The List's Guide to Scotland's Festivals

SUPPORTED BY

THE GUIDE TO

SCOTLAND’S

FESTIVALS 2018 MUSIC

BOOKS

FAMILY

SFG18-Cover.indd 1

FOOD

ART

THEATRE DRINK

FILM

OUTDOOR

COMEDY

& MORE

16/01/2018 12:25

SFG18-Contents.indd 2

16/01/2018 14:41

E TO

S ’ D N COTLA UID HE G

T

S L A V I T S FE 2018

S

: ANG

19

: MIC

p 01 Cham ival 2 Fest uropean S the E UTH

LCA

ing e dur

tur d cul UNI N ts an r A a E s se OP owca onships EUR 8 sh i

y L TR rthda 22 RSA th bi E 0 V 3 E I s G t i A UN s T e rat CT S celeb ERFE ish Open EISF P E ott h Open D TH t to Sc LAN T orm The 147 g O n C r i 62 d S a n C a e x v ri Groo and P From inton Gr m Bad

69 76 82 85

87

18 in 20 tivals s e f s d’ X otlan of Sc INDE Z A te mple A co

EY

Y UAR JAN RY A RU FEB CH MAR IL APR MAY E JUN

Y JUL 26 UST G AU ER 28 EMB EPT S R 32 OBE OCT ER 6 3 EMB NOV R 0 4 MBE ECE D 48

CAR

INGS LIST

58 64

OIN

h’s burg Edin

TO: E

ERS ls stiva BELT L er fe A m R m T u rs CEN majo

PHO

COVER IMAGE: A STILLMOTION PERFORMANCE OF WE DANCE, WEE GROOVE. © BRIAN HARTLEY

16

CAVA

n ratio celeb g n o ar-l A ye ON

HEL

E PRIM

ark el Sp Muri r o h t of au

CUTS

TO PHO

an ivals Fest ation r gene

TO PHO

2018 LIST K ople e C P E g 12 un CH of Yo IVAL Year e FEST h t s for next ntial y the VER Esse b O d E e AK sign o-de TH T nts c 14 e YOU v e d

O US F

RBES

8

SFG18-Contents.indd 3

16/01/2018 14:41

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

SPECTRA Aberdeen’s festival of light focuses on the theme ‘Play the Night’ and features light installations, exhibitions and events courtesy of international and emerging artists. See page 28, spectraaberdeen.com PHOTO: CHRIS SCOTT

HIDDEN DOOR This Edinburgh festival continues to breathe life into abandoned buildings with a programme of music, theatre and art installations at Leith Theatre and former State Cinema. See page 41, hiddendoorblog.org PHOTO: PAUL CAMPBELL

Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 is set to inspire all ages by casting a spotlight on the nation’s young people, valuing their contributions, celebrating their achievements and creating new opportunities for them to shine.

From Tiree Music Festival to Findhorn Bay Arts Festival, from Orkney International Science Festival to Dreams for the Future at Moat Brae, Scotland’s world-class selection of events and festivals places young people at the heart of the action.

Look out for Edinburgh’s International Science Festival celebrating its 30 year anniversary. Festival 2018 will meanwhile offer music, art, dance, theatre, comedy and more alongside 11 days of high profile sporting action at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

2018 will also mark the centenary of Dame Muriel Spark, one of Scotland’s most respected literary exports. Always bold and inventive, the writer will be celebrated by Muriel Spark 100, a diverse programme of events and activities taking place nationwide across the year.

Creative Scotland and VisitScotland proudly support this publication and recognise the important role festivals play in the country’s cultural life.

PHOTO: ANNA DEACON

FOREWORD

BELLADRUM Live music, ceilidhs, pop-up bars, roaming interactive performers, kids crafts, games and entertainment at this welcoming summer festival in the woods.

See page 66, tartanheartfestival.co.uk 4

SFG18-Foreword PM.indd 4

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:30

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: ERIKA STEVESON

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Hands-on science as EISF celebrates its 30th birthday with the theme ‘Life, the Universe, and Everything’.

See page 19, sciencefestival.co.uk

DUNDEE DESIGN FESTIVAL Visit the festival exhibition, starring makers pushing the limits of design today, and roll up your sleeves to try all manner of design workshops. See page 44, dundeedesignfestival.com

FESTIVAL 2018 Ten days of cultural commissions surrounding the inaugural European Championships. Featuring 34 events covering dance, music, theatre, visual art and ‘spectaculars’. See page 16, glasgow2018.com

PHOTO: EOIN CAREY

DIVERSE CITAY FESTIVAL Perth hosts a day of live music, workshops and performances curated by young people. Highlights of the new event include a Two Inch Carnival and a young entrepreneurs market. See page 54, perthcity.co.uk

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL The first film festival in Europe curated by 15–19 year olds returns with three days of screenings, panels, workshops and Q&As. See page 75, glasgowfilm.org

FUTUREPROOF National Theatre of Scotland’s nationwide festival of theatre and performance, created by young people working alongside renowned theatre practitioners.

See page 78, nationaltheatrescotland.com 5

SFG18-Foreword PM.indd 5

16/01/2018 11:30

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

Project Editor: Rowena McIntosh

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Senior Designer: Lucy Munro Designers: Carys Tennant, Seonaid Rafferty

DATE NAME OF FESTIVAL

Contributors: Kelly Apter, Brian Donaldson, Rachael Cloughton, Lorna Irvine, Alex Johnston, Rowena McIntosh, Henry Northmore, David Pollock, Arusa Qureshi, Murray Robertson, Stewart Smith, Louise Stoddart Advertising: Alastair Chivers, Rachel Cree, Ross Foley, Sheri Friers, Brendan Miles, Debbie Thomson

18 JANUARY–4 FEBRUARY

CELTIC CONNECTIONS MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, celticconnections.com

CEO: Simon Dessain Publisher: Robin Hodge This guide was produced in partnership with VisitScotland and Creative Scotland in celebration of the 2018 Year of Young People.

Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050 www.list.co.uk email festivals@list.co.uk

LOCATION & WEBSITE

CATEGORY

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrating the links between Celtic music and cultures across the globe. An international cast of over 2000 artists descend upon Glasgow, to create over 300 events. These include ceilidhs, workshops, talks, dancing, art exhibitions and free events. The 2018 festival features GRIT Orchestra, Niteworks, Skerryvore, Shawn Colvin, The Tannahill Weavers, Fiddler’s Bid, Brian Kennedy and Frigg.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

ISSN: 2054-8036 © 2018 The List Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of The List Ltd. This edition published January 2018 Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.

6

SFG18-Foreword PM.indd 6

DISCLAIMER : The List magazine has made every effort to ensure information published in this guide is correct. Lineups, times and dates can change at short notice, however, so please check with the festival before attending. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors the guide may contain. For up-to-date listings information go to list.co.uk. Festival organisers can get in touch at festivals@list.co.uk.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:31

SPONSOR:

8 - 11 FEB

25 AUG - 22 SEP

spectraaberdeen.com

techfestsetpoint.org.uk

8 - 18 MAR

8 - 16 SEP

aberdeenjazzfestival.com

northeastopenstudios.co.uk

25 - 27 MAY

20 - 23 SEP

abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival

aberdeenperformingarts.com /truenorth

14 - 17 JUNE

11 - 27 OCT

lookagainfestival.co.uk

dancelivefestival.co.uk

30 JUNE - 1 JULY

24 OCT - 3 NOV

stbfportsoy.org

sound-scotland.co.uk

SUPPORTERS:

#AberdeenFestivals SFG18-Foreword PM.indd 7

16/01/2018 11:31

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

FESTIVAL CHECKLIST 1

2

MURIEL SPARK’S CENTENARY EDITIONS In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Muriel Spark’s birth, Polygon have republished all 22 of her novels Price: £9.99 Stockist: birlinn.co.uk/Muriel-Spark

5

STUDIO EMMA VESSEL V&A Dundee Design Champion Emma McDowall makes colourful homeware from an unusual material: concrete.

Price: £25 Stockist: studioemma.co.uk

6

PORTABLE USB CHARGER Stay connected at festivals no matter how far you are from a plug socket with a portable USB charger.

Price: £9.95 Stockist: dotcomgiftshop.com

8

SFG18-Features PM.indd 8

BRAW PRINT Embrace 2018’s ScotWord ‘braw’ with this real foil print by RM Print Co, handmade in Scotland.

Price: £16 for 10x8in Stockist: etsy.com

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

A handy guide to products that will help you embrace the festival calendar to its fullest 3

4

GLASGOW 2018 T-SHIRT Show your support for the inaugural European Championships this August with one of their tees.

Price: £16.99 Stockist: shop.glasgow2018.com

7

BON ACCORD DRINKS Naturally sweetened soft drinks. Cloudy lemonade, ginger beer, sparkling rhubarb and tonic also work as mixers.

Price: prices vary Stockist: bonaccordsoftdrinks.com

8

ADULTHOOD IS A MYTH Sarah Andersen’s collection of comics takes a frank and hilarious look at the journey towards adulthood.

Price: £9.99 Stockist: waterstones.co.uk

AMANDA CHUKKA BOGS These cute boots from Bogs are 100% waterproof – handy for all seasons in Scotland.

Price: £70 Stockist: bogsfootwear.co.uk

9

SFG18-Features PM.indd 9

16/01/2018 11:33

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

1st 27th Augu st 20 18

1MŴ"TŰ/ DŴ Ple as an ce Two hundred and Co urt įIW\ VKRZV WZHQW\ ya rd

nine venues, one great atmosphere 10

pleasance.co.uk

SFG18-Features PM.indd 10

EH

89 TJ

@ThePleasance LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

ICC E at e c san a e Pl

EE

38

EH

Thirty-four years, three locations, one Pleasance

Plea sanc e Do me

EH8

9AL 11

SFG18-Features PM.indd 11

16/01/2018 11:33

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: JULIE HOWDEN

NTS Artistic Director Jackie Wylie (middle) with artist’s in residence and members of the Youth Project Team

YOUTH TAKEOVER PHOTO: EIFF

PHOTO: EIFF

Edinburgh International Film Festival

12

SFG18-Features PM.indd 12

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

As festivals across the country embrace the Year of Young People, Arusa Qureshi has a look at the huge impact youngsters are set to have on our cultural landscape

H

aving spent the past year delving deep into the country’s fascinating history, rich heritage and compelling archaeology, Scotland now turns its attention to young people. As part of the Scottish Government’s programme of themed years, the Year of Young People provides a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the achievements and talents of Scotland’s younger generation, with a packed programme of events, festivals and activities designed to draw attention to the young personalities that make Scotland the entrepreneurial, innovative and creative nation that it is today.

This year will not only focus on celebrating the local and global contributions of people aged 8–26, it also aims to create a platform to encourage discussion, collaboration and a continued involvement in arts, culture, sport and other activities. The year-long events programme has been co-designed by young people and the events sector; highlights include special strands such as Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s School of Stand-up, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s The Young and the Wild series, and Write Here Write Now Festival, an exciting new Renfrewshire-based festival for young writers.

The BIG Takeover is another new event on the calendar, featuring a three-day programme of activities co-designed by Shetland youngsters.

