Orkney Folk Festival has announced its full programme for the 2026 event, with acts from around the world set to perform across the islands between 21 and 24 May.
Leading artists from the USA, Canada, Finland, Ireland, England and throughout Scotland will join home-grown Orcadian musicians as part of the 52 acts appearing at the festival in its 43rd year. The Orkney Folk Festival is Orkney’s largest festival, with almost 9,000 tickets sold at the record-breaking 2025 event.
This year’s festival offers a diverse line up. Audiences can look forward to performances from visiting artists including California’s Kenneth Pattengale, one half of The Milk Carton Kids, making his debut appearances in Orkney in his first solo tour in 16 years.
Orkney Folk Festival Producer, Craig Corse said:
“We’re delighted to share the full programme for this year’s festival, which once again brings together artists from across Scotland alongside musicians travelling from England, Ireland, Finland, Cape Breton and the United States.
“It’s a line-up that reflects the breadth of contemporary and traditional folk music, while highlighting the distinctive regional styles that make these traditions so rich – with a particular nod to celebrated fiddle styles from around the world.
“As ever, Orkney and Orcadian music is central to the festival, with over half of all artists hailing from these shores. That strength of local participation isn’t accidental or for one weekend only – it reflects a living tradition carried in sessions, youth groups, choirs, bands and traditional music societies throughout the year.
“This local core sits at the heart of the programme, sharing stages, late nights and good-going tunes with guests proudly welcomed to Orkney, ensuring the festival remains unmistakably anchored in the islands’ music and community.”
Tickets will go on pre-sale to members of Orkney Friends, the festival’s supporter scheme, on Saturday 28 March, ahead of the general release at 7pm BST on Wednesday 1 April.
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