel to the tiny village to pay homage to John Lennon who holidayed in Durness as a child, then with his family in the late 60s. The three day-festival will host some of the country's leading poets including Carol Ann Duffy: "Britain's greatest living poet", Scottish star Kevin MacNeil, Michael Horovitz, (one of the last legendary Beat poets left who knew John Lennon) and the outrageous punk poet John Cooper Clarke who inspired The Arctic Monkeys. One of Britain's leading painters Peter Howson - official war artist in Bosnia - will stage an exhibition of Lennon with Frank McFadden, Scotland's best young painter.

Julie Fowlis and Blazin Fiddles are part of the traditional music section.

"The Durness community will make every effort to give a real highland welcome to the many visitors that are expected, and will offer whatever help and assistance is required to make the event a roaring success and hope that it will become the first of many," said Mary Mackay, chairperson of Durness Community Council.

Our hostel in Durness will be opened especially for this extraordinary event. Book your bed as soon as possible.

Festival Website

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