Edinburgh Tradfest’s programme of sensational live music, storytelling and film continues across the city this weekend.
Plus, just announced, BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician for 2025, singer Ellie Beaton will be performing at St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile today at lunchtime (1.30pm), ahead of her evening concert at the Traverse tonight.
This half hour event is free and is part of a new pop-up programme of impromptu events happening across the city.
Other highlights not to be missed include:
Gaelic singer, broadcaster, and cultural ambassador Joy Dunlop who is this year’s Rebellious Truth talk guest on Sunday afternoon. Joy will be sharing her story from when she first learnt Gaelic at school in Oban, to reading the weather on the BBC.
Finnish throat singer Pelkkä Poutanen (above) who mixes different folk traditions with classical, roots, electronic and pop music and, whose unique vocal techniques, rarely performed by women, are not to be missed!
A line-up of incredible emerging musicians performing at this year’s ETF Spotlight concert including Miwa Nagato-Apthorp whose debut album Noren is released this month; Parsisonic led by Iranian duo Aref Ghorbani and Amir Hossein Feyzi, a Glasgow based quartet bridging cultural gaps with their unique cross genre sound. Plus, one of the most respected Gaelic trad fusion bands Dlù, whose members originate from school days at the Gaelic School in Glasgow.
For film-goers the Folk Film Gathering continues its fantastic programme of world film which includes a whole day dedicated to the work of the late Douglas Eadie on Sunday, 11 May; and a screening of Gerda Stevenson’s recent documentary Paper Portraits which celebrates the history and working people of Penicuik’s paper mills.
Over at the Storytelling Centre The Poet and the Moon led by three Spanish artists including celebrated storyteller Inèz Àlvarez Villa of TuFlamenco presents a tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet, told through poetry and flamenco dance. And, storyteller and journalist Rachel Pugh shares her gripping true story about an ancient bog man found in Lindow Moss in Bog Standard, accompanied by award-winning harpist Lucy Nolan.
Finally, bringing the whole festival to a close will be Siobhan Miller with her sensational band at the Traverse on Monday night.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Don’t miss the final weekend of this year’s festival, there are some amazing bands coming up, and fantastic films and storytelling events still to come.
“The festival’s strength of programming this year is exceptional. So, make sure you squeeze in everything you can.”
Edinburgh Tradfest runs until Monday 12 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Musicians Donald Hay and Mary Macmaster are pictured in front of the remains of the 29m high Himalayan Cedar at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.Their new song The Cedar Silent is a tribute to the cedar and will premiere as part of For the Love of Trees, at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 5 May, 8.15pm.
This year’s festival commission For the Love of Trees celebrates the songs and tunes associated with our nation’s woodlands and trees and includes the premiere of The Cedar, Silent which was written as a tribute to the 29m high Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh that came down in Storm Éowyn earlier this year.
Specially commissioned by Soundhouse who programme Edinburgh Tradfest, For the Love of Trees is produced and performed by harpist Mary Macmaster and drummer Donald Hay, who are joined by an incredible line-up of talented musicians: Amy MacDougall (vocals, sampling), Mairearad Green (accordion, pipes, vocals), Pete Harvey (cello) and Ciaran Ryan (banjo/fiddle/guitar).
Mary Macmaster is an award-winning harpist, singer, and ambassador for Scottish music who has previously collaborated with the likes of Sting, Northumbrian pipe virtuoso Kathryn Tickell, English folk legend Norma Waterson and many more.
Mary is a founder member of The Poozies (still going strong after 35 years), Macmaster/Hay with Donald Hay, Shine with Alyth McCormack and Corinna Hewat, and Sìleas with Patsy Seddon. In 2013, she and Seddon were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.
For this commission Mary has chosen a variety of tunes related to trees, plus there are four new compositions written specially for the concert including The Cedar, Silent. The tunes include everything from a traditional Irish reel The Island of Woods by the wonderful Irish/American fiddler Liz Carroll; to Scottish lament Cumha Crann Nan Teud The Lament for the Harp Key; The Trees by rock band Pulp; and Chraobh nan Ubhall a traditional Gaelic waulking song.
Speaking about the commission musician Mary Macmaster said: “I chose trees for this commission because I love trees – everyone loves trees don’t they? Also, one of my favourite ever books is The Overstory, by Richard Powers. It’s a massive, magnificent story. It really inspired and
affected me. Trees are in the earth and in the air. They are older and more still than humans could ever be and yet we treat them like commodities.
If only we could hear what they are saying to each other – and they do communicate, through their roots and along the lines of mycelium that connect them.They will be here when we have gone, no matter what a mess we make of our beautiful world.”
Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producer of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Mary Macmaster is one of Scotland’s finest musicians and composers so we were absolutely thrilled that she agreed to take on this year’s festival commission.
“She has picked a stellar line-up to join her on 5 May so we’re sure it will be a concert to remember. The subject matter is very close to our hearts and that set list includes tunes from across the centuries is surely fitting.
After all, many the trees we look at today have been here long before us and will survive long after we are gone.”
For the Love of Trees is on Monday 5 May starts 8.15pm at the Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED. £16/£13 with special guest Fiona Soe Paing whose new album SAND, SALT FLINT is inspired by the ballads of and locations around the northeast of Scotland.
Her performance will include visuals from Isla Goldie.
About Mary Macmaster
Best known for her pioneering work with the metal-strung clarsach and the fantastic Camac electro-harp, Mary Macmaster is also a fine singer of Gaelic and English language songs. During the last twenty years she has been at the forefront of the revival of the Scottish harp and has been an ambassador for Scottish music, touring throughout the world with Sìleas, The Poozies and Donald Hay, a brilliant percussionist.
Mary has collaborated live and in the studio with many wonderful musicians including the Northumbrian pipe virtuoso Kathryn Tickell, English folk legend Norma Waterson and the amazing Sting. Mary’s influence on and contribution to the Scottish music scene and her role in the clarsach revival
in recent decades has been recognised by the Scottish Music Hall of Fame (Hands Up for Trad / Saltire Society), into which she was inducted in 2013. Edinburgh Tradfest 2025 runs until Monday 12 May.
The full programme includes a stellar line-up of traditional music, talks, adult and children’s music workshops, ceilidhs, films, and storytelling thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and the William Grant Foundation.
A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest next weekend (2 May to 12 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
The Festival opens with Terra Kin supporting celebrated piper Ross Ainslie and the Sanctuary Band (Greg Lawson, Paul Towndrow, Steve Byrnes, Hamish Napier, James Lindsay, John Blease),who have featured on Ross’s last four albums including Pool released in 2024.
Terra Kin aka Hannah Findlay has been a dynamic force in Glasgow’s jazz, folk and pop scenes for many years, and for this year’s opening they will be joined by master musicians and rising stars: Su-a-Lee (cello), Roo Geddes (violin) Emma Pantel (violin) and Sarah Hanniffy (viola).
This opening night concert at the Queens Hall in Edinburgh kick starts an incredible 11 days of traditional and traditional-inspired music taking place at The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, and other film and storytelling events happening across the City.
Other opening weekend highlights include Leveret, made up of some of the finest tunesmiths in modern folk music (Andy Cutting on melodeon, Sam Sweeney on fiddle, and Rob Harbron on English concertina); and the rich darkly-toned fiddle sounds of Lauren MacCollwho is joined by Rachel Newton (harp), Anna Massie (guitar), Mhairi Hall (piano), Mairearad Green (accordion) and James Lindsay on (bass) to play tunes from her most recent album Haar, along with a delve into her back catalogue.
This year’s festival commission on Monday night is For the Love of Trees featuring new tunes and old, by Mary Macmaster (The Poozies) and Donald Hay. Including The Cedar, Silent, a new piece about the tallest tree in Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens that was felled by Storm Éowyn earlier this year, The Trees by rock band Pulp, and Chraobh nan Ubhal a traditional Gaelic waulking song.
Joining them will be super group of Scottish traditional musicians: Amy MacDougall (vocals, sampling), Mairearad Green (accordion, pipes, vocals), Pete Harvey (cello) and Ciaran Ryan (banjo/fiddle/guitar); andspecial guest Fiona Soe Paing who will open the concert with a selection of her electro alt-folk sounds.
Other hot tickets include: The Traveling Janes; BBC Scotland’s Young Trad Winner Ellie Beaton; Seckou Keita dubbed the ‘Hendrix of the kora’; Virginia’s finest string band The Hot Seats; piping legends the Finlay Macdonald Band; national treasures the Siobhan Miller Band; and singer, broadcaster and cultural ambassador Joy Dunlop who is this year’s Rebellious Truth guest. She will be sharing her story on 11 May, from when she first learnt Gaelic at school in Oban, to reading the weather on the BBC.
Plus, on Saturday 3 May, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay by uploading a strathspey tune online using the hashtag, or by joining fiddlers, Anna Robertson, Catriona Price, Adam Sutherland and pianist extraordinaire Rory Matheson for a live afternoon of Scottish music to celebrate the beauty of the humble Strathspey. Alternatively, there is also the traditional May Day Parade which sets off down the Royal Mile at mid-day and finishes with a rally, music and speeches.