Neil Watt, executive manager of sport and leisure at Shetland Islands Council, is excited by the vast array of ideas that they have brought to the table already. ‘I think it’s a good idea to have young people involved in the programming of projects as they can provide new and different perspectives that challenge the status quo, which ultimately helps to develop a more inclusive and broader range of offerings to the general public,’ Watt says. ‘In addition, I believe that adults and young people working together will help to promote better understanding and more positive

working relationships between the generations.’

Other additions to the 2018 programme include the National Theatre of Scotland’s major new festival, Futureproof, created by young people working alongside renowned Scottish, British and international theatre companies and artists.

From the end of September and throughout October, ten productions will take place in locations around Scotland, co-created, designed and developed by young groups in different communities, with the goal of potentially inspiring the next generation of theatre makers.

Joe Mahoney, head of education and outreach at An Lanntair in Stornoway agrees that allowing young people to be in charge of programming a festival is not only important but can serve as a template for future engagement. Las! Ignite!, An Lanntair’s five-day festival, will be devised, delivered and promoted entirely by young people in the Outer Hebrides, who will take on the real-time roles such as director, curator, marketing coordinator and fundraiser.

‘As well as being responsible for the recruitment of a project coordinator, the youth board will be involved in shaping the festival’s content and will take part in researching the possible directions that the festival could take,’ Mahoney explains. ‘It will be really exciting to see how they rise to the challenge of delivering a multifaceted festival and how they develop as a creative force.’

The nationwide programme for 2018 ultimately offers a chance to recognise the positive impact that young people have in Scotland.

By allowing young Scots to take ownership of major events like the BIG Takeover, Las! Ignite! and Futureproof, it’s hoped that they will feel valued, supported and empowered to shape and influence the decisions that affect their lives in the future.

The Year of Young People, various venues, nationwide, yoyp2018.scot 13

SFG18-Features PM.indd 13

16/01/2018 11:33

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PRIME CUTS February marks the centenary of a Scottish literary icon. Ahead of a 12-month celebration of Muriel Spark, Stewart Smith hears about plans to honour a writer who truly was the crème de la crème

M

14

SFG18-Features PM.indd 14

International Style of Muriel Spark, where personal items like handbags and dresses will be on display alongside private correspondence, notebooks, manuscripts and diaries. ‘She was an exemplary literary stylist but she was also very concerned with her own style,’ adds curator Colin McIlroy.

‘We thought it would be nice to have at least some reference to that as well as the fact that dress and style are so important in her books.’

Spark’s connections with g will be explored p Edinburgh

through exhibitions, readings, talks, screenings, tours and workshops. For those outside the central belt, festivals all over Scotland will be exploring Muriel Spark’s work. ‘StAnza [the St Andrews poetry festival] have commissioned a range of contemporary writers to write new poetry based on quotes from Spark’s work, which will be presented in readings at the festival,’ says Niven. ‘There’s also a series of BBC radio documentaries with Val McDermid, Louise Welsh and AL Kennedy exp exploring her life and work, as well as do documentaries for both BB and Sky Arts.’

BBC F For Niven, Muriel Sp Spark 100 is a co corrective to the hi historical domination of Scottish literature by male writers. ‘I do th think if the centenary p programme asks the q question of why we v value the contributions o women differently, of t then it’s a significant a achievement.’

ING STANDARD. PHOTO: © LONDON EVEN ISSION HR USED WITH KIND PERM

uriel Spark 100 is a year-long programme which marks the centenary of the birth of one of Scotland’s greatest writers.

‘Spark was versatile, funny, dark, precise and completely original,’ says Creative Scotland’s Head of Literature, Languages and Publishing Jenny Niven. ‘Her contribution to Scottish writing can be felt in so much contemporary work.

She was also a fascinating person. From her incredible circle of influence to her fascination with aesthetics and style, there is so much that is worthy of exploration.’

Among the highlights are a major exhibition at the National Library of Scotland, based on Spark’s archive. ‘It’s a bigg moment for thee library, as hers iss the largest archivee of any writer they’vee ever acquired,’ sayss Niven. ‘Her letters aree g, extremely revealing, pand so for that deeprk dive into her work the exhibition will be unparalleled.’ ill The NLS will he also host The

Muriel Spark 100, various venues, nationwide, murielspark100. com LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

PA ISLEY

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

A skyline of spires and steeples . . . a town of smiles and surprises . . . a place where every Buddie is welcome!

Come and C dfi find d outt ffor yourself in 2018 and join us at these fantastic events: MONTE CARLO RALLY

WED 31 JAN See classic cars gather in the stunning surroundings of Paisley Abbey before setting off on their epic journey to the south of France.

PAISLEY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FRI 27 - SAT 28 APR A celebration of the best that Scotland’s larder has to offer with plenty of food-related fun across the entire weekend!

BRITISH PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

SAT 19 MAY Paisley comes alive with the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums!

WEAVE FESTIVAL WITH SMA’ SHOT DAY

FRI 6 – SUN 8 JUL Celebrating Paisley’s rich history of weaving and radicalism, encapsulated in the famous victory of the town’s weavers in the historic ‘sma’ shot’ dispute.

THE SPREE

FRI 12 – SUN 21 OCT Paisley’s hugely-popular arts festival returns for its seventh edition and promises another packed programme of music, comedy, drama, dance and film – as well as plenty of plenty of free cultural activities for kids.

PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

FRI 26 – SAT 27 OCT Expect some ghoulishly good fun for all the family with a full weekend ‘spooktacular’ of Halloween activities!

PAISLEY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

SAT 3 NOV Paisley Abbey is the stunning backdrop to a spectacular display of fireworks topping off another day of family fun in Paisley town centre.

PAISLEY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

SAT 17 NOV Join Santa, Rudolph and some very special musical guests for Paisley’s annual festive extravaganza.

w w w. p a i s le y 2 0 2 1 . co . u k SFG18-Features PM.indd 15

15

16/01/2018 11:33

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

EUROPEAN UNION As Glasgow teams up with Berlin to celebrate sport in style, David Pollock explores the accompanying celebration of Scottish arts and culture

T

he year 2014 was a momentous one in Scotland’s history, but hopefully the long-view history books won’t just pore over the Independence referendum when they come to be written. That Glasgow also hosted the Commonwealth Games is well worth a chapter, not only because they brought a sense of perfect summer optimism and capable organisation to the city, but because Scottish arts and artists were well and truly celebrated by Festival 2014, the cultural extravaganza which surrounded the sporting activity.

This year, get ready to do it all over again (although not the referendum part, at least at time of writing) with Festival 2018, the tenday series of arts and cultural commissions connected to the inaugural multi-sports European Championships. Although co-hosting this debut event with Berlin, Glasgow actually has the lion’s share of the sports; aquatics, cycling, golf, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon will all be held in Glasgow and across Scotland, with athletics taking place in Berlin.

Although not on the scale of Festival 2014,

16

SFG18-Features PM.indd 16

this year’s event is the result of Glasgow 2018 investing £750,000 in 34 commissioned events which take in dance, music, theatre, visual art, literature and ‘spectaculars’. Nineteen of these will directly relate to Scotland’s Year of Young People and many attractions are due to take place in George Square (which will be revamped into a cultural and social hub for the duration) while the regular Merchant City Festival will also tie in closely to Festival 2018.

Announced highlights of the Festival 2018 portfolio include percussionist Colin Currie creating Children’s Classic Concerts, the Turner Prize-nominated artist Janice Kerbel working with synchronised swimmers across Scotland and an outdoor performance from Mischief La-Bas. Plus, Scottish Opera’s pop-up family show will tour around all 12 sports venues, including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena and Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course.

Festival 2018, various venues, nationwide, 2–12 Aug, glasgow2018.com/festival-2018 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

Stop Parkinson’s in its tracks JOIN us Edinburgh Marathon Festival 26-27 May 2018 parkinsons.org.uk/emf18 Registered charity in England and Wales (258197) and Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK 11/17 (CS2945)

17

SFG18-Features PM.indd 17

16/01/2018 11:33

24th March–14th April

13th - 19th August 2018

Celebrating 35 years of puppetry productions, workshops and animated films for families across Scotland.

To find events in your area visit: puppetanimationfestival.org @PuppetAnimaScot #puppetfest

18

SFG18-Features PM.indd 18

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: ALY WIGHT

UNIVERSAL

TRUTHS As the world’s first public celebration of science and technology gears up to celebrate another innovative event, Murray Robertson looks back at some of the remarkable advances that have been made across three decades

T

his year’s Edinburgh International Science Festival is themed around Life, the Universe and Everything, the third book in Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. It’s a fittingly philosophical angle considering the festival’s ambitious mission statement: to inspire, encourage and challenge people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and understand the world around them.

In 2018, the Edinburgh International Science Festival celebrates its 30th birthday, a milestone that provides the perfect opportunity to look back on its impressive success, and examine some of the extraordinary advances that have

taken place in the fields of technology and science during that time.

The advent of the digital age has transformed our everyday use of technology thanks to the internet, smartphones and social media. It’s astonishing just how much this triumvirate of technology has become hardwired into our lives, and how much it continues to shape how we think of ourselves and others. We’re living longer and healthier than ever before thanks to revolutionary work in health science such as developments in CT and MRI scanning, and the introduction of endoscopy and keyhole surgery.

Further afield, our knowledge of the universe has exploded thanks to extraplanetary landings 19

SFG18-Features PM.indd 19

16/01/2018 11:33

PHOTO: EOIN CAREY

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

and the recent detection of gravitational waves.

In just three decades, we’ve also sequenced the human genome, explored the far reaches of the solar system, developed cell and gene therapies, discovered the existence of elementary particles, created synthetic organisms and nanotechnology, and used the internet to help connect the world around us. And all this has happened despite (and in some cases because of) extraordinary pressures from conflict, division, demographic shifts and environmental degradation across the world.

Since its inception, the Edinburgh International Science Festival has grown to entertain, educate and enthral over 150,000 people each year through exhibitions, workshops, debates and special events for two weeks every Easter.

Naturally, the festival has attracted some of the biggest names in science, including naturalist legend Sir David Attenborough, environmental futurist James Lovelock, astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, theoretical physicist Peter Higgs, broadcaster Brian Cox and British astronaut Tim Peake.

While Edinburgh’s first ever celebration of science – the International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art – took place on the Meadows in 1886, the first Edinburgh International Science Festival launched alongside the internet in 1989 and, appropriately enough, adopted the theme 20

SFG18-Features PM.indd 20

Brian Ferguson in A Number; (previous page) astronaut Tim Peake (far left); hands-on experiments for adults (left) and kids (above).

of ‘communication’. During its fledgling year, the festival featured an ambitious 99 events around the capital with original director Howard Firth opening the inaugural programme with this pronouncement: ‘the aim of the Science Festival is to highlight a direction for the city of Edinburgh, to draw on its historic strengths and its present-day developments, and put forward its resources to assist the wider awareness of science and technology.’

Two years later, the festival’s educational outreach strand first came about thanks to requests from parent-teacher groups. ‘Generation Science’ toured Scottish primary schools and reached over a million children. Plans are afoot to further develop this programme to inspire even more people to better engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. For Year of Young People 2018, the festival includes a strand called ‘Existence: Life and Beyond’, which is co-designed by the festival’s first Youth Engagement Panel. Each year, EISF continues to celebrate our remarkable successes while helping to spark interest in the next generation of scientists and technologists.

