The UK’s most northerly bluegrass and roots festival will return to Orkney in 2026.

The Water Sound Bluegrass and Roots Festival is a three-day celebration of bluegrass, country, Americana, blues, and roots music in Burray, Orkney. The festival features world-class international and local artists, workshops, jamming, camping, great food, and a warm community welcome.

The festival will be held between Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July and is named after the stretch of water between Burray and South Ronaldsay. Main performances will be held in a large marquee with bar in Burray village close to the Burray Hall. In addition to the main marquee, there will be a range of stalls, food, and camping available for tents and motorhomes.

The island of Burray has a rich musical heritage and a community that enthusiastically supports activities and musical events. The festival itself is proud to be strongly rooted in the local Burray community and the wider Orkney musical community, and is delivered by the Burray Community Association. The island itself has amenities such as a hotel and bar, holiday accommodation, café, play park, sports pitches, and the UK’s most northerly crazy golf course! It is also just a few miles from St. Margaret’s Hope which has a ferry connection to the Scottish mainland as well as many amenities such as shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation.

We can’t wait to bring everyone together for another brilliant weekend of incredible music and fun in our beautiful island. You can expect a warm welcome!

Find out more on the official website. You can also find the festival on Facebook.

, Visit Orkney, Life in Orkney, Culture & Heritage, Culture & Events, Burray & South Ronaldsay