Tag: 1 – 11 May 2026

Edinburgh Tradfest: Full Programme

TRADITIONAL MUSIC | FOLK FILM | STORYTELLING


FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May 2026

Edinburgh Tradfest has announced full details of its 2026 programme of traditional music, film, storytelling, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events. Taking place from 1to 11 May at various venues across the city, thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

The festival kicks off with RURA and special guests Astro Bloc at Potterrow on Friday night before moving to the Traverse Theatre for a jam-packed programme of live music. Folk film screenings take place at the Cameo Cinema, and there will be storytelling and special events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. 

Music highlights include: folk song sensation and multi award-winner Kim Carnie;Scottish supergroup Session A9; The Furrow Collective (Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts); RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame); the Brian Molley Quartet tracing the Scottish roots of jazz; and Séamus and Caoimhe celebrating the culture of their Connemara homeland with dexterous instrumentals and beautiful blood harmonies.

In addition, the international line-up showcases: Rajasthani folk trio SAZ; banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act seemingly from the 1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”; Gen Z old-time combo The Onlies from Seattle; Scandinavian string trio Northern Resonance; and acclaimed singer, composer, and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.

Other must-sees include A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), the festival’s new music commission presented by singer songwriter Josie Duncan, celebrating the life of Scots 16th century poet Marie Maitland whose works explored themes of same-sex attraction; fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr; master of the melodeon Tim Edey; The Nexus Project exploring contemporary and ancient Highland bagpipes; multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black; and Deiseil: Dancing in Time– a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance told through fiddle, feet, stories and Gaelic song.

Also, not to be missed on both weekends during the day, are music workshops led by Bruce Ncube (group singing), Laura Jane Wilkie (fiddle), Anna Massie (guitar) and Cahalen Morrison (songwriting); two glorious instrumental shows: #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay featuring Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbatt, Laura Jane Wilkie and Angus Lyon; and Isla Ratcliff’s Scottish Four Seasons with Kristan Harvey, Emma Tomlinson, Natalie Haas, May Halyburton and Iona Reid; a child-friendly concert on Sunday 3 May, with award-winning singer Fiona Hunter; and this year’s Rebellious Truth talk with folk legend Dick Gaughan in conversation with Dr Lori Watson from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Celtic and Scottish Studies.

Finally, on the last Sunday of the festival, our much loved Spotlight event returns with three amazing up-and-coming combos: Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza, Curlew and Dauntless.

At the Scottish Storytelling Centre there is an exciting line-up of ceilidhs, talks, workshops and storytelling sessions all programmed and supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland).These include two storytelling shows: The Cold Heart by storyteller Franziska Droll and musician Greg Harradine which explores the terrible cost that comes with the desire for wealth and belonging; and The Corpse Roadby Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright, who perform a collection of stories and songs about the roads that for many, formed their final journey to the grave.

There is also a whole series of free talks, held both online and in-person at the Centre, exploring the roots and origins of the traditional arts. Each with a guest speaker giving a fresh perspective on their artform and asking ‘What is…’ traditional dance, music, craft, and storytelling in a contemporary Scotland? In addition, following the passing of the Scottish Languages Act last year, there will be talks on the central role that Gaelic and Scots play in defining the Traditional Arts in Scotland, as well as Edinburgh’s regular night of Gaelic culture and community Bothan Dhùn Èideann on Fri 8 May.

Alongside these talks there will be various workshops, where participants can get hands-on and learn different skills including step-dance, hand-bound brush making, willow-weaving, Gaelic song, Scots singing for the next generation of Young Scots Sangsters; and using the Ogham alphabet as a prompt for creating improvised music. 

These talks and workshops will culminate in a jam-packed Living Heritage Discovery Day on Sunday 10th May which will include a talk with Michael Fortune, one of Ireland’s leading folklorists, to discuss approaches to Intangible Cultural Heritage (Living Heritage) and tradition-bearing. On the day there will also be a Living Heritage Fayre, Come and Try Sessions, and a traditional ‘house cèilidh’.