Edinburgh International Science Festival, various venues, Edinburgh, 31 Mar–15 Apr, sciencefestival.co.uk LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:33

SFG18-Features PM.indd 21

16/01/2018 11:34

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018 CULTURE | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 2018

World Pipe Band Championships

SCOTLAND THE PERFECT STAGE What makes Scotland the Perfect Stage for events? Our world-class assets. From our stunning landscapes and world-class venues to our rich culture and warm people. These all form part of our winning formula to deliver the best events experience to locals and visitors alike. The following EventScotland supported events provide a glimpse into the cultural and sporting spectacles which will take place over the course of this year. Enjoy.

Glasgow International 20 Apr–7 May Glasgow One of the UK’s largest and most influential art festivals, Glasgow International will once again showcase an ambitious programme of exhibitions, events, talks, performances and projects by prominent and emerging Scottish and international artists in various venues. glasgowinternational. org Spirit of Speyside 3–7 May Speyside This festival brings

22 10

SFG18-Events Scotland.indd 22

together another packed programme of whisky themed events, set against the backdrop of Scotland’s Whisky Country. Home to more than half the country’s distilleries, this five-day whisky celebration is a chance to enjoy specially designed tours, tastings and more. spiritofspeyside.com Edinburgh International Film Festival 20 Jun–1 Jul Edinburgh A mix of red carpet glamour, innovative and exciting cinematic

discoveries, free film events across the city, and massive audience appeal makes EIFF one of the world’s most popular. edfilmfest.org.uk World Pipe Band Championships/ Piping Live!

13–19 Aug Glasgow A week-long celebration of all things piping, culminating in the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green.

Glasgow will welcome performers and visitors from across the globe

to enjoy some tough competition from the best in the world. theworlds.co.uk pipinglive.co.uk Royal National Mòd 12–20 Oct Dunoon Scotland’s annual celebration of Gaelic culture comes to Dunoon in 2018 with another packed programme of music and song, highland dancing, drama, sport and literature supporting the history and heritage of the language. ancomunn.co.uk

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:39

2018 THE GUIDEEVENTS TO SCOTLAND’S HIGHLIGHT 2018 |FESTIVALS SPORT

Groove CairnGorm 23 & 24 Feb Aviemore The UK’s only snowsports and music festival returns for another weekend of slope-based action.

Festivalgoers will be treated to snowsports and entertainment each day, with live music and world-class DJs until the early hours. groovecairngorm.co.uk World Junior Curling Championships 3–10 Mar Aberdeen In Scotland’s Year of Young People, this is an amazing opportunity to watch curling’s youngest and best players from across the globe battle it out for the title in the country where the sport began. worldcurling.org/ wjcc2018

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2 & 3 Jun Fort William See the world’s top riders take on one of the most challenging courses on the circuit in this thrilling competition set against a stunning Highland backdrop. Join the ever-growing fan base at what has grown into one of Scotland’s sporting highlights. fortwilliamworldcup. co.uk IRONMAN 70.3 EDINBURGH 1 Jul Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian A spectacular addition to the UK race circuit having debuted last year. The city and surrounding area provides a picture perfect backdrop for

thousands of athletes (and fans) as they swim, cycle and sprint to the finishing line in Holyrood Park. ironman.com/ edinburgh70.3 Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running 23 Sep Loch Ness Taking place along the stunning shores of Loch Ness, this annual test of endurance includes the marathon, 10k, 5k and Wee Nessie races.

There’s also plenty to enjoy for spectators at the Event Village, from fun family activities to the Food and Drink Fayre. lochnessmarathon.com BWA Tiree Wave Classic 13–19 Oct

Tiree Thrill-seekers will once again descend on the idyllic isle of Tiree for a jaw-dropping display of world-class windsurfing. This is a fantastic opportunity for spectators to immerse themselves in surf culture for the week. tireewaveclassic.co.uk Scottish Open Badminton Grand Prix Nov Glasgow The fastest racquet sport on earth returns to the Emirates Arena where you can enjoy some of the world’s top players and celebrate Scotland’s home-grown success stories and stars of the future. badmintonscotland. org.uk

Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh

These events are supported through EventScotland Funding Programmes.

EventScotland.org @EventScotNews #perfectstage 23 11

SFG18-Events Scotland.indd 23

16/01/2018 11:39

GOLF | HIGHLIGHT EVENTS 20182018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS O Open.

The glorious East LLothian coastal links of G Gullane will welcome fa fans, offering a truly in interactive spectator vvillage experience. e europeantour.com

SCOTLAND HOSTS BUMPER YEAR OF GOLF Scotland, will once again confirm its position as the Home of Golf, with a packed schedule of golf events to look forward to in 2018.

A multitude of top professional golf events will take place across the country giving fans the opportunity to watch the world’s best golfers tee up on some of Scotland’s most hallowed golf courses.

From Major Championships, to the world’s leading female superstars, the upcoming crop of exciting new players and an inaugural and innovative team competition, there will be an event for everyone to watch and support.

For more information on where to find an event near you see visitscotland.com SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge, hosted by Macdonald Hotels & Resorts Jun 28 – Jul 1 Spey Valley GC The next generation of European Tour stars head to the beautiful Spey Valley in the Scottish Highlands looking to get their hands on one of the most sought after trophies on the Challenge Tour. Recent winners of this event include Major 24 12

SFG18-Events Scotland.indd 24

Champion Brooks Koepka and fan favourite Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston. europeantour.com/ challengetour Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open 12–15 Jul Gullane GC, East Lothian One of the biggest events on the European Tour, the Scottish Open has proven to be the perfect warm-up for The

T The 147th Open 1 19–22 Jul C Carnoustie Golf Links TThe Open returns to C Carnoustie situated on th the stunning Angus coast ju just north of St Andrews.

R Renowned as the toughest ccourse on The Open ro rotation this is the venue w where Scotland’s very o own Paul Lawrie won the title in 1999. It is set to be a thrilling week. theopen.com Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 26–29 Jul Gullane GC, East Lothian The world’s best female golfers will return to Scotland for this cosanctioned event staged two weeks after the Men’s equivalent on the same course. The superstars of the LPGA and LET will head to Gullane for a true test of links golf. ladiesscottishopen.com Senior Open Championship 26–29 Jul Old Course, St Andrews It will be the first time that this championship has been played on The Old Course. Fans will be in for a treat when golfing legends such as multiple Major Champion Tom Watson makes a return to the golfing mecca in Fife. senioropen championship.com

European Golf Team Championships 8–12 Aug PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles Gleneagles will make history with the staging of the firstever European Golf Team Championships, which will see both men and women play competitively together in top-level competition for the first time. glasgow2018.com/ sports/golf Scottish Senior Open 14-16 Sep Craigielaw GC ,East Lothian The Scottish Senior Open is still the longest-running event on the European Senior Tour.

The event operates a successful Pro-Am format where legends of the game, including Ryder Cup stars and Major champions compete alongside amateur golfers. europeantour.com/ seniortour Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 4– 7 Oct Various A unique opportunity to witness golf’s very best play on three of the most prestigious links courses in the world – Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews. Fans can expect to see A-List movie stars, musicians and sports stars tee it up alongside Major Champions and Ryder Cup stars. alfreddunhilllinks.com LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:40

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

13

SFG18-Events Scotland.indd 25

16/01/2018 11:40

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: ANDY CATLIN

JANUARY 1 & 2 JANUARY

FIRE AND LIGHT FAMILY / HERITAGE The Helix, Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk, thehelix.co.uk

Celebrate New Year’s Day with a 4km walk in The Helix Park, home of the Kelpies. The park is illuminated with light and fire.

Look out for a lantern installation, a giant Jack Frost, fire dancers and a fire breather.

4–20 JANUARY

KING TUT’S NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION MUSIC King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, kingtuts.co.uk

manipulate Visual Theatre Festival

King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution starts 2018 with a lineup of acts making waves in the Scottish music scene. Headliners include BooHooHoo, the Dunts, Sway, Flying by Mirrors and the Ninth Wave.

in his birthplace with a special programme of events that take place around Burns Cottage and surrounding landmarks.

and art exhibitions. The 2018 festival features GRIT Orchestra, Niteworks, Shawn Colvin, Fiddler’s Bid and Frigg.

6 & 7 JANUARY

18–28 JANUARY

20 JANUARY

CAGE-A-RAMA

BIG BURNS SUPPER

FILM & TV CCA, Glasgow, cca-glasgow. com

HERITAGE / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Dumfries, bigburnssupper.com

THE NATIONAL WHISKY FESTIVAL

Scotland’s first Nicolas Cage Film Festival takes place over the actor’s birthday and features screenings of Face/Off, Con Air, Moonstruck, Raising Arizona and more.

FOOD & DRINK SWG3, Glasgow, nationalwhiskyfestival.scot

Stars from across the country congregate as Dumfries celebrates the birth of the Bard with a vast selection of dance, theatre, visual arts, live art and comedy, turning Burns’ Night into a festival of contemporary arts.

A chance to try a selection of fine whiskies from over 40 tasting stands. Some of the best drams from around the world are on offer and local restaurants are also providing dishes to complement the different whiskies.

THEATRE & DANCE CCA, Glasgow, cca-glasgow. com

18 JANUARY–4 FEBRUARY

21 JANUARY

CELTIC CONNECTIONS

BURNS UNBOUND

A programme of participatory dance classes, screenings, artist labs and more.

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, celticconnections.com

FAMILY / LITERATURE / MUSIC National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, nms.ac.uk/burns

6–13 JANUARY

WINTER FEST

13–28 JANUARY

ALLOWAY 1759 FAMILY / HERITAGE Burns Cottage, Alloway, burnsfestival.com/alloway-1759

Celebrate the Bard’s birthday 26

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 26

Glasgow’s annual folk, roots, indie, world and traditional music festival celebrating the links between Celtic music and cultures across the globe.

Events include ceilidhs, workshops, talks, dancing

A mini-festival in honour of Burns Night and the Bard himself, with performances and workshops for all ages centred around his life and work.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:41

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

25–27 JANUARY

26–28 JANUARY

27 JANUARY–14 FEBRUARY

RED, RED ROSE STREET

PEEBLES OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL

PERTH RIVERSIDE LIGHT NIGHTS

HERITAGE / LITERATURE / MUSIC Rose Street, Edinburgh, redredrosestreet.co.uk

FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Various venues, Peebles, eastgatearts.com

ART / FAMILY City Centre, Perth, perthcity.co.uk

A weekend of adventure films, inspiring speakers and handson sessions in the beautiful Tweed Valley.

Riverside illuminations transform the Norie-Miller Walk into a magical winter wonderland, with food and drink on offer.

27 JANUARY–3 FEBRUARY

28 JANUARY

MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

FIFE FOOD FESTIVAL

Celebration of the work of Robert Burns where visitors can enjoy spoken word, a traditional Burns’ Supper, dance, poetry and music at various locations along Rose Street.

25–27 JANUARY

BIG BURNS STRAMASH FAMILY / HERITAGE / LITERATURE Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness, eden-court.co.uk

A weekend of events in celebration of the national bard. There are family-friendly workshops, storytelling, a film screening, an outdoor performance and ceilidhs for adults and kids.

