One of Scotland’s most cherished cultural celebrations is returning this September and it’s shaping up to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Blas Festival 2025 will light up venues across the Highlands and Islands from 5 to 13 September, bringing with it a vibrant mix of music, heritage and community connection.
From village halls to arts centres, around 25 concerts and cèilidhs are planned, featuring a stunning lineup of traditional artists from both Scotland and Ireland.
Among the headline acts are Gaelic songstress Julie Fowlis, master fiddler Duncan Chisholm, James Duncan Mackenzie, Mischa Macpherson, Lauren MacColl, Norrie MacIver, and Gaelic supergroup Dàimh.
International favourites Flook will also bring their high-energy sound to audiences from Resolis to Golspie.
But this year’s festival also offers something groundbreaking.
Aon Ghuth / One Voice, the world’s first Gaelic Makaton choir, will take the stage in the festival’s finale blending Gaelic song with Makaton signing to create a powerful and inclusive performance.
They’ll be joined by renowned Gaelic singers Arthur Cormack, Jenna Cumming and Ruairidh Gray, backed by an all-star house band led by Ingrid Henderson.
For Calum Alex Macmillan, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the magic of Blas lies in its reach.
“From Ardross to Ardgour and Strathy to Staffin, we’re bringing people together through music, language and cultural celebration,” he said.
Since its humble beginnings in 2004, Blas has delivered over 1,350 events, welcomed more than 130,000 attendees and contributed an estimated £8.4 million to the Highland economy.
One of this year’s standout performances is An Treas Suaile a moving tribute to those lost in the Iolaire tragedy of 1919, created by Duncan Chisholm and Julie Fowlis.
Blending song, story and visuals, it offers a deeply emotional insight into one of Scotland’s darkest maritime disasters and will be performed in Ullapool and Kyle.
“It’s been a profoundly moving project,” said Fowlis.
“Sharing these stories through music allows us to honour those who were lost and ensure they are never forgotten.”
Blas 2025 also celebrates the cultural bond between Scotland and Ireland, with special collaborative concerts featuring Irish musicians Bláithínn MhicCanna, Piaras O Lorcain and Lauren Ni Nèill alongside Highland artists.
Festival favourites Trail West will help mark the 25th anniversary of Fèis Air an Oir in Strathy, and schools across the region will be treated to live music and drama visits as part of the festival’s youth engagement focus.
The final concert will also see the first live performance of Air Falbh ann am Bàta, a haunting lockdown-era commission by Mike Vass, brought to life by young Fèis musicians using recordings from Tobar an Dualchais.
Cllr Drew Millar of Highland Council praised the festival’s impact.
“Blas is a cultural cornerstone,” he said.
“It showcases the incredible talent we have across Highland communities and underlines the social and economic value of Gaelic and traditional music.”
The full programme and ticket details are available at www.blas.scot.