Fans of traditional storytelling can enjoy events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre including an introduction to Gaelic storytelling with the University of Edinburgh’s first Gaelic Writer in Residence Martin MacIntyre; storytelling from the Highlands and islands with Bea Fergusonand Heather Yule; and stories and songs told in the North-East Bothy Tradition by Phyll McBain, Jackie Ross, and ballad singer Allan Taylor, accompanied by fiddler Karin Paterson. In addition,storyteller Inez Alvarez Villa of TuFlamenco presents a tribute toFederico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet told through poetry and flamenco dance.
For film-goers there is this year’s Folk Film Gatherin’ – a fantastic programme of world film which includes a whole day dedicated to the late Douglas Eadie on Sunday, 11 May. This tribute includes screenings of docudrama An Ceasnachadh – An Interrogation of a Highland Lass starring a young Kathleen MacInnes, Ian MacRae and Dolina MacLennan.
The film tells the legendary story about the band of students who took the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey on Christmas morning 1950. National treasure Kathleen MacInnes, fresh from starring in the acclaimed production of Macbeth in London’s West End, will also perform her latest songs at the festival on Friday 9 May, all of which are set to appear on her next album.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s line-up represents the wealth of Scottish musical talent with some very special visitors from England and overseas.
“The breadth of musical brilliance that will open the festival next Friday at the Queens Hall is incredible, and reflects the festival’s strength of programme and position as a key player in Scotland’s year-round calendar of unmissable events.
“Be there!”
Edinburgh Tradfest runs from Friday 2 May to Monday 12 May.
Julie Fowlisand a stage packed with some of the finest musicians in folk, brought this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest to a close on Monday 13 May with an outstanding rendition of Runrig’s ‘Fuaim A Bhlair’.
The 11 day festival of traditional live music, talks, folk film and storytelling, saw over 80% of tickets sold for the music programme and multiple sell-out shows at the Traverse Theatre, Cameo and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
The festival enjoyed a massive jump in trad fans coming out in support of live music, with sell-out shows and packed houses on both weekends (Triptic, Martin Simpson Daimh, Rachel Newton, Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, and VALTOS).
There was also a full audience for this year’s new commission Everyone’s Welcome to Edinburghcurated by renowned fiddler Robbie Greig and performed by Robbie and a stellar line-up of musicians including Hannah Rarity, Jenn Butterworth, Signy Jakobsdottir, Duncan Lyall and Megan MacDonald. Plus, there was not a seat to be had for Malin Lewis’ debut album launchHalocline.
The second weekend’s workshops also saw great attendance and 92% of places sold, with Bruce Ncube’s Zimbabwean singing workshop bringing home an abundance of joy-felt harmonies from an amazing standard of participants.
, over at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Svend-Erik Engh’s improve your patter session for musicians was an early sell out, as was Shona Cowie and Neil Sutcliffe’s premiere of their new show Rickle O Stanes which galloped through the story of Scotland, from its geological formation right up to its present socio-economic condition told through stories and song.
Another big hit at the Scottish Storytelling Centre was an emotional Hearth Fire Session which saw an incredible blend of live storytelling from Traveller Jess Smith, folk musician Sam Gillespie and basket-weaver Katie Warner, all guided by host Dougie Mackay who gifted Jess with a willow basket full of the stories and songs of the evening, to acknowledge her contribution to storytelling.
Further afield the Folk Film Gathering celebrated its 10th anniversary with a popular programme of Scottish and international films, many accompanied by live scores or introductory talks. Screen premieres included the sold out Scottish premiere of Songlines – a new documentary from Pat Collins celebrating the songs and singers at the heart of the Irish traveller community; and Itu Ninu set in a dystopian ‘smart city’ from Edinburgh-based Mexican director Itandehui Jansen.
Plus, to close this year’s folk film gathering, musician Aly Bain introduced a screening of Mike Alexander’s film Down Home with some great chat and tremendous tunes.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s festival was just brilliant, we took a chance and top and tailed the music programme with two big gigs at the Queen’s Hall and the Assembly Rooms and it really paid off, with audiences returning again and again to hear more great music and support the musicians.
“The buzz around the venues was fantastic and our thanks goes to everyone who has supported us in making the festival possible. Next year we are back 2-12 May – and we can’t wait!”
Jamie Chambers producer of the Folk Film Gathering said: “2024 was a banner year for us. It was great to be back in synch with our friends at Tradfest and to be working again with Cameo Picturehouse.