FAMILY / FILM & TV / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, manipulatefestival.org

Puppet Animation Scotland collates a collection of worldclass animation, puppetry and related performing arts of all styles and techniques.

Through its masterclasses, the festival also provides learning opportunities.

27 & 28 JANUARY

25 JANUARY–10 MARCH

BURNS’ BIRTHDAY IN MAUCHLINE

BURNS UNBROKE: CONTEMPORARY ARTS INSPIRED BY ROBERT BURNS

FAMILY / HERITAGE / LITERATURE Town Centre, Mauchline, eastayrshireleisure.com

ART / LITERATURE Summerhall, Edinburgh, burnsunbroke.co.uk

Two-day family event celebrating ol’ Rab’s birthday, with particular reference to Mauchline. The programme includes storytelling, visual arts, music, poetry, kirkyard tours and street food.

This multi-disciplinary arts festival celebrates the variety of artistic practices on offer in Scotland and beyond, through the prism offered by new interpretations of the life and work of Robert Burns 26 & 27 JANUARY

JUST START HERE MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Civic House, Glasgow, nationaltheatrescotland.com

A two-day festival featuring music from Bossy Love, Heir of the Cursed and Glasgow Grassroots DJs. There is also food, discussion, provocation and cross-art form experimentation.

FOOD & DRINK Younger Hall, St Andrews, fifefoodfest.wixsite.com/ fifefoodfestival

Fife’s natural larder is on show at this annual festival which invites all foodies to enjoy the best local produce.

29 JANUARY–1 FEBRUARY

INTO THE NEW 2018 ART / THEATRE & DANCE Pearce Institute, Glasgow, rcs.ac.uk/box-office

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s annual festival of new work from the students of the BA Contemporary Performance Practice.

30 JANUARY

UP HELLY AA FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Shetland, Shetland Islands, uphellyaa.org

Shetland shows off its Viking history with a spectacular fire festival, the highlight of which is the torchlight procession.

27 & 28 JANUARY

EDINBURGH WELLBEING FESTIVAL

30 JANUARY–9 FEBRUARY

COMMUNITY / OUTDOOR Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, edinburghwellbeingfestival. com

MUSIC Various venues, Fife, ffom.org.uk

A weekend devoted to health, fitness and wellbeing. Activities include yoga classes, guided meditations and talks on nutrition, mindfulness and emotional health.

FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Performers at this community festival range from primary school children to adults, in both vocal and instrumental classes, competitive and noncompetitive. Performances are open to anyone to come along and watch.

27

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 27

16/01/2018 11:41

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: ABERDEEN CITY COUN CIL

FEBRUARY 2 FEBRUARY–3 MARCH

FEBRUARYFEST FOOD & DRINK Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, glencoescotland.com

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SPECTRA Scottish winters can be dark affairs but luckily Aberdeen’s Festival of Light, SPECTRA, returns in 2018 to illuminate the winter skies. The theme for this year’s festival is Play the Night as it explores innovation, creativity and the benefits of play to kick off Scotland’s Year of Young People. The four-day festival uses new technologies and tools to animate spaces at Union Terrace Gardens, the Kirk of St Nicholas and Marischal College.

Light installations include LightBattle, an interactive bicycle light-artwork designed

by VENIVIDIMULTIPLEX; Parabolas2, an eclectic geometric colour landscape, including work created by 400 children from ten different schools throughout Aberdeenshire; The Sun at Night, a touring installation from David Henckel that explores our relationship to the sun; and Play by Double Take Projections Ltd, a largescale interactive game where audiences can compete with each other. For the first time, SPECTRA also features a music programme, with latenight sessions from Nordic and UK talent. (Rowena McIntosh) ■ Various venues, Aberdeen, 8–11 February, spectraaberdeen. com 28

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 28

Running for more than 20 years, FebruaryFest brings a whole month of the best beer Scotland’s brewers have to offer to thirsty drinkers. The programme also boasts live music, quiz nights, along with beer’s best pal – whisky.

2–18 FEBRUARY

WINTER WORDS FESTIVAL

The majesty of mountains is captured on film in a series of screenings, lectures and exhibitions. Focusing on adventure of all kinds, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and exploration are among some of the adrenaline-pumping activities represented.

8–11 FEBRUARY

SPECTRA: ABERDEEN’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT ART / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, spectraaberdeen.com

The annual literary festival welcomes broadcaster turned novelist Sally Magnusson; James Robertson; Janet Morgan, author of a new biography of Agatha Christie; Jim Crumley; Kenneth Stephen and others.

This year, Aberdeen’s festival of light focuses on the theme ‘Play the Night’, exploring innovation, creativity and the benefits of play to kick-off the national Year of Young People. The four-day festival features international works as well as supporting and commissioning emerging young artists from Aberdeen to develop new work with international partners. See spotlight, left.

3 & 4 FEBRUARY

10 & 11 FEBRUARY

CAPITAL SCI-FI CON

SCOTTISH FAN FEST

FILM & TV Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, capitalscificon.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Signet Library, Edinburgh, scottishfanfest.com

Science-fiction convention aiming to raise funds for CHAS. There will be large scale props from Dr Who, Star Wars, Terminator, Harry Potter and more plus live special effects presentations, retro gaming consoles, trade stalls and a cosplay competition.

Actors and voice-over artists make appearances over the weekend along with cult comic book illustrators and writers.

A celebration of Scottish culture, hosted in the wonderful Signet Library. Enjoy Scottish craft, food, drink and entertainment.

LITERATURE Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry, pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

3 & 4 FEBRUARY

EDINBURGH MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR George Square Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh, emff.co.uk

14 FEBRUARY–28 MARCH

LENTFEST MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, facebook.com/agapglasgow

An annual festival of faith and arts, incorporating theatre, film screenings, music, poetry and visual arts, across the Archdiocese of Glasgow. In 2018 celebrations include art exhibition Mungo in our Midst and a play that will tour around Glasgow called Mungo: Legend of Glasgow’s Saint.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:41

silent ďŹ lm festival

AN

E FOR A'

29

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 29

16/01/2018 11:41

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

16 & 17 FEBRUARY

BANCHORY BEER FESTIVAL PRESENTS BEER @ THE BARN

Clueless screens at Glasgow Film Festival

FOOD & DRINK The Barn, Burn O’Bennie, Banchory, banchorybeerfestival.com

A beer festival run over two days to showcase some of the country’s best beer and cider.

There is also gin, rum, prosecco and a programme of live music.

21–25 FEBRUARY PHOTO: IMAGES COURTESY OF PARK CIRCUS/PARAMOUNT

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Various venues, Fort William, mountainfestival.co.uk

A series of films and lectures celebrating the great outdoors and mountain culture, held in Scotland’s outdoor capital, and spread over five nights.

21 FEBRUARY–4 MARCH

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-filmfestival

Since 2005, Scotland’s fastestgrowing film festival has become a force to be reckoned with in the film festival world.

Event screenings this year include a massive 80s v 90s school disco with screenings of high school classics Gregory’s Girl and Clueless.

23 & 24 FEBRUARY

GROOVE CAIRNGORM MUSIC / OUTDOOR Cairngorm Mountain, Cairngorm Ski Area, Aviemore, groovecairngorm.co.uk

The UK’s only resort-based snowsports and music festival takes club sounds up a mountain for a mix of snowsports, DJs and acts over two days. First acts announced for 2018 include 2manydjs, 30

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 30

Norman Jay, Example & DJ Wire, Start to End perform Daft Punk’s Discovery (live), Huey Morgan, Colonel Mustard & the Dijon 5, Ava Love and Shaka Loves You.

FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Bankfoot Inn, Bankfoot, bankfootinn.co.uk

Mini winter celebration of beer from across the lands hosted by this Perthshire hotel.

23–25 FEBRUARY

GRANITE NOIR

24 FEBRUARY–7 MARCH

LITERATURE Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenperformingarts.com

INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aberdeen’s crime writing festival returns for a second year with author events, workshops and family shows. Guests include Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and Anne Cleeves.

24 FEBRUARY

BANKFOOT INN WINTER FIRESIDE WINTER BEER

MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, invernessmusicfestival.org

Run by Inverness Festival Association, this music festival is a competitive event that allows people of all ages and abilities to show off their skills.

The main discipline groups are vocal, instrumental, speech, Gaelic and Scottish, with over 75 awards to be won.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:41

NEW LANARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE 2018 EXHIBITION PROGRAMME Book tickets online at www.newlanark.org

Image credit Alex Hewitt

Picasso to Warhol

MAKING THE GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND

26 January - 29 April 2018

18 May - 1 July 2018

G AM E P L A N 2

1

3

1

3

1

11

1

BOARD GAMES REDISCOVERED

21 July - 4 November 2018 31

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 31

16/01/2018 11:41

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

24 FEBRUARY–25 MARCH

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, mesp.org.uk

This international festival draws together people from a wide range of spiritual backgrounds, cultures, traditions and communities to celebrate peace and mutual understanding via spiritual, educational, artistic and cultural events.

FEBRUARY, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH IRANIAN FESTIVAL: FILM SEASON FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, ediranfest.co.uk

The next full festival is in 2019 but this year the Edinburgh Iranian Festival presents an Iranian Film Season. Expect feature films as well as a dedicated animation strand.

5-25 FEBRUARY

EDINBURGH RESTAURANT FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh, edinevents.com/edinburghrestaurant-festival

Foodie events and offers at Edinburgh bars and restaurants.

From fine dining to innovative pop-ups, Edinburgh is a top destination for food lovers.

Now in its fourth year, the food festival brings award winning restaurants and neighbourhood bistros together to showcase the very best of Edinburgh’s dining scene. Traditionally an October event, the 2018 version was brought forward due to heightened activity from participating businesses.

32

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 32

MARCH 1–4 MARCH

ULLAPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, ullapooldancefestival.org

Dance festival with classes for all ages and abilities.

1–4 MARCH

BRAEMAR MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Braemar Village Hall, Braemar, braemarmountainfestival.com

The second Braemar Mountain Festival celebrates the mountains in winter with a programme of workshops covering ski touring, winter skills, avalanche awareness, low level walking, navigation and fell running. New for 2018 are mountain bike skill sessions and workshops. Speakers include Dave MacLeod, Mollie Hughes, Guy Robertson and Greg Boswell.

3 MARCH

HINA MATSURI JAPANESE SPRING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, japanesematsuri-glasgow.org.uk

Take part in this celebration of Japanese culture by checking out a spot of taiko drumming, trying your hand at origami and sampling some Asian sweets.

3 & 4 MARCH

WEE WRITE! FAMILY / LITERATURE Mitchell Library, Glasgow, ayewrite.com/weewrite

A programme offering over 100 author events, activities and readings for children, families and school pupils of all ages.

3–17 MARCH

PERFORM IN PERTH MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE

Various venues, Perth, perthshire-music-festival.org.uk Competitors from all over Perthshire show off their talents in the fields of music, dance and speech.

4–17 MARCH

DUNDEE WOMEN’S FESTIVAL FILM & TV / POLITICS / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Dundee, dundeewomensfestival.org.uk

Celebrating International Women’s Day with the best part of three weeks of events, drama, discussions and workshops. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Vote for the Future!’.

