💛 1 festival 👫 3452 attenders 🎻 109 musicians 🎙️ 23 gigs ✍🏼 5 workshops 🍻 4 sessions 🤳🏻 3 pop ups …just some of the wonderful final figures from Tradfest this year. Wanted to give one last big thank you before we leave the month of May.
Edinburgh Tradfest
@edinburghtradfest.com
🟡 The past, present and future of traditional music. 🟡 This year's dates 1 - 11 May 2026. 🟡 More info via: https://edinburghtradfest.com/
Another highlights blast (longer ones on IG and FB)! A truly inspiring group of musicians - the tradition is in safe hands 💛 #ETF26 📸 by Douglas Robertson
That’s a wrap! Thank you so much to all of the incredible artists, sound engineers, lighting technicians and venue staff for making Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 an unforgettable one. Most of all, thank you, the audience, for supporting live music, storytelling and film. 💛
You heard it here from our wee friend, tonight’s final ETF26 gig with Session A9 is going to ROCK! Unless you’re a dog…
Going into our last day we’d like to thank all of you who have turned up to support live music (and storytelling and film) over the past ten days. Tonight’s sold out finale from Session A9 is sure to be a joyful blast of musical magic from some of Scotland’s finest tune players.
Kaïa Kater is a rising star of the Canadian folk scene, and she will be with us at 6:30pm. Before all of that there is a big day of events at the Storytelling Centre, and Rebellious Truth with Dick Gaughan at 2pm. Our evening show is ETF Spotlight: see some of tomorrow’s stars today!
🎉 Flying right into Tradfest’s second weekend with our second BTS video winner - RANT! They are one of Scotland’s finest fiddle bands and will be playing the main evening slot tonight at The Traverse at 8.15pm. Tickets still available: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
Over half-way through Tradfest now and what a time it’s been. Still another weekend-and-a-bit to go, but here’s a dash through just some of the tremendous talent we’ve had already. More highlights to come 💛
Tonight we have another SOLD OUT show with The Onlies (below) at 6.30pm who bring their old-time, 21st century style. Followed by the Furrow Collective at 8.15pm, who bring four of our finest folk musicians into one irresistible band. Last tickets for the Furrow Collective on our website.
We've a jam packed programme this week for @edinburghtradfest.com more info and 🎟️ shorturl.at/uHLZn
Day 5 of Tradfest already?! Just a wee reminder that Douglas from Soundhouse, along with some wonderful volunteers, will have collection buckets after each concert raising money for Medical Aid Palestine. If you have any spare notes or coins, the donation would be mightily appreciated 🙏
Thanks @theskinnymag.bsky.social 🙏🏻
The Skinny@theskinnymag.bsky.social · 4mo agoHighlights in live Scottish music this month include @edinburghtradfest.com and @lnfg.bsky.social's tenth anniversary 🎂 And don't miss gigs from @carlajeaston.bsky.social, @slimecitymusic.bsky.social, @brokenchanter.bsky.social and more 🎶
ETF26 is off to an incredible start 🎉 here are some highlights from the opening weekend - more on IG and FB. See you soon for tonight’s special commission from Josie Duncan on the life and work of 16th century poet and Scottish Sappho, Marie Maitland. 📸 Douglas Robertson
Here is the enchanting Kim Carnie, who will take to the Traverse stage tonight. Listings for today’s afternoon and evening events in thread below: 13:00 🏴 EASY SUNDAYS: STARTING WITH STEPDANCE A chance to try step dance in a relaxed environment 📍 Scottish Storytelling Centre
Last night kicked off Tradfest with a bang with RURA + Astro Bloc, and we can’t wait for what’s in store today. Here’s a highlight of what’s to come with the gorgeous Séamus & Caoimhe. …and here is a thread of our afternoon and evening Trad-tinerary 👇🏻
The time has come! This is the first of our daily reminders about what is happening at Edinburgh Tradfest. Friday 1 May 2026 | 20:00 Doors open: 19:00 🎻 RURA + ASTRO BLOC Hangar 5, Potterrow Book here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202... See you soon.
Under 26? Tickets are just £9 for any Tradfest show at Potterrow and Traverse. Pick them up in person at the venue on the night.
Our first winner of the artists' behind-the-scenes competition - The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter! We were impressed - and also had a right giggle - at the whistling skills here. What could they have in store for us?! Come and find out! Book here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
As we gear up for the opening weekend, we once again set our artists a challenge to craft a behind-the-scenes video ahead of their concerts. Our runner up, Kaïa Kater, gave us this brilliant peek into her busy world. Tickets here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
Still to book your tickets for weekend two? Here are some highlights: RANT 🗓️ Friday 8 May | 8.15-10.30pm Isla Ratcliff 🗓️ Saturday 9 May | 3-4pm Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black 🗓️ Saturday 9 May | 6.30-7.30pm Kaïa Kater 🗓️ Sunday 10 May | 6.30-7.30pm Book here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule
Join us for two doses of poetry from @iamloudpro.bsky.social followed by a fabulous schedule of events for @edinburghtradfest.com More info & 🎟️ scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/events/ #WhatsOnEdinburgh #Edinburgh #Storytelling #ETF26 #Poetry #OpenMicEdinburgh #Craft #Music
Get ready for our late night sessions! Bring along your instrument to the Traverse Bar after our evening shows (about 10:15pm). Dates and session leaders here: edinburghtradfest.com/news/2026/4/... All are welcome to join in the tunes, or just come and enjoy the music. Free entry.
Mermaid ghosts, assertive Ukrainian grandmothers and traditional Peruvian grooves all appear in the eclectic and brilliant new album UTOPIA by acclaimed singer and composer GANNA. 🗓️ Saturday 9 May, 8.15pm 📍 Traverse Theatre Book here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
“With imaginative programming that some other Scottish festivals could do with taking inspiration from, Tradfest is a true gem in Scotland’s musical calendar.” Thanks SNACKmag for the write up 🙏🏻
Join us for a special fiddle workshop with Lori Watson, performer, composer, researcher, and the first Doctor of Artistic Research in Scottish Music. Replacing the injured Laura Jane Wilkie. Suitable for intermediate to advanced players, 14+ Tickets here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
A live medicine show, Vaudeville theatre, Old-time country music from the very beginning - what more could you want?! 🗓️ Tuesday 5 May 📍 Traverse Theatre Book tickets here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
Gang aft agley, as Burns would say. Laura Jane Wilkie is injured and won't be joining Ian Carr on 2 May, but we're delighted to welcome Eilidh Shaw (The Poozies, Shooglenifty) in her place. Book tickets here: edinburghtradfest.com/schedule/202...
Take it from Anne - there are some pretty fantastic shows coming this year! What will you be coming to? 👀 #ETF26