April, 2008
1st
Apr - 30th July: Skye Traditional Music Short Courses.
Short courses in instruments such as fiddle, pipes clarsach, button and
piano key accordion, cello taught by renowned musicians in the beautiful
south of Skye. Sabhal Mor Ostaig Gaelic College - Sleat. www.smo.uhi.ac.uk
4-5:
Northern Streams.
Featuring music, song and dance from Scandinavia and Scotland with
concerts, workshops, an open stage and sessions. Presented by TMSA
Edinburgh and Lothians Branch and partners as part of Ceilidh Culture.
The Storytelling Centre - Edinburgh. www.eltmsa.org.uk
10-13:
Lang Spoon Festival. Third
festival with a great line up of acts confirmed, late night festival
club, sessions etc. Great venue with all facilities available. Rothes
Halls - Glenrothes. www.langspoonfestival.com
11-13:
Moffat Weekend of Song and Music.
Concert on Saturday evening with Hillary Bell and Trio Threlfall. Ballade
Workshop with Nick Caffrey and English Concertina Workshop with Rob
Malaney. Moffat. www.dalbeattie.com
18-20:
Glenfarg Folk Feast.
Concerts, ceilidhs, children's event, original song competition,
workshops, sessions, legendary singarounds and world puff-a-box
championship. www.glenfargfolkclub.co.uk
30:
Events and Sessions at the Leith Folk Club. All our gigs are held in The Village on South Fort
Street. www.leithfolkclub.org
May, 2008
1-4:
Shetland Folk Festival.
Shetland’s premier music event featuring acts from all over the world
and the best musical talent Shetland has to offer. www.shetlandfolkfestival.com
2-4:
Girvan Folk Festival.
Three concert venues, competitions, ceilidh dance childrens events,
sessions for tunes and songs, Open Stage, workshops,secure campsite. www.girvanfolkfestival.co.uk
3-5:
Fèis Rois Adult Fèis.
An amazing A-list team of tutors lead classes in accordion, bouzouki,
cello, chanter, fiddle, flute, Gaelic language, Gaelic song, guitar,
groupwork, harmony singing, Highland pipes, mandolin, piano, Scottish
small harp, small pipes and tin whistle. The Tutors Ceilidh is often
described as the best night ever, with an unbelievable line-up of 40
tutors performing one item each. Ullapool. www.feisrois.org
9-11:
7th Moniaive Folk Festival.
Intimate festival in one of Scotland's most picturesque villages. Altan,
The Omega 3 (formerly Roaring Jelly), Bellevue Rendezvouse, Moishe's
Bagel, Lionel McLelland, Paul McKenna Band, and Sound Sense PA, plus
workshops, sessions, singarounds and children's events. www.moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk
16-18:
FifeSing 2008 - The Fife Traditional Singing Weekend.
This is the sixth annual Fife Traditional Singing Weekend - workshops,
talks, concerts and singarounds, with some of the finest exponents of
Scottish traditional singing to be found today. Fife Animal Park -
Collessie. www.springthyme.co.uk/events/fifesing
22-25:
Orkney Folk Festival.
26th year of Scotland's premier folk festival. Famed for mixture of high
quality, big name concerts, friendly sessions and workshops. www.orkneyfolkfestival.com
22-25:
Knockengorroch World Ceilidh.
Unique family friendly Celtic/World music festival on remote greenfield
site in the Galloway hills. High profile and emerging performers. Two
stages, sessions, workshops, storytelling, fire performances,
children’s marquee, djs and more. Knockengorroch Farm - Carsphairn,
Castle Douglas. www.knockengorroch.org.uk
22
May - 1st Jun: Perth Festival of the Arts. 11 day arts festival based in Perth Concert Hall and
Perth Theatre. www.perthfestival.co.uk
23-25:
Dunblane Fling.