“Programme highlights for us included the combined voices of Jess Smith and Joss Cameron at the Scottish premiere of Pat Collin’s SONGLINES, celebrating the links between Scottish and Irish traveller culture; the sublime, emotionally overwhelming new score composed by Luke Sutherland and Semay Wu for Alexander Dovzhenko’s EARTH; the chance to host Finnish master musicians Lau Nau and Pekko Kappi, for the premiere of Katja Gauriloff’s moving JE’VIDA; and the powerful words of Palestinian-Scottish poet Nada Shawa at our screening of Michel Khleifi TALE OF THE THREE JEWELS.”
Daniel Abercrombie, Head of Programming, Scottish Storytelling Centre, said: “Tradfest continues to enhance our programme, it is a wonderful time of year!
“We were especially delighted that so many families and young people were involved in our song and story sessions, as well as joining together to celebrate the traditions of Beltane as May arrives. Looking forward to next year already!”
Edinburgh Tradfest is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
Edinburgh Tradfest will return from 2 to 12 May 2025.
Julie Fowlis and Laura Wilkie who close this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest
Edinburgh Tradfest is now in full swing and seeing a fantastic turnout of audiences to its 11 day programme of events across the city.
The Festival runs until Monday 13 May and this weekend sees a continuation of its packed programme of traditional live music, storytelling and folk film.
Highlights coming up include: Edinburgh Tradfest’s closing concert at the Assembly Rooms (13 May) with vocal superstar Julie Fowlis andhighly respected fiddler Laura Wilkie. Julie Fowlis, forever recognised for singing the theme songs to Disney Pixar’s Brave, and singing live at the opening ceremony of the Glasgow XX Commonwealth Games. will grace the stage with her crystalline and intoxicating vocals, accompanied by special guest Laura Wilkie whose debut solo album Vent – an instrumental exploration or traditional Gaelic waulking songs, is released on 5 July. Laura will perform with musician Ian Carr on guitar/harmonium.
International musicians will also take centre stage, including raucous fiddlers Lena Jonsson and Brittany Haas (8 May), whose powerful fiddle playing is intricate and heart-rending.
Plus, two of Finland’s most visionary musicians Lau Nau and Pekko Käppi will perform their accompanying music score for Je’Vida the first every film made in the Skolt Sami dialect (spoken by only around 300 people) on Fri 10 May, followed by a concert at the Scottish Storytelling Centre that same evening.
Newly formed bands and new work coming up includes Triptic (Greg Lawson, Phil Alexander and Mario Caribe from Moishe’s Bagel) on Fri 10 May and Birdvox (Sarah Hayes, Jenny Sturgeon, Charlotte Printer and Inge Thomson) on Thursday who will debut this Festival. Plus, Malin Lewis launches their new album Halocline (Wed 8 May), Norman&Corrie whose music transcends both jazz and folk will present new music created in Shetland for their forthcoming album later this year (Thu 9 May); and storyteller Daiva Ivanauskatie and musician Gaynor Barradell explore the silence between generations in Fire from the Woods at the Storytelling Centre this Saturday.
New young bands showcasing their talents at our ETF Spotlight event on Sunday 12 May include Miguel Giräo whose latest release The Northern Isles Suite is a collection of music for solo guitar composed of traditional melodies from Orkney and Shetland; Elír who take traditional songs from Scotland and Ireland and merge them with an eclectic range of influences to produce a unique sound (Niamh MacKaveney, David Lombardi, Calum McIlroy); Noah Scott & Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul from Skye who won the Danny Kyle Award at this year’s Celtic Connections; and Beatha a vibrant folk trio (Iona Reid, Kenneth Macfarlane, Cam Lawson) whose traditional folk melodies are infused with a contemporary flair.
Plus, there will be a full weekend of workshops on everything from traditional Zimbabwean song and Scottish step dance, to how to sign, how to improve your onstage patter, and how your favourite music can provide a springboard to your own songwriting ambitions with Evie Waddell, Bruce Ncube, Svend-Erik Engh, Anna-Wendy Stevenson and Karine Polwart.
And, finally, on Friday and Saturday night there will be late night music in the Traverse bar from 22:30 until late with Isla Ratcliff and Dominic Blaikie, and Simon Bradley and Anna-Wendy Stevenson leading the sessions.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying this year’s programme and the artists are just having THE best time.
“We’re only half way through and we have a huge weekend coming up, so we really hope that the crowds continue and first-timers and regulars will come along, support the artists and have a great time.”
Edinburgh Tradfest runs from Friday 3 May to Monday 13 May.
