Perthshire farmer and much-loved agricultural comedian Jim Smith is bringing his hugely successful #KeepTalking tour to Shetland this summer, giving the farming community two opportunities to enjoy an evening of laughter, music and connection while supporting Scottish agricultural charity RSABI.
Following sell-out shows in Kelso, Skye, Orkney, Wick and Stornoway, Jim will perform at Mareel in Lerwick on Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August, continuing his mission to spread the #KeepTalking message across Scotland’s rural communities, encouraging people to look out for one another.
The Shetland gigs will feature Jim’s trademark farming humour alongside live music from local performers, George Spence and Fraser Jamieson, creating a relaxed night out where friends, neighbours and family can come together for a laugh while supporting a good cause. 10% of every £20 ticket sold will be donated to RSABI to help fund its free practical, financial and emotional support for people in Scottish agriculture.
Kindly sponsored by NorthLink Ferries, Jarmson (Shetland) Ltd, Anderson Strathern LLP, J & DS Halcrow, TL Dallas & Co Ltd and Shetland Livestock Marketing Group Ltd, the #KeepTalking Shetland events are already backed by a strong group of local supporters. RSABI is inviting any additional local businesses, organisations or supporters that would like to get involved by becoming sponsors, or by donating prizes to support fundraising on the night, to get in touch at fundraising@rsabi.org.uk.
Jim Smith, comedian and RSABI #KeepTalking ambassador, said: “I’ve been blown away by the support for the #KeepTalking tour so far. Every venue has sold out and it’s been brilliant to see so many folk coming together for a good laugh while also helping spread an important message.
“Life in farming can be incredibly busy and it’s easy to lose touch with people, so these nights are about taking a break, catching up with pals and remembering to check in on each other. If someone seems a bit quieter than usual or you think they might be struggling, don’t be afraid to start a conversation.
“I’ve been proud to support RSABI as an ambassador for the past five years and know just how valuable the charity’s work is. Hopefully the tour also reminds people that help is always there if they need it through RSABI’s free 24-hour Helpline.
“I can’t wait to take the tour to Shetland, where we’ll be bringing the laughs and good fun. Get your pals together and come along, it’ll be a brilliant night and for a great cause”.
Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, said: “The response to Jim’s #KeepTalking tour has been incredible. Every show so far has received fantastic support, proving just how much people value the opportunity to get together, enjoy a night out and reconnect with friends and neighbours.
“These evenings are about much more than comedy. They’re a chance to take a well-earned break, connect with each other, and remind everyone that no one in Scottish agriculture has to face difficult times alone.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jim for continuing to champion the #KeepTalking message, to all our brilliant sponsors for supporting the Shetland events, and to everyone who has helped make the tour such a success.
“We’d love to hear from businesses interested in supporting the Shetland events so please get in touch if you would like to offer support.”
Tickets cost £20, with 10% of every ticket supporting RSABI’s work. More information and tickets are available via the Mareel website: https://tickets.shetlandarts.org/sales/categories/comedy/an-evening-of-laughter-and-goo
RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.