The Dornoch Music and Beer Festival will return to Dornoch Meadows on Friday 17 July and Saturday 18 July 2026, promising its biggest year yet as the event expands with major headliners, a significantly larger stage, and a strengthened family focus.
Following a hugely successful 2025 festival, organisers are scaling up for 2026 with a stage double the size of last year, reflecting growing demand and the festival’s rising profile across the Highlands and beyond.
Now firmly established as one of the region’s standout summer events, the festival is expected to attract visitors from across Scotland and the wider UK, combining live music with Highland hospitality, local food, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
Irish folk pop favourites The Tumbling Paddies will headline Friday night, bringing their high energy live show to Dornoch after building a huge following across Ireland and Britain for their infectious blend of traditional and modern sound.
Saturday’s headline slot will be taken by multi platinum indie pop band The Hoosiers, known for chart topping hits including Goodbye Mr A and Worried About Ray, and still drawing large festival crowds nearly two decades after their breakthrough debut.
The confirmed line up also includes rising Scottish singer songwriter Erin Ponsonby, UK country pop breakout Harleymoon Kemp, high energy rock outfit Bad Actress, and award winning emerging artist Martin Bannon, with further acts to be announced in the months ahead.
Festival organisers say the programming reflects a deliberate mix of established names and emerging talent, designed to appeal to both dedicated music fans and those attending for a broader festival experience.
Food and drink will again play a central role, with popular vendors from 2025 returning alongside new additions, and an expanded drinks offering featuring two dedicated beer tents to improve choice, service speed, and overall visitor experience.
The beer tents will showcase a selection of Highland craft beers, lagers, ciders, spirits, and soft drinks, with further details on drinks partners and breweries to be announced closer to the event.
Families are once again a key part of the festival’s vision, with the Kids Zone returning in 2026 offering fairground rides, face painting, and organised activities aimed at creating a safe and enjoyable space for younger festival goers.
Tickets for the 2026 event are already on sale, priced at £40 for a single day or £70 for a full weekend pass, with organisers encouraging early booking as demand continues to grow year on year.
With its expanding scale, strong line up, and distinctly Highland character, the Dornoch Music and Beer Festival is positioning itself as a fixture of the summer calendar, bringing music, community and celebration together in the heart of Sutherland.
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