A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (3 May to 13 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
The eleven day Festival opens with electro-trad supergroup VALTOS one of Scotland’s best live bands, who are performing with folk trio Assynt and award-winning singer Josie Duncan at the Queen’s Hall.
Over the weekend the music programme continues with folk legend Martin Simpson whose latest solo album Skydancers has just been released; Americana, rock, folk and blues icon Alice Howe and legendary bassist Freebo; and late night sessions in the Traverse Bar. Plus, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay on Saturday by uploading a strathspey tune online using the hashtag, or by joining fiddlers Eryn Rae,Matt Tighe, accordionist Megan Macdonald and pianist extraordinaire Rory Matheson for a live afternoon concert to celebrate the humble Strathspey.
This year the festival boasts an incredible line-up of master musicians including Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis who closes this year’s festival in concert with special guests Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr whose debut album Vent launches later this year.
Other masters of traditional music playing this festival include singer, harpist and composer Rachel Newton; stalwart of the 1990s Edinburgh session scene Simon Bradley trio-ing with Anna-Wendy Stevenson and Michael Bryan; the newly formed Triptic featuring three musicians of peerless pedigree – Phil Alexander, Greg Lawson and Mario Caribe; dazzling instrumentalists Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan; legend Archie Fisher; and West Highland high energy supergroup Dàimh.
Also playing this festival are a host of hugely talented Nordic musicians including Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, and raucous fiddler Lena Jonsson from Northern Sweden who duos with the legendary Brittany Haas from Northern California.
Other highlights include the incredible Malin Lewis who launches their new album Halocine at this year’s festival; soulful electro-trad tunes from Frankie Archer whose music is shaking up genres and traditions and championing women, challenging perspectives and calling for a fairer future; BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist 2024 Evie Waddell; and sixth generational fiddle player Clare Sands.
For film goers there is this year’s Folk Film Gatherin’ which includes on-screen highlights – Journey to the Isles: Marjory Kennedy Fraser an archive film with live accompaniment from storyteller Marion Kenny and multi-instrumentalist Mairi Campbell; and two films from Ukraine – the silent masterpiece Earth(1930) directed by Alexander Dovzhenko and accompanied by Scottish musicians Luke Sutherland and Semay Lu; and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors – a tale of crossed lovers introduced with a short concert from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.
This year’s May Day Parade also takes place during the festival on Sunday 5 May setting off down the Royal Mile at mid-day and finishing with a rally, music and speeches.
Plus fans of traditional storytelling can enjoy events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre including old tales from Lithuania and around the world brought to life by Daiva Ivanauskaite and musician Gaynor Barradell in Fire from the Woods (Her Father Has Nothing to Say) a new production exploring the silence between generations and life growing up without hearing stories from your ancestors; and Welsh storyteller Milly Jackdaw presenting Mochyn Mryddin / Merlin’s Pig a fusion of traditional storytelling, physical theatre, music and ceremony based on the life of Myrddin, the inspiration for Merlin in Arthurian legend.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “We are beyond excited to present our biggest and best Edinburgh Tradfest ever.
“Every single show has been curated with care by our team, so you can book with absolute confidence. As usual we’ll be at every gig enjoying the music. See you soon!”
Edinburgh Tradfest runs fromFriday 3 May to Monday 13 May.
At this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest (3-13 May) workshop participants can learn everything from traditional Zimbabwean song and Scottish step dance, to how to sign, how to improve your onstage patter, and how your favourite music can provide a springboard to your own songwriting ambitions.
Kicking off on opening weekend, is the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin (EYG), a three day workshop programme supported by the William Grant Foundation.
Aimed at13-18 year olds, and led by band tutors – Kirsty Law, Tom Oakes and Lori Watson the workshop culminates in a showcase performance by all participants as part of Edinburgh Tradfest’s main music programme.
Plus, new this year, there will also be two taster workshops on 20th and 27th April, for those new to being in the EYG Big Band and making music with others.
Also running during the festival is a workshop teaching traditional songs from Zimbabwe in 3 to 6-part harmonies, with Bruce Ncube.
Bruce is a Zimbabwean artist who specialises in teaching songs and harmonies that are emotionally charged and uplifting, and his workshop is designed to build participants confidence with singing.
His method of teaching is the traditional oral/aural way and is reminiscent of when people would gather around a fire in the evenings, or whilst working in the fields would start weaving harmonies together.
Workshop Tutor Bruce Ncube
Participants can also learn how to sign songs in Scots and Gaelic with Evie Waddell. Evie’s workshop invites people to participate in Gaelic culture as they learn and play with some Scottish step dance and British sign language, looking at rhythm and communication with hands and feet.