5–10 MARCH

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Stranraer & Newton Stewart, gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk

A competitive music festival for amateur musicians across the age ranges. The syllabus covers a wide range of categories including piano, brass, woodwind, recorder, strings, ensemble, vocal, choral, jazz, recital, composition, speech and Scottish traditional.

5–16 MARCH

ARTS ACROSS LEARNING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeenshire, aberdeencity.gov.uk

For this festival, more than 200 free events will help to encourage stronger bonds between pupils, teachers, and arts and cultural bodies.

7–11 MARCH

STANZA: SCOTLAND’S POETRY FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, St Andrews, stanzapoetry.org LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:41

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: MATT CROCKETT

StAnza is a literary festival that focuses on verse. Joining the locals for readings, performances, slams and open mics, jazz, films, workshops and poetry-related art exhibitions, installations and films are a host of local and international wordsmiths. Headliners for 2018 include Forward Prize for Poetry winner Sinéad Morrissey, former Scots makar Liz Lochhead and jazz musician Don Paterson.

8–25 MARCH

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL COMEDY / FAMILY Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Glasgow’s comedy festival birls back into your life, getting ever more impressive with each outing. This year, you’re looking at a lineup of Bridget Christie, Janey Godley, Richard Herring, Katherine Ryan and Ed Byrne, among many other delights, including their first stand-up school. See panel, right.

9–11 MARCH

DORNOCH GRAND FIBRE FEST HERITAGE Various venues, Dornoch, fibrefest.org.uk

A festival of fibre and woollen crafts, with masterclasses in weaving and botanical printing.

9–11 MARCH

C2C: COUNTRY TO COUNTRY MUSIC The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, c2c-countrytocountry.com

Country music extravaganza featuring some of Nashville’s biggest stars. The lineup features Little Big Tiown, Emmylou Harris, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Kip Moore and Kelsea Ballerini.

Shappi Khorsandi

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL The 16th Glasgow International Comedy Festival is set to offload another bumper spring extravaganza of laughs on us with the cream of Scottish, British and international comedic talent showing off their funny wares. They also launch a stand-up school, where youngsters can learn the craft, as part of the Year of Young People 2018.

There’s a glut of household names: Alexei Sayle reflecting on his own iconic status, David Baddiel will be exploring his parents in My Family: Not the Sitcom and renaissance bloke Phill Jupitus displays the puntabulous Juplicity. Shappi Khorsandi enjoys her post-I’m a Celebrity status with Mistress and Misfit, and Catastrophe star Rob Delaney delivers more laconic and urbane observations.

If you simply refuse to see a show unless the act has an Edinburgh Comedy Award to their name, then you’ll be delighted to hear that Bridget Christie is back with her first new set in two years, What Now?, while Fife-born Richard Gadd zips a work-in-progress affair our way and Irish stand-up pioneer Tommy Tiernan is blissfully and passionately Under the Influence.

Rising stars Rose Matafeo, Mat Ewins, Evelyn Mok, Kieran Hodgson, Mae Martin and Rachel Parris are all in town, and if it’s homegrown talent you’re after: Alan Bissett will be unleashing more of The Moira Monologues, Gareth Waugh skirts the stand-up line between truth and lies with Honestly?, Richard Brown raises expectations by promising us The Least Worst of Richard Brown, Limmy chucks us some Vines, Fern Brady shows why she won’t Suffer, Fools!, Chris Forbes probes his Unquiet Mind, and Burnistoun guy Iain Connell flies solo with Some Buzz. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 8–25 March, glasgowcomedyfestival.com Supported by the Year of Young People 2018..

33

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 33

16/01/2018 11:41

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

Gastrofest

10–17 MARCH

CAITHNESS INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Caithness, science03.org

Since 2003, this annual festival has been hosted for all the primary and secondary schools in Caithness. Featuring workshops, science and drama presentations, motivational speakers and competitions.

jazz and blues, with everything from jamming and workshops, to chilled out gigs on the green and late night sessions.

13–25 MARCH

LOCHWINNOCH ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Lochwinnoch, lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Shetland Islands

Lochwinnoch’s annual arts festival is a celebration of music, art, dancing and theatre.

Performers include Laura McDonald, Matthew McAllister, Jimmy Blair’s Accordion Orchestra, Renfrewshire Community Gospel Choir, Glasgow Theatre Guild, and Willie Gamble and Sons.

Annual showcase of the talents of Shetland’s young musicians.

14–18 MARCH

8–18 MARCH

GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

12–16 MARCH

SHETLAND SCHOOLS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenjazzfestival.com

A host of musicians and performers descend on the Granite City for a few days of 34

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 34

FILM & TV Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org/ glasgow-short-film-festival

The largest competitive short film festival in Scotland celebrates diverse forms of cinematic expression that

transgress the boundaries of conventional narrative film.

The programme includes international and Scottish competitions, networking events, panel discussions, workshops, parties and live events.

15–17 MARCH

EDINBURGH YARN FESTIVAL HERITAGE Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, edinyarnfest.com

This woolly bonanza caters for all who knit, crochet, embroider, spin, haberdash or just appreciate a darn good yarn.

15–25 MARCH

AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, ayewrite.com

Aye Write! remains committed to celebrating Scottish and international writers and writing.

Events cover politics, sports, music, fiction, biography and comics.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:41

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

16–18 MARCH

NIEL GOW ANNUAL SCOTTISH FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Dunkeld & Birnam, niel-gow.co.uk

Established in 2004 to celebrate the life of Perthshire fiddle legend Niel Gow. Now a breeding ground for traditional music talent, the festival runs workshops, performances and events.

16–24 MARCH

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVAL OF IRELAND MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghsfestivalofireland.org

This multi-arts event is a familyfriendly celebration of the links between Edinburgh and Ireland, with storytelling, music and dance.

17 MARCH

ADAM SMITH FOOD FESTIVAL

with events, screenings, new commissions and workshops, featuring live music and storytelling by national and international musicians and performers.

23–25 MARCH

WILD FILM FESTIVAL SCOTLAND ART / FILM & TV / OUTDOOR Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, wildfilmfestivalscotland.co.uk

A weekend-long celebration of the natural world with wildlife film screenings, celebrity speakers and a photographic exhibition.

31 MARCH–15 APRIL

FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Hawick, hawickreivers.com

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

A programme of music, drama and re-enactments allow you to experience what life was like in the mid sixteenth century.

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, sciencefestival.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Bonar Hall, Dundee, harbroevents.co.uk

Get Creative Festival is a merger between the Get Creative Weekend and the Voluntary Arts Festival. It takes place across the country and encourages people to come together and be creative in their local community.

THE WHISKY SOCIAL

Meet brand ambassadors, take part in masterclasses and sample drams from some of the best distilleries in the world.

24 MARCH–14 APRIL

PUPPET ANIMATION FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scotland, puppetanimationfestival.org

21–25 MARCH

The UK’s largest and longest established annual performing arts event for children pulls some strings to present a feast of puppet-based entertainment.

HIPPODROME: SILENT FILM FESTIVAL

30 & 31 MARCH

FILM & TV The Hippodrome, Bo’ness, hippfest.co.uk

Scotland’s only silent film festival

MUSIC Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, harpfestival.co.uk

HAWICK REIVERS FESTIVAL

A celebration of local food & drink with demonstrations, talks and plenty of samples.

COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, voluntaryarts.org/get-creative

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL

23–25 MARCH

24 MARCH

GET CREATIVE FESTIVAL

30 MARCH–4 APRIL

World-class harpists and up-andcoming local talents perform, plus workshops, a harpmakers’ exhibition and late night music sessions.

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK High Street, Kirkcaldy, fifedirect. org.uk

17–25 MARCH

Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, northhop.co.uk A beer and food festival with an impressive selection of craft beer, cider, gin, cocktails, street food, and live music.

NORTH HOP FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (AECC),

Hands-on science for adults, children and families with a programme ranging from the entertaining to the controversial.

See feature, page 19.

31 MARCH–15 APRIL

GASTROFEST FOOD & DRINK / SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, sciencefestival.co.uk

Food producers, chefs and mixologists help sciencey types explore the experiences of taste, disgust, pleasure and other aspects of consumption through workshops, exhibitions and discussions.

8-16 MARCH

SYNFESTIVAL EDINBURGH MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, synfestivaledinburgh.co.uk

Multi-arts festival organised by the Hellenic Society at University of Edinburgh featuring a variety of visual and performing arts.

35

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 35

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

APRIL 8 APRIL

HIGHLAND HAGGIS FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Spean Bridge Community Hall, Spean Bridge, highlandhaggisfest.co.uk

Celebrate Scotland’s national dish at the Highland Haggis Festival: eat, drink and dance.

7 APRIL

LORDS OF THE LAND FESTIVAL MUSIC Barrowland, Glasgow, lordsoftheland.co.uk

Extreme festival with a full day of thrash and death metal action.

It features Demolition Hammer, Cannabis Corpse, Vallenfyre and Lawnmower Deth.

8–13 APRIL

5–8 APRIL

WALK ISLAY

COUNTERFLOWS

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Islay, walkislay.co.uk

ART / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, counterflows.com

A festival of underground, experimental and international music. Counterflows marries the local to the international with artists from around the world collaborating with homegrown talent in spaces across Glasgow.

See the best of Scottish island landscapes with this walking festival. In 2018 there are walks from Bunnahabhain to Bholsa; the Isles of Colonsay and Oronsay; Beinn Bheigier, Islay’s highest peak; RSPB Loch Gruinart; and the traditional Friday walk around Jura and the deserted village of Cnocbrec.

6–8 APRIL

GLENFARG FOLK FEAST FAMILY / MUSIC The Green Hotel, Kinross, glenfargfolkclub.com/folkfeast. shtml

A small and friendly stalwart of the folk festival calendar, this festival is an initiative of Glenfarg Village Folk Club and is open to many musics of an acoustic variety as well as storytelling and poetry. The 2018 edition is the 40th Feast, and they’re planning it to be a special one.

6–15 APRIL

ON THE ROCKS STUDENT ARTS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, St Andrews, ontherocksfestival.com

The tenth year for this studentrun arts festival promises more shows, concerts and exhibitions for all the family. See spotlight, page 38.

36

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 36

13–15 APRIL

CONPULSION CONSPIRACY FAMILY Teviot, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, conpulsion.org

Conpulsion is Edinburgh’s largest weekend tabletop gaming convention, covering board games, roleplaying games, card games, wargames and live action roleplay. There are guests, competitions, events, traders and lots of games to play including old favourites and brand new releases.

Festival, branch out into the gin game with the Falkirk Gin Festival. Sample gins and learn how to achieve a perfect serve.

14 & 15 APRIL

GLASGOW ZINE FESTIVAL LITERATURE CCA, Glasgow, glasgowzinefest.com

A weekend of workshops, screenings, talks and socials topped with the biggest self publishing fair in Scotland.

19–22 APRIL

LOCH SHIEL SPRING FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Loch Shiel, Lochaber, lochshielfestival. com

A festival of western classical music set amid the stunning scenery of Loch Shiel. From offbeat locations to local traditions and innovative performances, this celebrates anything and everything to do with chamber music.

