• Some of Orkney's finest musicians in action at the Orkney Folk Festival in 2014 - image by Sean Purser

Folk Festival programme launched

The 2017 Orkney Folk Festival programme is out now...

The 2017 Orkney Folk Festival programme is out now, featuring details of more than thirty events across twenty venues in fourteen different towns, villages and parishes in the islands.

Eddi Reader will return to Orkney to perform at the 2017 Folk Festival - image by Sean Purser


From headline names like Scottish singer Eddi Reader and Irish/American fiddle and guitar pair Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, to talented local acts including Saltfishforty and Gnoss, there is something for everyone in this year’s line-up.

The Festival is celebrating its 35th birthday in style with a series of special events, including Kris Drever, fresh from his BBC Radio Two Folk Awards success, hosting a ‘Muckle Gathering’ with special guests.

Orkney favourites The Chair will take to the stage once again this year - image by Sean Purser


Elsewhere there will be ceilidhs and concerts in unique venues in places like Deerness, Birsay, Sanday, Kirkwall and Longhope. But the heart of the Festival remains in Stromness, and you’ll be able to see many of the performers in the relaxed setting of one of the pub sessions in the town throughout the course of the event.

Take a look at the official website to find out more. You can also browse a digital version of the programme or download your own copy.

The Orkney Folk Festival is full of talented and varied performers - image by Sean Purser


The 2017 Orkney Folk Festival will run between the 25th and 28th of May. Tickets for the festival go on sale at 10am on Saturday 29 April, with Festival Patrons receiving a week’s advance access, from 10am on Saturday 22nd. Patronage is still available for purchase, up to Saturday 15th April.


The Digital Media Orkney project is being part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014–2020 Programme.

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