Over at the Storytelling Centre, storyteller Svend-Erik Engh will be teaching musicians how to improve their patter and song introductions on stage, with some basic rules of storytelling.
Plus, Anna-Wendy Stevenson will teach a class to intermediate/advanced level fiddle players, and renowned singer and composer Karine Polwart will teach participants about songwriting, how to work with others and strategies for finishing a song, even if it is never likely to see the light of day!
Bruce Ncube said: “Through colonisation, we (Africans) were made to believe that our music, our stories, our ways of living and our languages were less important than the colonisers’, unfortunately its legacy lives on and many of the young people shun their own music and choose to sound western.
“My mission is simply to preserve our own unique identity and showcase the best of us. I am the guardian of my cultural history and traditions. I enjoy doing what I do because I have seen the benefits of groups singing, I have seen the joy in people’s faces and I have witnessed healing through song in the workshops that I run,
“I enjoy what I do because through my workshops; I have provided a platform, space & opportunity for humans to connect and interact through harmony singing.
“I have watched people’s faces transform from being reserved to being more expressive and joyful within a couple of hours of singing together, I enjoy doing what I do because; as a citizen of this world, that is my only contribution to this wonderful world that humans do not seem to appreciate.”
Jane-Ann Purdy, Co-producer of Edinburgh Tradfest said; “We’ve been building up our workshop programme for the past few years and this May it will be better than ever.
“We hope that musicians and singers of all abilities will learn loads of new tips and techniques to help them develop their own creative practice or just have fun with picking up a new skill.
“We met Bruce Ncube at one of his singing workshops on the west coast last year and we’re delighted that he agreed to come back up to Scotland and be part of this year’s programme. There’s no one better at building a relaxed and fun environment for learning. He’s amazing.”
The full programme for this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest including traditional music at the Traverse theatre, events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the Folk Film Gaitherin, and the Edinburgh Folk Club is now on sale.
The programme includes an unmissable line-up of music, talks, adult and children’s music workshops, ceilidhs, films, and storytelling thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and the William Grant Foundation.
Edinburgh Tradfest 2024will run from Friday 3 May – Monday 13 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin’ is back in partnership with Edinburgh Tradfest to offer an exciting opportunity for young musicians in 2024, with support from the William Grant Foundation.
EYG Big Band is a three-day programme for ages 13–18. It will be led by some of Scotland’s finest musicians, who will support participants to learn traditional music together and create their own arrangements as a group. Band tutors are Kirsty Law, Tom Oakes and Lori Watson, supported by Shea Martin and Jonathan Foster.
New for 2024, there will be two optional taster workshops in advance of the EYG weekend, where young people can try out some music-making together and get to know each other and the tutors.
This event is for young people who would like to develop their skills on their instrument, play with other young musicians, sing, write their own songs and learn tunes. There will be also be exclusive performances and Q&A sessions from some of the acts appearing at Edinburgh Tradfest. EYG Big Band is all about creativity, making friends through music and having fun.
Taster workshops will take place 10am–1pm on 20th and 27th April at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh.
EYG Big Band will be based at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from 10am–4pm on 4th–6th May. The group will perform on the evening of 6th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest’s special commission show, Everyone’s Welcome To Edinburgh.
Ciaran Ryan Band headlining the festival on Sunday night – 30 April
‘high-octane ferocious banjo-led music and sheer instrumental brilliance!’
L/R Donald Hay (drums), Chris Waite (guitar), Bev Morris (bass), Ciaran Ryan (banjo), Andrew Waite (accordion) Photo Douglas Robertson
FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 28 April – Monday 8 May 2023
An incredible line-up of talented musicians will descend on Edinburgh this weekend for the start of Edinburgh Tradfest (28 April to 8 May) – 11 days of live music, storytelling, dance, workshops, talks, ceilidhs and special events across the city, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
Ciaran Ryan one of the UK’s foremost tenor banjo players, whose debut solo album Banjaxed released in late 2019 was shortlisted for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards, will headline alongside Orcadian powerhouse Fara (above) and American folk singer, two-time winner, and six-time Grammy nominee Rhiannon Giddens who is opening the Festival with Francesco Turrisi at the Assembly Rooms on Friday night.