19–22 APRIL

DEAD BY DAWN FILM & TV Filmhouse, Edinburgh, deadbydawn.co.uk

Celebrating 25 years of cinematic scares, the Filmhouse’s horror fest hosts a selection of genre premieres, classic features, short films and special guests. For a concentrated dose of evil, the Spawn of Dawn mini-fest runs throughout the Saturday night.

14 APRIL

FALKIRK GIN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Falkirk, facebook.com/ falkirkginfestival

Craft Beer Discovery, the team who host Falkirk’s festival of craft beer and Falkirk Whisky

19–21 & 26–28 APRIL

UNDEPENDENCE FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Stirling, undependence.co.uk

Pop Up! Scotland present independent short films and features.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

24-27 MAY 2018

Dougie MacLean Duncan Chisholm String Sisters Saltfishforty • The Once Ímar • Fara • The Chair The Mae Trio • Gnoss The Wrigley Sisters Auld Hats New Heids Craig Paton Dance Band Kansa • Kabantu

/orkneyfolkfestival

@OrkneyFolkFest

and many more to be announced . . .

www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

1-3 JUNE 2018

Over 200 craft beers

Scottish street food showcase

CAIRNDOW, ARGYLL

Full weekend of live music

Under-13s go free!

www.fynefest.com 37

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 37

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

20–21 APRIL

WIDE DAYS MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, widedays.com

Born to Be Wide present two days of music seminars.

Speakers for 2017 included Geoff Ellis of DF Concerts, manager Jenny Carroll, booking agent Becky Sugden, and vinyl expert Del Sawers.

20–22 APRIL

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

ON THE ROCKS As the largest student-run arts festival in Scotland, On the Rocks supports more than 100 student societies and groups at The University of St Andrews by showcasing their talent. The festival incorporates art, photography, film, theatre, dance, fashion, music and comedy, and also invites other members of the St Andrews community to take part, creating a diverse and engaging programme.

In previous years events have included the Sitara fashion show, a concert by the St Andrews Symphony Orchestra and a production at St Andrews Castle of Macbeth, which was subsequently taken to the Edinburgh Fringe. Sean Connery, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren and Simon Pegg are just some of the influential names who have supported On the Rocks in previous years. Highlights of this year’s programme include productions of Sweeney Todd and Twelfth Night, as well as cocktail making workshops, a Pride parade, music cafés and comedy shows.

(Louise Stoddart) ■ Various venues, St Andrews, 6–15 April, ontherocksfestival.com 38

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 38

ORKNEY JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC The Stromness Hotel, Stromness, Orkney, stromnesshotel.com

A weekend of traditional jazz with players from around the UK and a sprinkling of local talent to ensure a true Orcadian flavour.

20 APRIL–7 MAY

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL ART / FAMILY Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowinternational.org

Two-yearly festival of contemporary art commissioned from artists around the globe and including exhibitions in traditional gallery spaces, plus unique site-specific installations and live performance art. The 2018 festival will be directed by Richard Parry, who was formerly the Curator-Director of the Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool.

Over 190 artists, including 130 based in Glasgow, are featured across a number of ambitious projects. Artists include Mark Lecky, Lubaina Himid, Nadia Myre and Kapwani Kiwanga.

21 APRIL

FIFE BRASS BAND FESTIVAL MUSIC Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly, fifebrassbanding.org.uk

Brass bands from around Scotland each present their own concert programme at this competition.

21–22 APRIL

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dumfries, dgsciencefestival.co.uk

Family-oriented science fest from the makers of Glasgow Science Festival, with drop-in displays and exhibitions and loads of science-y fun for everyone.

26 APRIL–6 MAY

TRADFEST EDINBURGH (DÙN ÈIDEANN) HERITAGE / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, tracscotland.org/festivals/ tradfest

Edinburgh’s TradFest kick starts the summer season with a feast of folk arts – music, storytelling, dance, folk film, literature, talks, crafts and visual arts – across Scotland’s capital. The event is inspired by the traditions of May Day and Beltane and showcases cultural traditions with a contemporary spin.

27–28 APRIL

PAISLEY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Paisley Town Hall, Paisley, renfrewshire.gov.uk

A four-day festival celebrating the best that Scotland’s larder has to offer.

27–29 APRIL

UKULELE FESTIVAL OF SCOTLAND MUSIC Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Royal Campus, Dumfries, ukulelefestivalofscotland.co.uk

The second Ukulele Festival of LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: LUDOVIC FARINE

28 APRIL–5 MAY

EDINBURGH CONTEMPORARY CLOWN FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, assemblyfestival.com

The Edinburgh Contemporary Clown Festival brings world-class theatre clown performances to Scotland.

30 APRIL

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beltane.org

28 APRIL

A modern interpretation of the ancient fertility festival of Beltane in the spectacular setting of Calton Hill. Beltane Fire Society performs the story of the death of winter and the birth of summer via dance, drumming, debauched acrobatics, giantpuppetry and fire.

WOODLAND DANCE PROJECT

30 APRIL–20 MAY

Tradfest

Scotland featuring concerts, workshops, jam sessions, bus tours, a youth festival and much more.

28 APRIL

SHUFFLE DOWN FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Dobbie Hall, Larbert, shuffledown.co.uk

A one-day fundraiser for Kidney Kids Scotland with live music, local craft beer and stalls selling food, arts and crafts. Confirmed acts so far include Pronto Mama, Mickey 9’s, Miracle Glass Company, Have Mercy Las Vegas, HQFU and plenty more.

28 APRIL

SCOTLAND CALLING MUSIC O2 ABC, Glasgow, abcglasgow.com

One-day punk festival featuring Buzzcocks, Cockney Rejects, Angelic Upstarts, UK Subs, GBH, Ruts DC, Subhumans and Dirt Box Disco.

MUSIC Venue tbc, Midlothian, woodlanddanceproject.co.uk

A one-day music festival based at an undisclosed woodland 20 minutes from Edinburgh.

Electrikal and The Woodyard are hosting stages with 2018’s lineup including Roots Manuva, The Mouse Outfit, Darkzy, Serum + Inja and more.

COLONSAY FESTIVAL OF SPRING COMMUNITY / FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Colonsay, colonsayspringfest.co.uk

28 & 29 APRIL

This tiny island comes alive with a series of events that showcase its natural beauty: workshops and tours, whisky tasting and cake baking, music, exhibitions and film screenings.

COLONSAY BOOK FESTIVAL

APRIL, DATES TBC

FAMILY / LITERATURE Colonsay Village Hall, Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay, colonsaybookfestival.org.uk

A book festival hosted by the beautiful inner Hebridean isle of Colonsay. As well as readings and performances, the emphasis is on meeting and chatting with the writers, and debate and good craic in the pub.

AN LANNTAIR’S FÈILL CEÀIRD IS CÒCAIRACHD: CRAFT AND COOKERY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, lanntair.com

Two days of crafts and cookery with activities including foraging and the annual Harris Tweed Cycle Ride.

39

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 39

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

MAY 2–5 MAY

DUNDEAD HORROR FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, dca.org.uk

3–7 MAY

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL ART / FILM & TV Tower Mill, Heart of Hawick, Hawick, alchemyfilmfestival. org.uk

For the fifth year running Dundee indulges its more bloodthirsty side with a bank holiday weekend of cinematic thrills and scares. With a programme of sneak previews and terrifying classics, the event has an inclusive feel, welcoming suggestions via Twitter and Facebook.

Annual film festival with a focus on high quality artistic projects and experimental short film from around the world, mixing this with thematically-related feature length screenings and a sprinkling of cinematic magic.

3–6 MAY

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Bandstand Bar and Restaurant, Braeval Hotel, Nairn, braevalhotel.co.uk/ bandstandbeerfestival.asp

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Shetland, shetlandfolkfestival.com

The most northerly folk festival in the UK – hosts eclectic line-ups of folk, blues, jazz and swing with a programme of workshops, sessions and formal and informal concerts.

It’s famous for showcasing Shetland musicianship, especially the unique fiddle tradition.

3–7 MAY

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Speyside, spiritofspeyside.com

While the main focus of this festival is obviously going to be on the aqua vitae, there’s a wide-ranging programme of events going on in the meantime. Distilleries, shops, restaurants, pubs and villages throughout Speyside – home to more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries – welcome visitors with an enormous array of special tastings, behind-thescenes tours, food, music and outdoor and heritage activities.

40

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 40

sessions, concerts, workshops and children’s events.

4–6 MAY

BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Dumfries House, Dumfries House Estate, Cumnock, boswellbookfestival.co.uk

A quirky literary festival devoted to biography and the first modern biographer, James Boswell. The fest spans talks, performances and workshops by writers, actors and artists.

3–7 MAY

BANDSTAND BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

The largest indie beer and music festival in the Highlands, boasting more than 140 real ales, ciders and craft beers from all over the UK. Expect live music, speciality foods, whisky, charity stalls and a barbecue.

4–6 MAY

KINTYRE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Campbeltown, kintyresongwritersfestival. co.uk

A music festival aimed at showcasing and promoting Kintyre’s homegrown musical talent, along with appearances by a selection of higher profile guests.

4–6 MAY

4–6 MAY

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL

BONFEST MUSIC

An Oban-based festival showcasing young talent, with over 1100 participants and 125 competition classes in eleven disciplines.

East Muirhead of Logie Farm, Kirriemuir, bonfest.com Fans from all over the world descend on the sleepy Angus town of Kirriemuir for a celebration of its most rock’n’roll son, AC/DC frontman Bon Scott.

4–6 MAY

5 MAY

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

BURNSFEST!

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Oban, obanfestival.org

MUSIC Various venues, Girvan, girvanfolkfestival.co.uk

A weekend community folk festival run by Girvan Folk Club featuring a range of open

MULTI-ARTS Rozelle Park, Ayr, burnsfestival.com/burnsfest

A programme of events based around the works of Oor Rabbie, including live music, performance, a beer garden and other events.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: CHRIS SCOTT

6 MAY

SCOTTISH WANDERER CYCLEFEST OUTDOOR Border Union Showground, Springwood Park, Kelso, experiencefreedomcycling. com/scottish-wanderer

A cycling festival featuring a family fun ride, sportives measuring 52km and 82km as well as a bike skills area, competitions and a bike demo course.

6 MAY

STEREOFUNK FESTIVAL MUSIC Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, stereofunkevents.com

Club night Stereofunk bring you a full day of DJs and live music. Lineup for 2018 includes Cascada, The Showhawk Duo, Ultra-Sonic, GBX, Ultrabeat and Joe Deacon plus a new I Am A Raver arena.

7–12 MAY

CAMPSIE MAYFEST COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Milton of Campsie Village Hall, Milton of Campsie, mocvh.com

Community art and music festival including art exhibitions, walks, a craft fair and live music.

7–27 MAY

SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, mhfestival.com

One of Scotland’s most diverse and inclusive cultural events, combining high quality artistic events with extensive community-led programming and a social justice agenda.

See panel, page 47.

HIDDEN DOOR The Hidden Door music and arts festival celebrated its best event yet in 2017, helping bring the stunning Leith Theatre back into use for the first time in nearly three decades. Hidden Door’s earliest instalments – at the derelict Waverley Arches (in 2014) and the abandoned stables on King’s Stables Road (2015 and 2016) – were a lot of DIY fun. But soon after the festival cleared out from both sites, the former was turned into a new complex of bars, shops and small businesses, while the latter is being transformed into a mixed-use development of hotel, homes, student accomodation, shops and an arts facility.

