Roots Festival - Join Visitors From Accross The Globe

Issued: 12 June 2008

Tickets are on sale now for events in the inaugural Angus & Dundee Roots Festival programme. This week-long festival, which takes place from 6th - 13th September 2008, will provide a focus for people whose ancestors came from Angus & Dundee to visit the area to find out more about their ancestral homeland whilst at the same time forging new friendships with like-minded people from across the globe. It promises to be a fun, entertaining and informative week, giving people with their roots in the area a true flavour of what life was like for their ancestors in days gone by.

The Festival will be launched in style at a glittering Gala Dinner at Guthrie Castle near Forfar on Saturday 6th September. Guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the magnificent Castle rooms before being piped into The Pavilion, where they will be welcomed by the Lord Provosts of Angus and Dundee before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner in the company of special guest speaker Dr Nick Barratt, from BBC TV's 'Who Do You Think You Are?'

Nick is founder and CEO of Sticks Research Agency, which carries out research for the BBC's flagship genealogy programme. He has also researched and presented the recent series 'Hidden House Histories' for the History Channel and 'So You Think You're Royal' (Sky One), as well as making numerous TV appearances acting as an informal spokesperson for history and genealogy. Tickets for the Gala Dinner cost £50 per person.

On the evening of Sunday 7th September, a fun and informal BBQ will take place at Café Byzantium at Monikie Country Park, with fabulous food and great entertainment including music from local jazz band Havana Swing. Tickets £12 adults, £10 children (16 and under).

The week will be rounded off in style on Friday 12th September with a spectacular Farewell Ceilidh on board HM Frigate Unicorn, the world's most original wooden warship. Enjoy an evening in the company of Ronnie Coburn and his Breath of Scotland band as they call the tunes and treat you to a fabulous evening of traditional Scottish entertainment. A welcome drink and full buffet are included in the ticket price. Tickets £20 per person.

Tickets for all three events are available from Webster Theatre, Arbroath (Tel. 01241 435800) and Dundee City Box Office, Tel. 01382 434940.

For more information about the Roots Festival visit the Tayroots website.