The Festival is being organised under the aegis of the Balerno Village Conservation and Development Forum (BVCDF) as part of a proactive initiative to regenerate community life in Balerno. The actual organisational group managing the Festival comprises members of the Balerno Folk Club, the Balerno Bowling Club, St Mungo’s Church, The Pentland Singers and Balerno Parish Church.
“With considerable audiences, good venues, and a guarantee of excellence and ambitious programming, the Balerno Music Festival demonstrates our commitment to the area. We hope this second festival heralds the establishment of a regular event in the calendar of village life” said Richard Dennis, who leads the Parish Church work on the Festival.
“President Hugh Watt of Balerno Bowling Club said ‘Balerno Bowling Club is delighted to be a founding partner in the development and delivery of the Balerno Music Festival. The Bowling Club is a valuable community resource for social gatherings such as weddings, birthday and anniversary parties and for senior citizens in particular to enjoy regular games of Bingo. Apart from bowling, music plays a major part in the activities of the Club with members and guests enjoying regular cabaret nights, folk nights, dances and dance classes.”
“Morag Dunbar, Convenor of Balerno Folk Club said: ” Balerno Folk Club has been keeping traditional folk music alive in Balerno and the surrounding area for over 30 years through for example the Folk Nights that our members and guests now enjoy on the last Tuesday of every month from September to June at Balerno Bowling Club. We are delighted therefore to have the opportunity to bring that music to a wider audience through the Balerno Music Festival.”