Plus, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the festival kicks off with the return of Pomegranates – a weekend of dance, performance, and workshops run by the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland to celebrate International Dance Day (29 April); and the second North Atlantic Song Convention run by the Traditional Music Forum with delegates from around the Northern Hemisphere, gathers to celebrate our rich song traditions.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s programme is jam-packed with talent. We’ve got fantastic, award-winning musicians performing at the Traverse every night, workshops on during the day and live music in the bar until late, plus there are ceilidhs, storytelling sessions, talks, and dance taking place at other venues across the city. It’s all here to be enjoyed.”
Other highlights not to be missed include Tradfest’s new commission Two for Joy composed and arranged by award-winning harpist Ailie Robertson which explores how birdsong is used in music and folklore and the positive impact that listening to the sounds of birds can have on our mental health and wellbeing; America’s masters of old-time, bluegrass, classic country and Cajun music The Foghorn Stringband; Dirk and Amelia Powell from Louisiana who bring their deeply rooted Cajun, Appalachian and original sounds to the festival for the first time; Rory Matheson and Graham Rorie whose album We Have Won The Land celebrates the success of the Assynt Crofter’s Trust in buying back the North Lochinver Estate from a Swedish land speculator 30 years ago; this year’s Rebellious Truth lecture/recital which explores mental health issues in the music industry led by Gaelic singer, composer, researcher and broadcaster Mischa Macpherson; and Ross Ainslie (Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica) and Tim Edey (Chieftains) whose foot-stomping tunes topped with great banter are this year’s hot ticket and unmissable festival finale.
Edinburgh Tradfest has launched its 2023 programme of traditional live music, storytelling, dance, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events taking place at various venues across the city, thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
Over the 11 days of the Festival, hundreds of artists and musicians will perform, including American folk singer, two-time winner, and six-time Grammy nominee Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, who will kick off the festival at the Assembly Rooms on Friday 28 Aprilsupported by special guests Roo Geddes and Neil Sutcliffe.
Over the opening weekend the programme is packed with music, dance, song, and special events including a screening of award-winning documentary film Heading West: a story about a band called Shooglenifty; performances from Orcadian powerhouse FARA, legendary pipers Rona Lightfoot and Allan Macdonald, Austro-British, singer-songwriter, folk-punk musician Alicia Edelweiss; tenor banjo player Ciaran Ryan and his band; and live music (Fri-Sun) until late at the Traverse Theatre Bar.
Plus, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the festival kicks off with the return of Pomegranates – a weekend of dance, performance, and workshops run by the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland to celebrate International Dance Day (29 April); and the second North Atlantic Song Convention run by the Traditional Music Forum takes place, with delegates from around the world gathering in Edinburgh to celebrate and learn about our rich song traditions.
Unmissable highlights continue during the first weekwith Two for Joy a new piece of music commissioned specifically for the festival, composed and arranged by award-winning harpist Ailie Robertson, and performed by Neil Sutcliffe, Alice Allen, Alastair Savage, Josie Duncan, and Heather Cartwright. Two for Joy explores the use of birdsong in music and folklore, and the positive impact it can have on our mental health.
Musicians also performing during the first week are BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year 2023 Amy Laurenson with her newly formed trio; Mississippi Delta songbird Bronwynne Brent who was crowned Female Vocalist of The Year by Americana UK in 2019; Swedish nyckelharpa player Fredy Clue; America’s masters of old-time, bluegrass, classic country and Cajun music The Foghorn Stringband; trailblazing cellist Juliette Lemoine(who counts SAY-award winning pianist Fergus McCreadie among her A-list backing band); award-winning singer and composer Kim Carnie; Northumbria’s Kathryn Tickell OBEwho has twice won ‘Musician of the Year’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, performing with her band The Darkening; and Gnawa musician Omar Afif in a collaboration with local sax wizard Steve Kettley.
At the Scottish Storytelling Centre the week one programme is packed with fantastic events including a talk on naturalist Nan Shepherd (author of The Living Mountain) conducted by Erlend Clouston; a performance by the Scots Opera Project of the acclaimed The Seal-Woman written by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser and Granville Bantock in 1924; Shapeshifters which returns with more terrifying and tragic folktales from Scotland including the Seal Killer of Duncansby Head and Saba the deer mother told by storyteller Fiona Herbert with song, harp and fiddle from Emma Durkan; open-floor storytelling at the Waverley Bar with Ailsa Dixon; and for younger audiences, folklorist Allison Galbraith will be telling stories from her latest collection Funny Folk Tales for Children.Plus, to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week, Solar Bear will present a panel discussion and a series of new films created and developed over the last three years exploring deaf folklore, deaf identity and disability.