A friendly traditional festival, now in its 15th year offering ceilidh,
concerts, free workshops and outdoor entertainment and the ever-popular
Fling at Doune Castle. Fun for all the family. www.dunblanefling.com
23-25:
Buchan Heritage Festival.
Pre-festival dance on Friday night, with Nicol McLaren & Glencraig
Dance Band. Competitions for traditional song, music and verse on
Saturday. Prizewinners concert and ceilidh on Saturday evening. Ritchie
Hall - Strichen. www.buchanheritagesociety.co.uk
20th
May - 1st Jun: The Border Gaitherin.
Tutors confirmed so far are Liz Doherty (fiddle) and Lori Watson (Border
tunes and song). Ceilidh; concert featuring tutors, sessions, singarounds
and open stage performances. Coldstream. www.bordergaitherin.com
31st
May - 1st Jun: Montrose Music Festival. Featuring local and national bands and musicians Some
of the greatest musical talent on show Something for everyone. www.montrosemusicfestival.co.uk
June 2008
13-15:
Loanhead Music Festival.
The Festival is a well-established event in the local calendar, and
attracts musicians from the local area, Scotland and England. It features
a concert, first-class pub sessions, workshops, a craft fair, a
songwriting competition and the infamous Recycled Musical Instrument
Competition. www.loanheadfest.co.uk
13-15:
Keith Festival.
Traditional music festival with ceilidhs, concerts, competitions and
informal sessions. www.keithfestival.co.uk
15-25:
Ed Miller's Annual Folksong Tour of Scotland. Visiting locations of Scots songs, with performances
by Iain Fraser, Brian McNeill, Margaret Bennett and more; plus some
hikes. www.songsofscotland.com
21:
Glasgow Fiddle Workshop JuneJam.
A day of traditional music workshops……"the right balance of
tutor input and participant involvement" ... "quite
enjoyable!" PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL. www.glasgowfiddle.org.uk
27-29:
Cumnock Music Festival.
Cumnock Music Festival is a 3-day event filled with music, competitions
and workshops culminating in a family Sunday Funday event. Reasonably
priced tickets and great bands. Don’t miss it. There is a main stage in
the marquee which holds 450 seated with other smaller venues. Music will
range from Folk/Traditional/Jazz to Rock/Pop/Art. Email: Joan.Outram@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
30th
Jun - 5th Jul: Tinto Summer School.
This highly popular youth residential summer school is now in its ninth
year and has had a host of tutors from Charlie McKerron to Karine Polwart
to Liz Doherty to Corrina Hewat. All instruments and singers of all skill
levels welcome. Wiston Lodge - Wiston, South Lanarkshire. www.handsupfortrad.co.uk
July 2008
1st
Jul - 31st Aug: The Hairst.
A celebration of Scottish traditional music, dance, and theatre,
showcasing a wide variety of Scottish talent. Events throughout Angus. www.thehairst.co.uk
4-6:
Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival. 39th year of the "Friendly Festival" based
around competitions and endless sessions with concert, dance, ceilidh,
workshops. An atmosphere that must be experienced to be believed. Make it
this year. www.newcastleton.com
6th
Jul - 15th Aug: Living Tradition Summer School.
Summer School with tuition, concerts and sessions. Strongly based on
traditional music with much more to inform and inspire.
Ayrshire/Dumfriesshire. www.glaisnock.org
10-13:
Stonehaven Folk Festival.
International Folk Festival including concerts, workshops, sessions,
Aqua-Ceilidh, World Paper ‘n’ Comb Championship, Childrens’
Concert, Chorus Cup, Tradition Bearers’ Concert plus more. A fun
weekend for all the family. www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk
14th
Jul - 8th Aug: Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail.
Traditional Music Song and dance in a variety of venues around Loch Ness
and the Caledonian Canal. Informal music sessions & ceilidhs.
Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus and down to
Invergarry then over to Whitebridge and back to Inverness. www.highland.gov.uk
16-19:
Hebridean Celtic Festival.
