Orkney Folk Festival has announced the first wave of artists appearing next year, taking place between 21 and 24 May 2026.
Orkney Folk Festival Producer, Craig Corse said:
“At the halfway point between festivals — with six months having already passed since our record-breaking 2025 edition, and just six to go until the 43rd festival — it’s exciting to share what’s in store next year.
“Our 2026 line-up celebrates the diversity and connections within the ever-evolving folk genre, with Orkney very much at the heart of the festival. From leading transatlantic artists — encompassing Americana, Old Time, Creole, Cajun and Cape Breton traditions — to quite a few titans of the Scottish folk scene, we’ve also got exciting artists from Ireland, Finland and England making their Orkney debuts.
“We’re once again thrilled to be welcoming acclaimed and award-winning artists to the islands, as well as newer artists who I’m sure will be firm favourites. We’re also looking forward to announcing a great many more homegrown Orcadian artists in the new year, all of whom provide the festival’s legendary, heartfelt welcome to visiting audiences and artists alike.
“The countdown is officially on – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Stromness and across Orkney in May, for another fantastic festival weekend!”
Audiences can look forward to enjoying performances from artists from the USA, Canada, Finland, Ireland, England and Scotland in the festival’s 43rd year.
- California : Kenneth Pattengale, one half of The Milk Carton Kids
- Louisiana: Dirk Powell and Cedric Watson with Dirk’s daughter, Amelia Powell
- Brooklyn: Damn Tall Buildings
- Cape Breton : Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin and Mac Morin
- Finland : Polenta
- Scotland: Blazin’ Fiddles; Session A9; Elephant Sessions; Duncan Chisholm; Ross Ainslie; Hamish Napier; Sorren Maclean; Anna Massie; Gary Innes ; Ewen Henderson; Rory Matheson; Kristan Harvey.
- Ireland: Fergal Scahill; Ryan Molloy; Grainne Hunt.
- England: John Smith; Katie Spencer.
2025 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and the youngest ever recipient of the Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year, Ellie Beaton.
2015 recipient of the Young Trad award, Scots singer, Claire Hastings.
Scots Trad Music Awards Hall of Fame : Old Blind Dogs; Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart; and Scottish group, Meallan, featuring Orkney fiddler, Kirsty Harrison.
Orkney: Auskerry; The Chair; Stoatfinger; and festival regulars, Saltfishforty.
Next year’s event follows the 42nd edition of the festival in May 2025. It was another record-breaking year, with almost 9,000 tickets sold.
Festival fans can play a part in the event’s continued success by joining the Orkney Friends supporter scheme from 1 December 2025.
For £60 per two adults, support for the volunteer-run charity offers great benefits in return, including: exclusive festival events; early ticket sale access; discounts on festival merchandise; and discounts on travel to Orkney, subject to annual sponsorship. Each Orkney Friends membership also offers early access to unlimited tickets for children.
Orkney Friends memberships will be on sale via the Orkney Folk Festival website between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026.
