Festival fun on the Orkney horizon

In fact, it’s quite the opposite, and over the coming weeks and months our events calendar is packed with no less six fabulous festivals, including three brand-new events.

Take a look at what’s happening across the islands as summer slides towards autumn.

The latest music festival to arrive in Orkney will see a weekend of the very best bluegrass, country, Americana, gospel, western swing and more across the Churchill Barriers in Burray. The Water Sound Bluegrass & Roots Festival has a packed programme, full of local and visiting artists, with performances set to be held in a large marquee in the village. The nearby Burray Hall will host jamming sessions and workshops, and there will be plenty of food and camping options available too, all adding to the festival atmosphere.

Now in its 10^th year, the Orkney Rock Festival has become a real favourite on the local musical calendar. The festival has gone from strength to strength, welcoming a wide range of talented musicians to Orkney from around the country. Gigs are held in pubs throughout Kirkwall, with powerful performances and a raucous atmosphere to enjoy. There are also two ticketed events in The Neuk over the weekend which is open to younger rockers.

From new events to one that is now a well established part of Orkney’s calendar, the Orkney International Science Festival returns for its 35^th year this September. With its eclectic programme of walks, talks, music, performances, and demonstrations, it always has something for everyone to enjoy. This year the focus will be on topics including astronomy, ancient Orkney, geology, and sheep breeds in Nordic lands. Orkney’s first ever Climate COP will be held during the festival too.

Another newcomer to our events calendar, the Orkney Archaeology Festival will celebrate the incredible archaeological heritage found across the islands. The four-day programme features a huge range of free and ticketed events, including guided walks, talks, hands-on activities, site tours, and behind-the-scenes experiences. It won’t just focus on Neolithic Orkney either – you’ll be able to find out more about the Bronze Age, Iron Age brochs, Viking settlements, and 20^th century wartime stories too.

The last of our newcomers, this two-day celebration of Orkney’s finest food and drink is the perfect way to settle into autumn. The Orkney Food & Drink Festival features cocktail masterclasses, gin-making experiences, the chance to learn all about seaweed, and plenty of tastings and delicious treats to try. It’s also headlined by celebrity chef James Martin, who will host a series of live cooking demonstrations showcasing the very best local produce.

The Orkney Storytelling Festival is the perfect way to spend an autumnal weekend in Orkney, wrapped up with tall tales and folklore from the islands and further afield. Visiting storytellers join local talent to celebrate the oral tradition, with events held across Orkney and often including story walks and island-hopping visits.