Designed to keep Kirkwall town centre buzzing in the quieter visitor season Kirkwall BID has announced three events.
Kirkwall BID Manager Kirsty Talbot says:
“We have a cracking calendar of events planned aimed at encouraging shoppers to spend more time in the town centre and engage directly with local retailers, hospitality venues, and service providers throughout autumn and early winter”
Girls Day Out – Saturday 3rd October 2026
Kirkwall BID will open the season with the ever-popular Girls Day Out, delivered in partnership with Clan Cancer Support as part of their “Going Purple” campaign. Expect fizz, fun and lots of special offers aimed at girls of all ages and all identities who like to shop. Shoppers are encouraged to dress up in purple in support of CLAN.
Alongside the discounts and retail extras, Kirkwall BID will be hosting free events including:
- 11am–3pm, The Travel Centre will be a hive of activity with music, temporary tattoos, face painting, tote bag decorating, bracelet making and creative activities working in partnership with Clan Cancer Support and Orkney Youth Forum
- Noon -1pm, Girls aged 8–12 can enjoy a Glow Girls session at The Albert Hotel,
- 4pm–6pm, Pilates & Prosecco for ladies who like to lunge! – booking is essential.
Girls Day Out shoppers are encouraged to stay onto the evening to enjoy a “Girls Night Out’ in the town centre with special offers and extras offered by hospitality businesses.
Halloween Parade – Saturday 31st October 2026
Gather at 2pm at Shearers on Victoria Street, before the parade sets off to wind through the streets led by The Kirkwall City Pipe Band.
The event concludes at Rapture Nightclub, where a kids’ disco will run from 2.45pm until 4pm.
A Very Kirkwall Christmas – 27–29 November 2026
A Very Kirkwall Christmas is a three‑day celebration. Kirkwall BID has joined forces with NorthLink Ferries who will be offering discounts to encourage shoppers from Shetland and across the Firth.
The weekend will feature:
- An ice rink — a major attraction encouraging repeat visits and extended dwell time
- Walk-in snow globe – for incredible photo opportunities and great fun
- BID Festive Shopping card – shoppers spending over £10 in five different locations will have the chance to win big when entered into a prize draw.
- Opportunities for businesses to participate through extended hours, themed offers, and street‑front engagement
- More Family activities to bring people into town throughout the day
Shaped by feedback from BID members, the event is designed to get Christmas shopping season off with a bang turning Kirkwall into vibrant festive shopping destination.
Kirkwall BID warmly thanks the organisations whose sponsorship and funding makes A Very Kirkwall Christmas possible:
- National Lottery Awards for All
- Loganair
- NorthLink Ferries
- SSEN Transmission
- WHB Sutherlands
- Orkney Builders
- Highlands and Islands Renewables
- Pentland Ferries
Festive Shopping Travel Discounts
Kirkwall BID will encourage shoppers from Shetland and Caithness to make Kirkwall their Christmas shopping destination. Working with NorthLink Ferries, Festive Shopping Weekend travel discounts will be available from 25 November – 3 December.
To use them, phone 0800 111 4422, email reservations@northlinkferries.co.uk, or visit a NorthLink office.
- Islanders (Lerwick–Kirkwall return) Code: F26.SPL1.BID 30% discount on islander passenger, vehicle and sleeping pod fares, plus 12.5% off islander cabin rates.
- Visitors (Aberdeen–Kirkwall return or Scrabster–Stromness return) Code: F26.V30.BID 30% discount on standard passenger, vehicle, sleeping pod fares and cabin rates.
For updates and further information, visit www.kirkwallbid.co.uk or email enquiries@kirkwallbid.co.uk.