Film, fabric, music and muse... coming soon to Inverness

Ideas for a TV show or a film, a brand new fashion look or an overnight chart-topping single should be dragged out of your kitchen and into the Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness when some of the creative industries' top professionals come to town.

Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and GoEvents, the GoHI festival will run from September 7 to September 9 offering a real chance for the area's creative minds to grab a chance at global success.

And to get things going at a scorching pace, former Stone Roses and Simply Red guitarist Aziz and top Inverness band The Jyrojets will be playing at the IronWorks on Academy Street on Friday, August 30, getting everyone in the GoHI mood. All comers welcome.

During the three day event pubs and clubs in the city centre will host a huge range of live bands, while people already working on film, TV, music and writing projects are invited to join those who would like to be, to discuss possibilities with some top names in the industry.

The first talking shop on Friday, 'Developing creative ideas and guerrilla marketing', will include contributions from literary agent Mark Stanton, film producer Lachlan MacKinnon, former shadow minister for Culture Mike Russell, communications consultant Peter Kane and record label manager Phil Ellis.

On Saturday there will be a chance for those wanting to break into the music business to meet a roll-call of professionals including managers, agents and promoters who will talk on a panel but also be available for a one-to-one chat about individual aspirations.

Of particular interest to a growing number of women who are carving highly successful careers in these industries will be a Creative Women's Network event on Saturday. The panel will include Lisa Whytock, an agent who has worked with Eddi Reader, the Levellers and Bob Geldof together with fashion journalist Kay Barron, singer songwriter Jo Hilditch and broadcaster Gill Mills.

It will coincide with an all-day fashion event with a chance to buy clothes, swap ideas and network for anyone interested in cool couture. A catwalk fashion show will exhibit work from Kirsteen Stewart, Tait and Style and Phat Sheep (all Orkney), Inner Strength (Ross-shire); Sporran Nation and Coca Couture (Inverness); and Taylored Textiles (Moray) together with that of other designers.

On Saturday from 11.00 until 23.00 there will be a programme of artwork throughout the old town of Inverness reflecting its past, present and future, entitled 'Imagining the Centre'.

The timetable for GoHI is September 7, Making the Web Work for You with Channel 4 Ideasfactory 19.30-21.30. September 8, Developing Creative Ideas and Guerrilla Marketing(AIMhi) 15.00-17.30. September 9, Hi Fashion 10.00-15.00; Inside the Music Business 13.30-15.30; Creative Women's Network 15.30-17.30; All at the Royal Highland Hotel, in Academy Street, Inverness. (The final three events have crèche facilities available, pre-booking required).

There will be live music showcases on September 8 and 9 from 20.00 till late at Hootenanny, Mad Hatters, The Room, The Foundry and Market Bar.

For more information email HIE staff Iain Hamilton or Gillian MacDonald at iain.hamilton@hient.co.uk or gillian.macdonald@hient.co.uk or visit the GoEvents web page