Fantastic four-day festival set against the rich cultural backdrop of the
Outer Hebrides, featuring top quality music from around the Celtic
nations and beyond. Stornoway and throughout Lewis and Harris. www.hebceltfest.com
18-20:
Lossie Folk Festival. Festival
of concerts, sessions and singarounds. Children's entertainment on the
Sunday. All events free. www.lossiefolkclub.co.uk
19:
Tullochs Traditional Music Tent.
Traditional Music Tent is part of the Inverness Highland Games from 1.00
- 5.00pm. With a variety of musicians of all ages taking part in trad
music song and dance. www.highland.gov.uk
25-27:
Lomond Folk Festival.
Music wall to wall, workshops, concerts, all day open stage and lots of
street entertainment. Concerts in the evening in the marquee on the
Moss-o-Balloch. Balloch. www.lomondfolkfestival.com
25-27:
Traditional Singing Weekend at Cullerlie. A unique celebration, bringing together outstanding
traditional singers from Scotland, England, and Ireland. The weekend
includes ceilidhs featuring the guest singers, singarounds for everyone
who wants to join in, workshops, and a talk. Cullerlie Farm -
Aberdeenshire. www.abdn.ac.uk
25-27:
Ugie Folk Festival. Friendly,
informal festival - Friday Folk Night, Saturday afternoon Workshop and
evening Ceilidh/Concert, Sunday Session. All welcome. Stuartfield, nr
Mintlaw. www.ugiefolk.co.uk
26th
Jul - 1st Aug: Alasdair Fraser Fiddle Week. Week long event, taught by a range of acclaimed
musicians including Alasdair himself, surrounded by the beautiful scenery
of south Skye. Sabhal Mor Ostaig Gaelic College - Sleat. www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/cg
28th
Jul - 3rd Aug: Speyfest.
Four days of concerts, ceilidhs and "stomps" featuring the best
in traditional and contemporary Celtic music. The Playing Fields -
Fochabers. www.speyfest.com
August 2008
3-10:
Common Ground Scotland.
A musical holiday experience with tuition, concerts and sessions.
Strongly based on traditional music with much more to inform and inspire.
Ayrshire. www.commongroundscotland.com
8-10:
Auchtermuchty Festival Traditional Music Weekend.
Concerts, ceilidhs, dances, competitions, workshops and sessions. Also
open air events. www.auchtermuchty-festival.org.uk
15-17:
Innerleithen Music Festival.
Concerts, workshops, sessions, late night club, competition and outdoor
events featuring national and local stars in lovely location amongst
Border hills. Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Traquair. www.innerleithenmusicfestival.org
20-24:
Marymass Folk Festival.
Small friendly festival now in 41st year. Sessions, singaround, concerts.
Irvine. www.irvinefolkclub.co.uk
21-24:
Mull of Kintyre Music Festival.
Concerts, ceilidhs, pub sessions, open-air events, children’s
entertainment. Cambeltown. www.mokfest.com
September 2008
5-7:
Kirriemuir Festival.
Festival of Scottish traditional music and song including competitions,
ceilidhs and concerts. www.kirriefestival.org
5-13:
Blas 2008.
Celebrating the best of Highland and Gaelic music and culture, with world
standard participation of local, national and international acts.
Highlands. www.blas-festival.com
11-14:
Linlithgow Folk Festival.
The 10th Linlithgow Folk Festival with concert, family ceilidh,
workshops, canal cruises, children’s events, craft fair and bluegrass
day. www.angelfire.com/music2/linlithgowfolkfest
19-21:
The Hairth.
Unique family friendly Celtic/World music festival on remote greenfield
site in the Galloway hills. High profile and emerging performers. Two
stages, sessions, workshops, storytelling, fire performances,
children’s marquee, djs and more. Knockengorroch Farm - Carsphairn,
Castle Douglas. www.knockengorroch.org.uk
26-28:
The Belhaven Best: Dunbar Traditional Music Festival.
