The 42nd Orkney Folk Festival is off to a roaring start this weekend, with ticket sales smashing previous records and thousands of music lovers descending on the islands for one of Scotland’s most cherished cultural celebrations.
With almost 8,600 tickets snapped up before the first fiddle was tuned, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet, outstripping 2024’s high and welcoming an extraordinary line-up of 60 acts from across the world.
Stromness is once again the heart of the festival, but performances are spreading far and wide across the islands, from Kirkwall and Hoy to Sanday, St Margaret’s Hope and beyond.
The four-day gathering brings together a joyful mix of homegrown Orcadian talent and international stars from Canada, the USA, Australia, Ireland, the Nordic nations and Sápmi, all sharing stories, rhythms and traditions on stages great and small.
Among the standout appearances are Cape Breton’s Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, joined by their children in their first UK shows in 25 years, and a host of artists with deep island roots, including from Skye, Arran, the Isle of Man and Shetland.
A real highlight this year is The Gathering, which brings together musicians from Orkney and Cape Breton to explore their shared musical heritage, bridging the Atlantic with bows and strings.
Hadhirgaan, Orkney’s legendary youth music group, celebrates 30 years with a special concert featuring past and present pupils, joined by founder Douglas Montgomery, who was recently named Scotland’s Music Tutor of the Year.
There’s a warm return for The Maes from Australia, Frigg from Finland, and Orkney’s own Fara, marking their 10th anniversary since forming for the festival back in 2015.
The energy is infectious, whether you’re dancing to Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, losing yourself in the atmospheric stylings of Findlay Napier and Paul McKenna, or marvelling at the innovative sounds of Dreamers’ Circus and Malin Lewis.
Young stars like Orcadian group Auskerry and the ever-popular The Chair are bringing the next generation into the spotlight, while little ones can delight in Dragon Song’s charming interactive theatre.
Behind the scenes, more than 250 volunteers help power the festival’s magic, working hand-in-hand with local and national sponsors and supporters including Orkney Islands Council, Creative Scotland, and NorthLink Ferries.
Producer Craig Corse summed it up perfectly, saying, “It’s a genuine delight to once again welcome visitors from around the world as Orkney takes centre stage for the long weekend ahead. This is a true community celebration, filled with world-class music, warmth and welcome.”
With 55 events still rolling across the islands until Sunday and tickets still available for some shows, there’s time yet to catch the magic in motion.
For tickets and full listings, visit orkneyfolkfestival.com
