Orkney Folk Festival has revealed its full programme for 2025, promising a spectacular showcase of folk music from around the world between 22 and 25 May.
Sixty acts from Canada, the USA, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sápmi, England, and Scotland will join Orkney’s own musicians for the festival’s 42nd edition.
This year’s event aligns with Orkney hosting the International Island Games, bringing a wealth of island musicians to the festival.
Performers from Shetland, Skye, Arran, the Isle of Man, Ireland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, Australia, and even Manhattan will take to the stage.
The programme features 55 events, including concerts, ceilidhs, lounge performances, workshops, and family events, spread across various venues in Orkney.
Stromness remains the festival’s beating heart, but performances will also take place in Birsay, Deerness, Finstown, Harray, Hoy, Kirkwall, Sanday, Sandwick, St Margaret’s Hope, Stenness, and Tankerness.
Among the standout international acts are Canadian Celtic legends Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, making their first UK appearance in 25 years.
Dreamers’ Circus will bring their acclaimed Nordic folk to Orkney in one of their rare Scottish dates, while Finnish folk maestros Frigg celebrate their 25th anniversary at the festival.
Sámi artist Emil Kárlsen adds a unique voice to the lineup, alongside Australian folk duo The Maes and American artists Guy Davis and the Haas sisters, Natalie and Brittany.
The festival also marks 30 years of Hadhirgaan, Orkney’s renowned music education project founded by Douglas Montgomery.
A special gala concert will feature past and present pupils of Hadhirgaan alongside Orcadian folk acts Fara, Gnoss, and Auskerry, celebrating the legacy of the project.
For the first time, the festival will venture into cinema with a special screening of Kim Carnie’s award-winning film, Kim Carnie Out Loud.
The documentary explores personal journeys within the LGBTQ+ community, and Kim will be present for an audience Q&A session after the screening.
Younger audiences will be treated to interactive productions by Dragon Song Productions, with puppets, songs, and storytelling tailored for children under six.
The much-loved Family Folkie returns to Stromness Academy, featuring a family-friendly Stomp and a traditional ceilidh for all ages.
Workshops will provide festivalgoers with opportunities to hone their skills in Orkney fiddle, Finnish fiddle, bluegrass fiddle, bodhran, Cape Breton step dance, cello, and songwriting.
Led by Graham Rorie, members of Frigg, Brittany Haas, Craig Baxter, Mac Morin, Natalie Haas, and Findlay Napier, the workshops cater to musicians of all levels.
The Orkney Festival Choir, under the guidance of Aimee Leonard, also returns, with an additional singing workshop hosted by The Maes.
Festival Producer Craig Corse expressed his excitement about the diverse lineup, emphasising the strong representation of island musicians and the inclusion of Nordic artists.
He highlighted the festival’s expansion into cinema and puppet theatre, ensuring a rich and varied experience for audiences.
Tickets go on pre-sale for members of Orkney Friends, the festival’s supporter scheme, on Saturday 29 March, before general sales open at 7pm BST on Wednesday 2 April.
Orkney Folk Festival 2025 promises a thrilling celebration of folk music, blending local tradition with international flair for an unforgettable four days of entertainment.