The Festival includes sessions at named venues and includes ceilidhs,
dance, and childrens workshop, with strolling musicians welcome. www.dtmf.dunbar.org.uk
26-28:
Isle of Jura Music Festival.
Local artists concert, children especially welcome. Workshops (fiddle,
guitar, accordion etc). Fringe and children's entertainment. Saturday
grand concert and ceilidh with visiting acts. Church service, Islay Pipe
Band, children's play and fringe entertainment on the Sunday. Telephone:
01469 820362
28th
Sep - 14th Oct: The Doric Festival.
In its fifteenth year, the Doric Festival celebrates the language, song,
music and traditions of the Northeast through performances, drama,
workshops an exhibitions. North East Scotland. www.thedoricfestival.com
October 2008
Dunfermline
Folk Weekend.
A weekend of all kinds of folk music - concerts, workshops, sessions and
much more. Organised by Dunfermline Folk Club. Dates to be Confirmed.
Email: dfw@dunfermline.ednet.co.uk
3-5:
Selkirk Sessions. Session-based
festival in this picturesque border town, with a concert on the Saturday.
Transport to and from the campsite. www.selkirksessions.com
3-6:
Fest 'n' Furious.
Dundee's festival of traditional music with workshops, masterclasses,
open mic sessions, concert and ceilidh. www.festnfurious.co.uk
13-17:
Blazin' in Beauly.
Started by the band Blazin’ Fiddles in the historic village of Beauly,
15 miles west of Inverness. www.blazininbeauly.com
18:
Big National Ceilidh Event.
Details of your ceilidh will appear on the www.bignationalceilidh.co.uk
site,
and you will be able to find out about other events taking place near you
and across the country.
24th
Oct - 2nd Nov: 19th Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
Annual celebration of the richness and diversity of oral traditions. Live
storytelling, music, visual arts, workshops, literature, talks and
discussions. Scottish Storytelling Centre and others - Edinburgh, Lothian
and Glasgow. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
31st
Oct - 1st Nov: Denholm Folk Festival.
5th Year of the small but perfectly formed festival with concerts,
workshops and endless sessions. www.denholmfolkfest.co.uk
November 2008
1-30:
The Howe Festival.
The 5th year of Celebrating Creativity in the Mearns, featuring music,
dance, art and craft inspired by the land and its people. Activities for
all ages: concerts, workshops, music sessions, ceilidhs. Throughout
Aberdeenshire. www.aberdeenshirearts.org.uk
10-16:
Carrying Stream.
Hamish Henderson, the great folklorist, songwriter and poet, died in
2002. Since that year, Edinburgh Folk Club has, every November around
Hamish’s birthday, organised a gathering of musicians, singers, poets
and storytellers to celebrate the life and legacy of that great man. With
concerts, the annual Hamish Henderson Lecture, workshops, films and
sessions. Edinburgh. www.edinburghfolkclub.org.uk
15-16:
Edinburgh University Folk (Song) Society 50th Anniversary.
Special 50th Anniversary Concert with former members from across the
years singing and playing. Ceilidh dance, sessions and singarounds. We'd
love to hear from any former members interested in attending, or who can
help us fill in the gaps in the society's history. www.eufolksoc.org.uk
21-23:
Scots Fiddle Festival.
A whole weekend of non-stop fiddle music. Concerts, ceilidhs, recitals,
workshops, talks, sessions, open stage. Includes a full Youth Gaitherin'
programme. Assembly Rooms - Edinburgh. www.scotsfiddlefestival.com
27-29: Scots Trad
Music Awards. The
aim of these Awards is to highlight Scotland's wonderful traditional
music in all its forms and to create a high profile opportunity which
will bring the music and music industry into the spotlight of media &
public attention. This is always a glittering occasion and a great party.
Fruitmarket - Glasgow. Telephone: 0131 308 3089
MyScotland.be
