The 2021 Festival Archive
Following the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak, in 2021 the festival returned with a hybrid programme inspired by Nairn’s coastal waters and natural beauty.
Our environmental theme was taken from a quote by the influential Scottish-American naturalist, author and environmental philosopher John Muir:
“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”
This theme celebrated Nairn’s natural beauty in support of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, while anticipating the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP26) in November.
This pressing concern – how best to engage with and care for the natural world – unified a diverse and thought-provoking festival programme. This included a range of live and online talks, live music, a photography exhibition in partnership with FLOW PHOTOFEST, an installation of 550 silk flags on Nairn Eastbeach and a visit from Vision Mechanics’ 10m tall puppet, STORM.
We also welcomed a special visit by HRH The Duchess of Rothesay, the first time a member of the Royal Family has attended the festival.
STORM’s visit to Nairn was covered by STV News.
