Orkney Folk Festival

For thirty-eight glorious years, the Orkney Folk Festival has been a beacon of light across Scotland, the UK, and beyond. Just over a dozen individuals in total make up this volunteer committee. Still, their sheer dedication brings together such an incredible event every May, with many more joining them to offer assistance during those crucial weeks leading up to the festival. Since its inception in 1982, networking between artists and the audience has always been at the forefront of what this special occasion is all about; ultimately creating an atmosphere that provides something unique for everybody involved.

Rewind back to the early eighties; Orkney was facing a downturn in both tourism and traditional music. Tourist numbers were diminishing, leading to an urgent need for increased visitor traffic during months such as late spring that had previously been quiet so the industry could become more viable. Also, folk music had fallen out of fashion among younger generations. Therefore, it was essential for change to take place for these industries to survive and flourish again.

The first festival laid the foundation for what has now become a highly-anticipated event amongst artists worldwide. It is primarily the homegrown Orcadian acts that make this festival unique and keeps attendees coming back time after time. This balance between local talent and visiting performers remains one of the most critical components to ensuring its continued success today. Each year, more and more people flock to Stromness and the isles for the festival. It's an atmosphere of music, warmth, and camaraderie; many return yearly! Musicians worldwide join in on their instruments as dancers gracefully move around them. But not everyone at this gathering is a performer; there are plenty of others who come to bask in its festive spirit too!

May 25–28, 2023, will mark the 40th Orkney Folk Festival! Get ready to hear music from around the globe as 24 talented acts perform on stage. You really do not want to miss out on a night of superb entertainment from artists based in America and Canada to Scandinavia and Ireland—not forgetting the Orcadian talent returning home for this spectacular anniversary event. Hot Club of Cowtown, cellist Eric Wright, Cape Breton fiddler Mairi Rankin, Elephant Sessions, Breabach, Mo Kenney, and Kinnaris Quintet are performing.