Furthermore, there will be an exhibition of Highland Story Quilts at the Storytelling Centre created by storyteller and artist Lizzie McDougall (3 April to 10 May); Dougie Mackay returns with Hearth Fire Sessions on Thu 7 May alongside Danica Boyce, Tom Muir and Riikka Palonen; and Claire McNicol andLinda Williamson present their quarterly full-moon celebration Moonspinners with guests Josie Duncan and Anna Lehr and a Beltane theme under the full Flower Moon.

Finally, to celebrate the Outer Hebrides Film Archive’s new website (www.faodailfilm.scot) accordionist composer Pàdruig Morrison with fiddler and Gaelic singer Claire Frances MacNeil, will perform a live score for FAODAIL | FOUND to accompany a screening of some recently digitised archive films from the Outer Hebrides. This event at the Storytelling Centre, is part of the Folk Film Gathering supported by Screen Scotland which returns this year, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest with a selection of films from the world’s archives, and a focus on Scottish culture and traditions.

Other highlights from the Folk Film Gathering’s 12th edition include the opening film at the Cameo which is a World premiere of a new documentary celebrating the life and work of Trad treasure Jimmy Hutchison,featuring a one-off live concert with Jimmy and his protégé Erika Douglas. Plus, fresh from its acclaimed World premiere in Glasgow, there will be a screening of Sailm nan Daoine or (Psalms of the People) directed by Jack Archer, exploring the rich tradition of Gaelic psalm singing, and featuring Rob MacNeacail; the Scottish premiere of Celtic Utopia, a lively documentary celebrating Ireland’s current folk renaissance and featuring Lankum, The Mary Wallopers, The Deadlians and others; and a rare selection of early silent short films by Bill Douglas screening with the newly-digitised Ring of Truth written by Douglas and produced by students at Strathclyde University in 1996.

International folk film highlights include Czech romance thriller Hastrman about a nobleman/water spirit who faces an agonizing dilemma over whether to remain a wild creature or find happiness in love; 1970s Polish folk horror Lokis, A Manuscript of Professor Wittembach; cult Slovakian classic Perinbaba (The Feather Fairy); Canone Effimero directed by the De Serio brothers showcasing Italy’s vibrant folk traditions and the natural beauty of its local cultures; and the festival’s closing film, the newly-remastered 1954-Ukrainian classic Andriesh with a live performance from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.

Plus, there will be a rare cinema screening of Heiny Srour’s groundbreaking Lebanese drama-documentary Leila and the Wolves introduced by the Scottish-Palestinian poet Nada Shawa; two films celebrating the work of the Rojava Film Commune in North East Syria; and a special double-bill titled Women in Resistance: featuring Las Damas Azules and Daniel Draper’s Iron Ladies.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “At Soundhouse we have a very broad definition of traditional music and are always most excited by those artists carrying it forward in new and innovative ways.

“This year’s line-up is packed with trail-blazing musicians from the USA, Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland and India alongside a broad programme of Scotland’s finest. We’re certain that Edinburgh Tradfest ‘26 will be the best yet!”

Daniel Abercrombie, Scottish Storytelling Centre said:“Tradfest continues to be an important celebration of the traditional arts in Scotland, where Edinburgh gets to show off her blooming spring beauty with a ceilidh welcome for all.

“The Scottish Storytelling Centre and TRACS are proud to provide a programme of storytelling, music, crafts and dance as part of the festivities.”

Jamie Chambers, Folk Film Gathering producer, said: “We’re excited to be back for another year, as the world’s first folk film festival, exploring the many possibilities of what a folk cinema might be.

“As usual, our programme explores a core of rare Scottish films (including a chance to see some very rare work by the brilliant Bill Douglas) placed within a global context of the most exciting community-engaged filmmaking from across world cinema, with films from Lebanon/Palestine, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Peru and Italy.