Redevelopment, though, is exactly what everyone involved wants at Leith Theatre, to where Hidden Door will return in 2018. In the midst of an improvement process run by the trust which has a lease on it, the grand old Ferry Road building (which opened in 1932) was breathtakingly transformed by an army of volunteers, hosting live music and theatre in the striking main hall, and art installations throughout its corridors, basement vaults and projection room.

This year the festival aims to host even more music in the hope that decision-makers will get a proper idea of the venue’s potential. And for those who find half the fun of Hidden Door is the opportunity for a bit of urban exploration in previously concealed spaces, the festival has taken the ambitious decision to double in size, taking on the art deco former State Cinema on Great Junction Street. (David Pollock) ■ Leith Theatre and State Cinema, Edinburgh, 25 May–3 June, hiddendoorblog.org 41

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 41

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

10–13 MAY

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Moniaive, moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk

One of the country’s most civilised festivals, the Moniaive Folk Festival boasts a heated marquee and a campsite with hot showers alongside its myriad musical sessions, children’s programme, workshops and piping competition.

11–13 MAY

FIFESING: THE FIFE TRADITIONAL SINGING FESTIVAL HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Falkland, springthyme.co.uk/fifesing

A celebration of traditional singing for singers and Edinburgh International Magic Festival

enthusiasts. The weekend includes concerts, singarounds, sessions, workshops and talks.

11–13 MAY

ULLAPOOL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Ullapool Village Hall, Ullapool, ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

Continuing the importance of literature in Highland culture, this festival brings together writers from the local area, Scotland and abroad, and knows how to take care of its guests: the events are organised so that festival-goers can attend everything, and the Saturday sessions start with a bacon roll and coffee, ending with a smoked salmon supper.

The winner of the Highland Book Prize is announced at the festival.

11–13 MAY

GIG IN THE GOIL MUSIC Various venues, Lochgoilhead, twitter.com/giginthegoil

Boutique festival located in the heart of Argyll. The village’s first music festival is the brainchild of local holiday park operator, Argyll Holidays. It takes place across various venues, with the Main Stage located at the Drimsynie House Hotel with the Goil Inn’s Village Stage playing host to local acts. There’s also a range of outdoor activities and entertainment over the weekend and a variety of local food and drink to enjoy.

11–17 MAY

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Newton Stewart, walkfestnewtonstewart.com

A week of guided walks exploring the wild hills, rugged coastline and rolling countryside of Galloway. Walks are guided by members of Galloway Mountain Rescue Team or other local guides and some have specific themes, such as wildlife, coastline, geology or history.

11–19 MAY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, magicfest.co.uk

MagicFest presents another programme of close-up conundrums, mindboggling illusions, comic cabaret and other feats of the impossible.

The festival features workshops as well as shows, and ends with the illustrious Closing Gala, a fast paced performance of illusion, sleight-of-hand and mind reading.

42

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 42

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

FULL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED MARCH 15

A TEN DAY REGION-WIDE FEAST OF MUSIC THEATRE, COMEDY DANCE AND SPOKEN WORD

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

ARTS

FESTIVAL

2018

TICKETS AND PROGRAMME WWW.DGARTSFESTIVAL.ORG.UK T | 01387 253383

25 MAY - 3 JUNE 2018

EST 1979: SCOTLAND’S LARGEST RURAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

BLOCK BY NO NOFIT STATE STAT CIRCUS AND MO MOTION O HOUSE WI W LL BE PER PERFO ERFO FOR RMING ON DUMF MFRIE R S RIE HIGH STREET SAT ATURDAY URDAY 26 MAY

IMAGE ©DAN TUCKER

2018

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

Charity Reg. No. SC000236

F Loch yne

1978

2018

Fy

n e at 4 0

Don’t Miss The Loch Fyne Oysters

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND 12 – 13 MAY 2018 GREAT FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY ONLY 1 HOUR FROM GLASGOW

EVERY YEAR IT’S A BRAND NEW ADVENTURE tel: 01387 213218 email: info@spring-fling.co.uk www.spring-fling.co.uk

For More Details Visit: www.lochfyne.com/news-and-events

D springflingopenstudios C @spring_fling #SF2018 Z springfling

43

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 43

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: ERIKA STEVESON

11–27 MAY

SOUTHSIDE FRINGE COMMUNITY / MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, southsidefringe.org.uk

An independent fringe festival that aims to broaden the scope of music, comedy, burlesque, cabaret, art and theatre events happening in Glasgow’s southside.

Highlights of the 2017 programme included Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 and Psychedelic Confessions of a Primal Screamer.

12 MAY

PERTH BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK North Inch Park, Perth, perthbeerfestival.co.uk

Combined beer festival and rugby sevens tournament so you have something to watch while drinking beer from around the country.

There’s also a ticketed function at night with a top notch local band.

DUNDEE DESIGN FESTIVAL Big ideas take time to digest. So, as Dundee Design Festival moves into its third year, the organisers have decided to restructure their approach, working in two-year cycles. One year will be a huge festival such as 2017’s jam-packed programme of events, exhibitions and workshops responding to The Factory Floor theme.

The following year will be an opportunity to reflect, taking stock of ideas and projects that emerged at the previous festival.

2018’s event is a reflective year and will take place in venues across Dundee. One highlight is set to be an exhibition of works produced as part of the Designer x Factory residency programme initiated last year, shown in an empty retail unit in the city centre.

The exhibition will feature collaborative projects between ceramicist Florence Dwyer and Turnberry Rug Works, ceramicist Dawn Youll and The Glassblowing Workshop, while Professor Simon Kirby and designer-musician Tommy Perman team up with interactive designers FifeX. It’s rare that designers and manufacturers work alongside each other so intensely, but could this represent the future of making? And if not, what does? A symposium has been scheduled during the festival to grapple with these questions.

The festival will also mark the 2018 Year of Young People, with a Design Parade featuring works designed by teams of school children in response to objects sent to them by fellow UNSECO design cities. Young people will also ‘take over’ Creative Dundee’s hugely popular PechaKucha night. (Rachael Cloughton) ■ Various venues, Dundee, 21–28 May, dundeedesignfestival.com Supported by the Year of Young People 2018..

44

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 44

12 & 13 MAY

LOCH FYNE 40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Loch Fyne Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Clachan, Cairndow, lochfyne.com

The world famous Loch Fyne Oysters company in Argyll celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018. A weekend of celebrations include cooking demonstrations, tours of the oyster farm, live music, a variety of children’s entertainment and food stalls serving fantastic fresh food. Great fun for all the family and only an hour from Glasgow.

12–19 MAY

OFF THE PAGE STIRLING BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE

Various venues, Stirling, culturestirling.org/off-the-page This local festival offers a wide range of authors and speakers for adults and children of all ages.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Featured authors include Denise Mina, Helen Fitzgerald and Chris Townsend. There are also heritage walks in Balfron, tours of the archives and a special ‘How to Get Published Event’ featuring Allan Guthrie.

25 MAY–3 JUNE

STAGE IT! THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, dgartslive.org.uk

A great programme of live events taking place across Dumfries & Galloway, programmed by the Stage IT! group. Events include a Take Over Day on Dumfries High Street featuring circus performance from No Fit State and Motion House Block, Janis Claxton’s Pop Up Duets and the Scottish Ensemble and Dumfries Strings Project.

A chance to find out about the bird life on Coll, including the elusive corncrake.

18–20 MAY

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Scotland, festivalofmuseums.com

Staging events in over 70 museums and galleries across Scotland, the Festival of Museums is a celebration of the wealth of knowledge stored in our historic institutions.

18–20 MAY

COASTWORD FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Dunbar, coastword.co.uk

17–26 MAY

The literary community comes together to bring a roster of bookish delights to Dunbar for a wee, weekend-long festival.

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

18–20 MAY

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Perth, perthfestival.co.uk

Music, comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts are all up for grabs at this festival.

18 & 19 MAY

HELENSBURGH BEER & GIN FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Helensburgh Sailing Club, Helensburgh, helensburghalefest.co.uk

A charity event run by the local Round Table, over 50 of Scotland’s finest real ales are on offer as well as a range of ciders and food, all in a lochside setting. Music accompaniment includes blues, rock and ceilidh.

18–20 MAY

COLL BIRD FESTIVAL OUTDOOR

An Cridhe, Isle of Coll, collbunkhouse.com/coll-birdfestival-2018

STRICHEN FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Strichen, buchanheritagesociety.co.uk

19 & 20 MAY

GLASGOW COFFEE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Briggait, Glasgow, glasgowcoffeefestival.com

A festival celebrating the mighty coffee bean and showcasing the specialty coffee scene in Scotland. There are roasters, bars, brews and baristas hosting tastings, presentations and more.

All profits go to charity Girls Gotta Run. 19–25 MAY

BALLATER WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Royal Deeside, walkballater.com

Run continuously since 1998 this festival caters to all abilities of walkers. Making the most of the magnificent views on easy, medium and strenuous walks over seven days, which are led by knowledgeable local residents, full-time rangers and professional mountain guides.

21–28 MAY

This friendly festival has been running since 1984 and seeks to keep traditional art forms alive. Located in North East Scotland, it offers a programme of music, song, verse, drama and dance as well as competitions and ceilidhs.

DUNDEE DESIGN FESTIVAL

18–21 MAY

24–27 MAY

ARRAN MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR Various venues, Arran, arranmountainfestival.co.uk

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Orkney Islands, orkneyfolkfestival.com

A huge variety of guided walks and scrambles throughout Arran’s stunning hills and mountains: from wildlifewatching walks along the island’s coastline to airy scrambles on towering granite ridges.

A firm fixture in the folk festival calendar since its 1982 inception, the combination of Orcadian talent and visiting musicians earned it the Event of the Year at the 2011 Scots Trad Music Awards. Dougie MacLean will return this year.

ART / HERITAGE Various venues, Dundee, dundeedesignfestival.com

Dundee Design Festival is packed full of exhibitions, tours and workshops. See panel, page 44.

45

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 45

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

TEDXYOUTH@GLASGOW You’ll have seen a TED talk or ten already, the short talks from leading thinkers and doers that dominate the internet’s library of inspiring videos. TEDx is an independently organised TED event, where a programme of TED videos and live speakers spark discussion and debate.

TEDxGlasgow has been running for six years, and in 2017 invited 300 students from schools throughout Glasgow to attend an afternoon session where they could interview speakers and share their voices. In response to the Year of Young People, a brand new standalone event has been created, TEDxYouth@Glasgow.

It is to be co-designed and delivered by a team of young people, including students from Glasgow’s Clyde College.

The programme of speakers aims to directly appeal to 12–26 year olds and this premiere event welcomes over 2000 young delegates to share creativity, ideas and innovation.

For those not able to attend, a live stream of the event will be available online. All of the talks are then made available via YouTube and on the TEDxGlasgow.com website to support global access (Rowena McIntosh) ■ SEC, Glasgow, 31 May, tedxglasgow.com/youth 46

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 46

24–27 MAY

25-27 MAY

KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH

EDINBURGH CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

FAMILY / MUSIC Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, knockengorroch.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC The Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, edinburghcraftbeerfestival. co.uk

An outdoor festival with the emphasis on roots music, the line-up is a melting pot of world, folk, fusion and dub reggae music with electronica, hip hop and drum & bass thrown in for good measure, both performed live and DJed.

