Preparations are well underway for this year’s To Absent Friends, a people’s festival of storytelling and remembrance, which takes place across Scotland from 1-7 November.
The festival, which began in 2014, gives people across Scotland the opportunity to remember loved ones who have died, through stories, celebrations and acts of reminiscence.
All kinds of different events are taking place across Scotland to mark the occasion. Events already planned for this year include street parties, jazz evenings, coffee mornings, even a barber shop concert with an absent friends theme.
For example in Alloa, lung health support group, Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire will be holding a musical afternoon with Sauchie Community Choir to remember their absent friends.
The Broomhouse Centre in Edinburgh will be remembering their absent friends through storytelling and the creation of a "tree of life" on which to share memories.
Meanwhile in Aberdeenshire, musicians will be gathering at the "Tin Hut" (Gartly Community Hall) for a personal remembrance of their late friend, Keith Cockburn.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre is getting involved, with a workshop exploring the To Absent Friends Supper as a means of recreating an evocative opportunity for storytelling and remembrance in the Scottish tradition.
Many people will hold their own private acts of remembrance as well, and the festival provides an opportunity for people to share their tributes on the online Wall of Remembrance, and their songs on the Remembrance Playlist.
November has long been associated with remembrance of the dead, through traditions like Samhain and All Souls’ Day. To Absent Friends is reviving those lost traditions and helping to create new ones, as a way to support active remembrance of dead people. Talking openly about someone who is dead can often cause discomfort or embarrassment, but To Absent Friends wants to change that.
If you're interested in getting involved, the festival website offers plenty of suggestions, from small private acts of reminiscence to larger events in which communities can come together to celebrate the lives of those who have died.
To Absent Friends will take place across Scotland from 1 – 7 November 2017.
This is set to be the biggest year yet, and festival listings can be viewed on the To Absent Friends website. We’re adding to the list every day, so please get in touch if you would like to get involved. If you're looking for inspiration, some ideas are suggested here: Get Involved.
For more information or to take part, contact Robert Peacock on or 0131 272 2735 or find out more via the website: www.toabsentfriends.org.uk
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