This was a new one for us here, we’ve never been to Edinburgh’s Tradfest before, and it’s also new for them, to put on child friendly gigs…so we were very excited to get along and check this gig out led by award-winning singer Fiona Hunter (Malinky) and joined by Ali Patterson (Skippinish) on keyboards and Pablo Lafuente (Project Smok) on guitar. 

Family fun levelled up at Fiona Hunter’s relaxed performance. 

Me and boyo (16 months) were a bit intimidated when we first entered Traverse 1 on a Sunday afternoon, with steeply raked seats and the stage set up for a concert, but as soon as Fiona, Ali and Pablo entered with bags of props they made us feel right at home, inviting us all to get up close on stage and join in (an instruction that the under 5s who made up about half of the audience didn’t need telling twice- if only adults were so keen to participate). Bouncy snowballs, floaty scarves and animal hats were all pulled into action, and Fiona had a great way with the kids, it really did feel relaxed as she sang a mix of trad lullabies and Scots nursery rhymes. For the adults, it was Fiona’s voice that made it something more than just a singalong. And actually, although boyo had just woken up from a nap and was in no mood for joining in, he was very happy to cuddle up and listen to the beautiful songs and tunes too.

Would absolutely recommend for under 5s and their adults. 

(Written by Debs Hahn )