Week two of the Festival also offers a packed programme including spring ceilidhs at the Scottish Storytelling Centre; the traditional May Day March – Fighting Back Together (6 May) which travels down the Royal Mile culminating in a rally against unjust labour laws and the cost of living crisis at The Pleasance; a performance of the ancient and much-loved border ballad of Thomas the Rhymer narrated by Julia Munrow and with music by John Sampson; tales of bees, birds, and international stories performed by Susan Strauss (Oregon, USA) chosen from her book Tree with Golden Apples; the launch of Stuart McHardy’s new book The Nine Maidens: Priestesses of the Ancient World;and Donald Smith presenting his recently published Storm and Shore a bardsaga for our times, reflecting our need for contemporary solace and sanctuary close to nature.
At the Traverse the musical talent continues with a Hands Up For Trad concert for #WorldPlayAStrathyspeyDay (6 May) with musicians Graham Mackenzie, Madeleine Stewart, Rory Matheson and Adam Sutherland performing a mix of trad strathspeys, reels, marches and the official strathspey written for the new king; a performance by Rory Matheson and Graham Rorie whose album We Have Won The Land celebrates the success of the Assynt Crofter’s Trust in buying back the North Lochinver Estate from a Swedish land speculator 30 years ago; music from daughter/father duo Dirk and Amelia Powell from Louisiana who bring their deeply rooted Cajun, Appalachian and original sounds to the festival for the first time; nu-folk singer-songwriter and ukulele musician Zoë Bestel; 2022 MG ALBA Musician of The Year nominee fiddle player Ryan Young; the Edinburgh Folk Club returning with husband and wife combo Jim and Susie Malcolm; and, to close the festival, award-winning musical geniuses Ross Ainslie (Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica) and Tim Edey (Chieftains) will raise the roof with an unmissable festival finale of foot-stomping tunes topped with great banter.
This year the festival also presents its first ETF Spotlight which will showcase some of the most exciting new performers emerging in folk and traditional music today including high energy folk band Falasgair; guitarist and singer-songwriter Heather Cartwright; folk musician and activist Maddie Morris; and the Madeleine Stewart Trio which includes Rory Matheson (piano) and Craig Baxter (bodhran).
Throughout the Festival there will also be workshops for all levels including the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin weekend for 13-18 year olds; Cajun and Appalachian tunes/songs with Dirk and Amelia Powell, fiddle tunes with Ryan Young, a Shetland tunes workshop with Amy Laurenson; and storytelling with international storyteller Susan Strauss (Oregon USA).
Finally, Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to host this year’s Rebellious Truth lecture/recital presented in collaboration with Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh, which will explore mental health issues in the music industry.
Led by Gaelic singer, composer, researcher and broadcaster Mischa Macpherson who will be joined on stage by Celtic and Scottish Studies musician-in-residence Fraser Fifield. This event is free but ticketed, and will be live-streamed.
Speaking at yesterday’s launch, Alan Morrison Head of Music at Creative Scotlandsaid: “With its potent mix of music, dance, song and storytelling, Tradfest is a true reflection of Scottish culture – past, present and future.
“Newly commissioned work sits alongside favourites from the treasure trove of Scotland’s heritage, all of which is enriched by the international artists who are threaded through the programme. At a time when respect and tolerance for different cultures is under global threat, Tradfest offers a shining example of how we can celebrate both our shared humanity and our distinct traditions.”
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “We are super excited about the scope of this year’s festival, not to mention the quality of the performers from Scotland and overseas: from Grammy-winners to homegrown superstars; visiting virtuosos to emerging talent; tunes with centuries of tradition to new writing.
“We have it all. Every day of the festival is brimming with talent and we encourage everyone to connect with their favourites and try something new. You can be assured of a warm welcome.”
Steve Byrne, Director of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland): “TRACS is delighted to contribute a rich offering from across the traditional arts to this year’s Tradfest.
“The festival is a fantastic platform for singers, dancers, musicians and storytellers to follow in the great Edinburgh spring tradition of celebrating our traditional cultures both local and global.”
Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager, Scottish Storytelling Centre:“Tradfest is a chance for us to celebrate a range of traditional arts through live performance and participation.
“The Storytelling Centre’s programme has themes of nature and the environment running through it with ceilidhs, long-form storytelling, dance and song events, sitting alongside Celtic opera, BSL digital storytelling and family events. Something for everyone this spring!”
Musician Amy Laurensonsaid: “I’m delighted to be performing at this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest in May.It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of today’s event and to give everyone a taste of what to expect to hear from us.
“Winning Young Trad Musician of the Year was absolutely fantastic and I am super excited to see what the next year holds.”
Edinburgh Tradfest 2023will run from Friday 28 April – Monday 8 May.
