If you want to feel the soul of the islands, then the Orkney Folk Festival opens that door. Music in Orkney passes through the generations young and old. From the country dances we learn every Christmas or toe tapping in time to the Strathspey and Reel Society with their bows flourishing through a set of timeless tunes.
Aurora jewellery’s own Steven and Bill will also be there playing the bagpipes as part of the Kirkwall City Pipe Band and we are pretty sure finding a few more sessions through the day to enjoy.
We are lucky to have the Orkney Folk Festival. It’s a major event for the Island, attracting musicians and audiences from across the globe. The festival has grown from strength to strength over its 43 years - a record-breaking 9,000 tickets were sold at the last year’s event. Artists from as far as the USA, Canada and Finland will join musicians from Ireland, England and throughout Scotland, alongside our very own talented Orcadian musicians.
International Artists
The festival brings folk music from across the globe. This year the Americana concert is not to be missed. Blending folk, country, blues, bluegrass and soul. Featuring USA’s Damn Tall Buildings, Kenneth Pattengale and Dirk Powell, Cedric Watson and Amelia Powell and Orkney’s own Stoatfinger.
Scottish and Local Talent
The festival provides an important platform for local musicians to get involved. It is here that the longevity of the festival lies. Bringing people from across the islands together to take part in sessions, workshops as well as just having a really good dance at the legendary Stomps.
It showcases Scottish talent, with a range of folk music from the traditional reels to the award winning electric folk band Elephant Sessions who are from the Highlands of Scotland.
Festival Significance
The Orkney Folk Festival has firmly established itself as one of the most anticipated events on the Orkney calendar. The buzz and anticipation of the four-day festival has already started! It really is one of the most enjoyable weekends of the year– Orkney music and culture at its best. We hope to see you there!
For more information: https://orkneyfolkfestival.com/