Creative Industries Event Hits The Highlands
Scotland's top music, film and writing talent is gathering in Inverness for creative arts showcase, XPO North.
A major showcase of Scotland's creative talent is getting underway in Inverness this week.
XpoNorth (formerly goNORTH) takes place on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June at venues across the city.
Established creative industry professionals will converge in Inverness to take part in more than 30 panels, debates and masterclasses, where they will meet and mingle with aspiring musicians, filmmakers, designers, gamers and writers. Over 1300 delegates registered for the event last year, and this year, organisers expect to exceed this figure.
On both days, a short film festival within the larger festival will entertain all-comers with 103 films from across the globe screening at the Highlands & Islands’ famous Screen Machine. The 80-seater mobile cinema will be parked on Church Street in the city centre.
On both nights, XpoNorth’s famous music showcase, which has been growing in stature since it began 15 years ago, takes over eight different venues within the city centre.
This year, over 60 hotly-tipped acts will be kicking up a storm, including 20 acts rooted in the Highlands & Islands, and several bands which have been selected to play the XpoNorth Seedlings Stage at the Belladrum Festival near Beauly in August .
New for 2015 is a fashion and craft showcase featuring the work of eleven of the Highlands & Islands top designers and makers. Their work will be on show – and for sale – on Thursday only at XpoNorth’s new festival hub and at the Old High Church Halls on Academy Street, Inverness.
Festival director, Amanda Millen, a former BBC producer who also heads up ScreenHI, the screen and broadcast wing of XpoNorth, said: “This year, the scope of the festival is greater than ever. Rebranding has allowed us to structure the festival in such a way that there is something for everyone attending.
“XpoNorth is open to anyone wishing to forge a career in the creative industries and offers an insider’s guide to getting ahead in crafts and designer fashion, publishing, gaming, screen and broadcast as well as music.
“It’s a unique event in the Scottish creative calendar – there really isn’t anything else like it. As a Highlander myself, I’m passionate about creating support networks which allow creative people to make their living and remain rooted in the Highlands & Islands. As always, the focus this week is firmly on offering emerging talent free practical, hands-on support, advice and networking opportunities.”