“In particular, we’re really proud of our special strand exploring some of the different ways in which Eastern European folk tales have been translated to screen”

Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Tradfest 2026 looks to continue the festival’s trend in programming exciting emerging acts alongside household names and international visitors to make an innovative programme.

“New commissions, film screenings and workshops will sit alongside a range of activity across the traditional arts to entertain and delight Edinburgh at the start of the festival season. Creative Scotland is proud to support Soundhouse to sustain this important element of the cultural calendar.”

Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May to Monday 11 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com   

Legendary folk musician Dick Gaughan to talk about his life and music at Edinburgh Tradfest

Sunday 10 May, 2pm to 4pm – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to announce that Dick Gaughan will appear in conversation with Dr Lori Watson to talk about his life, career and love for Scotland’s big ballads on Sunday 10 May, as part of this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest (1 to 11 May 2026).

Gaughan is a singer of rare quality, a peerless guitar stylist, a charismatic performer and champion of social justice. This legendary musician has also been a huge influence on many of today’s best known folk musicians. 

A proud Leither, Dick Gaughan was born in Glasgow in 1948. He moved to Leith at just 18 months old, and began playing in the folk clubs of Edinburgh in the late 60s. In 1970 he turned professional and made his first solo album in 1971. His career saw him recording albums for himself and others, composing music for films and working as an actor and theatre music director.

In the early 80s he worked with 7:84 (Scotland) Theatre Company and released his LP Handful of Earth, widely regarded as a classic and quoted by many artists as a seminal influence on their own work.

Dick’s own songs have been recorded by, among others, Billy Bragg, Mary Black and Capercaille, and he was an early member of Boys of the Lough and Five Hand Reel. In the 1990s he founded Clan Alba, a supergroup also featuring Mary Macmaster, Brian MacNeill, Fred Morrison, Patsy Seddon, Davy Steele, Mike Travis and Dave Tulloch.

More recently, thanks to a campaign by fans and industry professionals, a Kickstarter campaign raised funds to support the release of a 7CD + DVD boxed set R/evolution: 1969-83 in 2025, with more releases planned.

Dick Gaughan: Muckle Sangs is this year’s Rebellious Truth talk presented in partnership with Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. It will also include a special music set by University of Edinburgh Traditional Artist in Residence, in Celtic and Scottish Studies Fraser Fifield.

Dr Lori Watson, Celtic & Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh said: “Talking of the muckle sangs, Dick Gaughan’s traditional ballads such as Glenlogie or Floo’er o Northumberland are a masterclass in Scots song interpretation.

“There is a deep understanding of the lives, experiences and relationships in the songs as well as the demands of the ballad form. Dick Gaughan is one of the finest, fiercest, and most compassionate storytellers in song that Scotland has seen.”

The event will be presented in person and livestreamed.

Dick Gaughan: Muckle Sangs is just one event in this year’s packed 11 day Edinburgh Tradfest programme, presenting the very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world. Other headliners include: RURA, Kim Carnie, Session A9, and The Furrow Collective.

Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May. Full programme including folk film and storytelling will be announced on Tuesday 17 March 2026 thanks to support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com

Edinburgh Tradfest announces 2026 Music Programme

FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May 2026

The festival’s FULL programme including workshops, folk films, and  storytelling will be announced on Tuesday 17 March, thanks to support from the  National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation. 

Opening this year’s festival at Potterrow, is multi-award winning, trad music  powerhouse RURA (below) performing tunes from their 15-year-long repertoire; and Scottish newcomers Astro Bloc (Eryn Rae, Paul Jennings, Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, Gillie Ó Flaherty) playing an exhilarating mix of tunes that push boundaries to create a  thrilling new sound.  

Also headlining is ‘velvet-vocalist’ Kim Carnie; The Furrow Collective, (Lucy Farrell,  Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts) playing contemporary versions of  folk songs against a Cantastoria of visuals on a moving scroll; RANT (Anna Massie,  Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame) playing a mix of all-time favourites and  tunes from their brand new album; and the Brian Molley Quartet celebrating the  Scottish roots of jazz. 

