In September/October, ACE Voices had the privilege of participating in the WayWORD Festival in Aberdeen. This festival empowers young people across Aberdeen and beyond to produce a cross-arts literary festival, and helps to break down barriers to culture within the local community.

Firstly, we were invited to host two Wilderness days at the beautiful Cruickshank Botanic Gardens. The first event was open to everybody, and the second was a private event for a small number of children from Dyce Primary School who all experience Developmental Language Disorder, building on our involvement in NYCoS’ Loving Learning Through Music’ Project in 2021/22.

These events were led by our newly established ACE Voices Youth Community Leadership Team, and what a great job they did! They set up the venue, helped welcome the families and the children, and led activities such as making mini fires, den-building and games. We welcomed friends old and new, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We led the school children through the Zoology building to reach their bus. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore, but maybe next time!

One of the highlights was a child who previously was afraid of playing outdoors, having the time of his life and not wanting to leave! Thanks go to Mark Paterson and the staff at Cruickshank Botanic Gardens for allowing us to use their space. If you have never been, you are missing a treat! It is truly beautiful.

Then, we were invited to host a traditional family ceilidh in the wonderful Cowdray Hall. Members of our Youth Community Leadership Team were tasked with various aspects of the evening, such as playing in the band, welcoming our guests, reading poems and even demonstrating some of the dances. Despite the horrible weather, with many events being cancelled, the band played on, and we welcomed over 50 people of all ages! A great evening, and our ACE Voices Community Ceilidh Band sounded resplendent in that glorious hall.

The next day, members of our ACE Voices Intergenerational Choir and Tall Ships Choir performed a short set at the Art Gallery. It was a real pleasure to sing in this setting, and our ever-growing audience were very appreciative.

Our thanks go to Kirsty, Shane, Helen and everyone at the WayWORD Festival for allowing us this opportunity to showcase ACE Voices, and particularly our youth community leadership team. We enjoyed every minute and look forward to taking part again next year.