Additionally, acclaimed singer, composer and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva presents her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian  grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.

Finally, closing this  year’s packed festival is Scottish supergroup Session A9 (Charlie McKerron, Kevin  Henderson, Gordon Gunn, Adam Sutherland, Marc Clement, Brian McAlpine, David  ‘Chimp’ Robertson) – an unmissable gig by a group reputed to be one of the best live  bands in Scotland. 

Other must-sees include: 

• Séamus and Caoimhe, beautiful blood harmony, dexterous instrumentals  and energetic Irish dancing, all from two incredibly talented young  people. 

• The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act from the  1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music, with Montreal based  songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”, a  long-lost legend of old-time music. This piece is accompanied by musicians from Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son, who combine harmony vocals, fiddles,  banjos, and sousaphone.  

• This year’s festival commission is A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter) led by  captivating singer songwriter Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis.

• The festival Spotlight event which gives a platform to new artists each year.  Bands for 2026 include: Curlew, Dauntless and old-time fiddle and banjo duo  Jeri Foreman and Ruth Eliza. 

Music highlights from this year’s early evening programme which kicks off at  6.30pm each night include: 

• Fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr 

• Master of the melodeon Tim Edey 

• The Nexus Project featuring Bede Patterson who explores contemporary  and ancient Highland Bagpipes. With creative and experimental  contributions from Dean Garrity, Ewan Johnston, and Roan Anderson.  

• Multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor  Black. 

• Deiseil: Dancing in Time – a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance  told through fiddle, feet, Gaelic song and story. Directed by Gerry Mulgrew, with dancing by Alison Carlyle and music by Amy Geddes. This 5-star show  premiered during the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.  

Other early evening trad/folk bands programmed for 2026, that are making waves on the international scene include: 

• Old-time stringband The Onlies a collective of Gen Z folkies originally from Seattle. 

• String trio Northern Resonance who take Scandinavian music in a new  direction with their mix of explosive rhythms and grand chamber-like  arrangements. They play viola, Nyckelharpa and Hardanger fiddle.  

• Rajasthani folk trio SAZ whose repertoire encompasses centuries-old folk  music, passed down the generations. 

• Banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater. Her music reflects  ties to the Canadian folk music scene, her college years spent in West Virginia,  and growing up in Grenada. 

In addition, we will be celebrating World Play A Strathspey Day on Saturday 2 May  with Laura Jane Wilkie, Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbett and Angus Lyon; and  enjoying an afternoon performance of Isla Ratcliff’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s four  seasons. 

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest  said: “It’s such a tonic for a dreich February to look forward to the warmth of May  and such a dazzling line up of trad and traditionally-inspired music at Edinburgh  Tradfest.

“We have carefully curated a programme that has something for everyone. Included are the very best musicians from Scotland who are currently carrying our traditions forward in myriad exciting ways.

“We are also delighted to be welcoming  a wide variety of touring musicians from Ireland, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Canada  and the United States. Whether you love song, tunes or beats, jazz influences,  classical inspiration or a straight ahead Strathspey, we have you covered.” 

Participating Musician Josie Duncan who is leading this year’s special  commission said: “It’s a total honour to be creating this year’s special commission.  As artists, we’re often involved in a wide range of musical projects, so having the  time and space to slow down and create something entirely new feels incredibly  special.

“I feel very lucky to be exploring the powerful work of Marie Maitland and to  be working alongside historian Ashley Douglas who has brought this work to light.” 

Participating musician and co-programmer Laura Jane Wilkie said: “Tradfest is a wonderful exhibition of the quality in folk and traditional music in all  its glorious cultures and subcultures.

“It is an inclusive and beautifully curated  festival and heralds the transition from spring to summer in the capital city. Delighted to be a part of it.” 

Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May.

Full  programme announced on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com