Scotland’s global craft beer event returns with breweries, street food and music.

25 & 26 MAY

PITMEDDEN COMMUNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Pitmedden Garden, Pitmedden, Ellon, pitmeddenmusic.com

Not-for-profit community music festival with jazz, orchestra, rock and more. There is also food stalls, kids entertainment and a beer festival showcasing craft beer and cider from around Scotland.

25–27 MAY

MONTROSE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Montrose, montrosemusicfestival.co.uk

Affectionately known as ‘Mo Fest’, this annual event offers band nights, ceilidhs, big names on stage and a campsite.

25–27 MAY

MHOR FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Monachyle Mhor, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, mhorfestival. net

A huge array of activities are on offer at this festival, including baking competitions, theatre, live music and many more activities for kids and adults alike.

25 MAY–2 JUNE

ISLAY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND MALT FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, islayfestival.com

The Islay Festival, or ‘Fèis Ìle’ as it’s called in Gaelic, celebrates 34 years. The fest offers distillery tours, live music, a food fair, golf and bowling competitions, and even Gaelic lessons.

25 MAY–3 JUNE

HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, hiddendoorblog.org

Artists of all stripes congregate for the Hidden Door interdisciplinary arts festival. See panel, page 41.

25 MAY–3 JUNE

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, dgartsfestival.org.uk

The ten-day family-friendly multi-arts Borders-based festival boasts everything from theatre, dance and music to literature, film and art.

26 & 27 MAY

EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL OUTDOOR Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghmarathon.com

Scotland’s largest running festival of its kind with over 30,000 LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

PHOTO: BECKY DUNCAN

runners attending. There are seven races to choose from over two days including the marathon, half marathon, team relay, 10k, 5k and junior races.

26 & 27 MAY

ELECTRIC FROG & PRESSURE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL MUSIC Riverside Museum, Glasgow, riversidefestivalglasgow.com

The Electric Frog crew and Pressure once again join forces to present their outdoor electronic music festival. The lineup includes Dax J, Dixon, Fatima Yamaha, Green Velvet, Jackmaster, Joy Orbison, Len Faki, Marcus Worgull, Richie Hawtin, Skream, and Slam.

Heir of the Cursed from 2017

26–28 MAY

SPRING FLING ART / MUSIC Various venues, Dumfries & Galloway, spring-fling.co.uk

A vibrant visual art and craft open studios event covering South West Scotland and offering a chance to see behindthe-scenes of 90–100 local artists.

26 MAY–3 JUNE

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Edinburgh, imaginate.org.uk

Edinburgh’s international children’s arts festival presents dance, storytelling and puppetry, suitable for anyone with an imagination.

31 MAY

TEDXYOUTH@ GLASGOW POLITICS / SCIENCE SEC, Glasgow, tedxglasgow. com/youth

A local TED event. See spotlight, page 46.

SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS FESTIVAL Mental illness affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Despite this, a harmful stigma often prevents it from being acknowledged and discussed openly, particularly within public spaces. For over a decade, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival has worked to reduce stereotypes and challenge preconceived notions, celebrating the artistic achievements of people with experience of mental health issues.

The 2018 edition of the festival promises another innovative and varied programme that will be shaped and guided by a brand new youth panel in celebration of the Year of Young People. Each year, a single word is chosen as the festival’s central theme, with participants invited to respond to it through their own works. The theme for 2018 is Beginnings, highlighting the fact that positive mental health is a process that starts early in life. With a youth focus in mind, three distinct pieces of work will be developed in partnership with Vox Liminis, Cultured Mongrel Dance Theatre and Into Film Scotland.

Since 2007, SMHAF has provided a creative platform for people living with mental illness, encouraging participation and opening up conversations relating to mental health and wellbeing. The community festival, led by the Mental Health Foundation, has become one of the most exciting and diverse events on the Scottish cultural calendar, bringing together artists from all over the country as well as further afield while having a profound impact on everyone involved. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Various venues, Scotland, 7–27 May, mhfestival.com Supported by the Year of Young People 2018..

47

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 47

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

31 MAY–3 JUNE

ANGUS GLENS WALKING FESTIVAL OUTDOORS The Angus Glens, Dundee, angusalive.scot

Dozens of walks from gentle coastal strolls to exhilarating hikes, all guided by experienced leaders.

MAY DATES TBC

TAKE ME SOMEWHERE THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Glasgow, takemesomewhere.co.uk

A festival of contemporary performance, building on the legacy of The Arches arts programme.

JUNE 1–3 JUNE

FYNEFEST FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Fyne Ales, Achadunan, Cairndow, fynefest.com

Beer is the star at FyneFest, with a wide variety of brews from the UK and beyond, accompanied by an equally tempting music programme and food from a range of local producers (local as in venison from the estate and fresh oysters from the loch).

1–3 JUNE

JUNIPER FESTIVAL MAY, DATE TBC

EVOLVE18 MULTI-ARTS Custom House Quay, Greenock, rigarts.org

A youth-led arts festival celebrating young talent in Inverclyde.

FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, Edinburgh, summerhall.co.uk

With a variety of top producers to try as well as gin talks, cocktails, food stalls and handmade fashions and crafts on sale, Juniper celebrates all things gin.

MAY, DATES TBC

CLYDE AND AVON VALLEY FESTIVAL

1–6 JUNE

FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Clyde and Avon Valleys, clydeandavonvalley.org/ festival

MUSIC Daliburgh, South Uist, ceolas.co.uk

A programme of family-friendly events including walks, tours, workshops and music.

CEÒLAS

Annual summer school focusing on the connections between Scottish traditional music, Gaelic song and dance, with expert tuition and workshops plus lectures, concerts and ceilidhs.

MAY, DATES TBC

FIFE SCIENCE FESTIVAL

1–24 JUNE

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Fife, fifesciencefestival.org.uk

WEST END FESTIVAL

A mobile festival of fun, excitement and inspiration across Fife with exciting events for all the family.

MAY, DATES TBC

FOXLAKE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL COMEDY / FAMILY / MUSIC Foxlake Adventures, Dunbar, foxlakefestival.co.uk

An outdoor festival, with live music and comedy.

48

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 48

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Glasgow, westendfestival.co.uk

Taking over the West End of Glasgow each year, the festival offers a great musical line-up as well as exhibitions, talks and Big Sunday, which brings us stalls, live music and street theatre.

2 JUNE

TASTE OF GRAMPIAN FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK

Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, tasteofgrampian.co.uk The largest food festival in the North of Scotland showcasing local produce and offering fun entertainment for all the family.

2 JUNE

WHISKY AN’ A’ THAT FOOD & DRINK Ayr Town Hall, Ayr, whatsonayrshire.com/ayr-whiskyfestival.html

Ayr’s annual Whisky festival celebrates its fourteenth anniversary with a bigger line-up than ever, featuring whiskies from more than 30 companies.

2 & 3 JUNE

MEADOWS FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC The Meadows, Edinburgh, meadowsfestival.co.uk

Edinburgh’s festival season kicks off with the Meadows Festival, which offers a local band line-up, dance groups, a dog show, an outdoor market in Edinburgh and workshops amidst lots of familyfriendly activities.

3 JUNE

DUNDEE WESTFEST: BIG SUNDAY COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Magdalen Green, Dundee, dundeewestfest.org

Magdalen Green is filled with stalls, children’s rides, music, a beer garden and food vendors.

4–8 JUNE

ABERDEEN AND NORTH EAST OF SCOTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL THEATRE & DANCE / MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeenmusicfestival.com

Aberdeen’s oldest and original music, drama and dance festival.

This summer festival features competitions in storytelling, verse, mime, classical music performance and choral singing.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 49

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

7–10 JUNE

THE EDEN FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Raehills Meadows, St Anns, Moffat, edenfestival.co.uk

A boutique festival, with over 250 acts performing across nine stages, bringing you live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre and a children’s area.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

THE POWER OF FOOD FESTIVAL The fourth Power of Food Festival is back in June, celebrating community food growing to raise awareness about the environmental and social implications of the food we eat. Community food gardens around Edinburgh open their gates to the public, offering an insight into the benefits of community growing while inspiring and encouraging others to get involved. Last year’s events included poetry writing, guided bike rides, live music from local musicians, talks on urban trees and plenty of sampling.

In 2017, the festival expanded beyond the city, reaching Youth Vision in the Pentland Hills and The Lost Gardens of Penicuik in Midlothian.

They also introduced a minidocumentary, an exhibit at Stockbridge Library and held their first launch night. Since then, they’ve started their own podcast series where they chat to key influencers about their perspective on the power of food. This year’s festival promises to reach an even bigger audience by introducing more new events and activities. (Louise Stoddart) ■ Various venues, Edinburgh, 16 & 17 June, poweroffoodfestival. wordpress.com 50

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 50

7–17 JUNE

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL

competitions and events, ending with a Farewell Concert/Ceilidh to leave revellers with fond memories and the desire to return next year.

8–10 JUNE

ARRAN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Arran, arranevents.com/index.php

The island known for being Scotland in miniature presents a weekend of sessions, concerts and ceilidhs centred in Brodick.

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

8–10 JUNE

A packed programme of workshops, shows, films, discussion, exhibitions and art collaborations allow budding scientists to sit back and learn something new or don safety goggles and experiment.

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Tweed Green, Peebles, tweedlove.com

TWEEDLOVE ON THE GREEN

A host of events, with vendors, renowned manufacturers, bicycles to try out, and more.

9 & 10 JUNE

7–24 JUNE

CRAIL FOOD FESTIVAL

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF CYCLING

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Crail, crailfoodfest.co.uk

OUTDOOR Various venues, Edinburgh, edfoc.org.uk

Alongside cycling events, from lengthy scenic tours to talks from well-known cyclists to family bike rides, the festival also features a related film and art programme.

Food and music meet in this local festival. For the foodies there’s a producers’ market, cookery demonstrations and evening supper.

9–17 JUNE

LEITH FESTIVAL 8 & 9 JUNE

OBAN LIVE MUSIC Mossfield Park, Oban, obanlive.com

A two-day open air concert showcasing international acts in Mossfield Stadium. The lineup includes Skerryvore, Skipinnish and Blazin’ Fiddles.

8–10 JUNE

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Keith, tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.com

Traditional music, song, poetry and dance across a platform of

COMMUNITY / HERITAGE Various venues, Edinburgh, leithfestival.com

The vibrant Leith community shows off its festival skills with a programme of exhibitions, concerts, walks, talks and films.

14-16 JUNE

ST KILDA CHALLENGE & FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Various venues, Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist, thestkildachallenge.co.uk

International yacht race from Lochmaddy to St Kilda, with a programme of onshore events.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

14–17 JUNE

KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Kirkcudbright, kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

The Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival places the emphasis squarely on traditional jazz, from ragtime to swing.

14–17 JUNE

THE FISHERFOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Seaboard Memorial Hall, Balintore, seaboardcentre.com

A celebration of the history and heritage of the Ross-shire Seaboard villages. Events include a street party, ceilidhs, music, food, art, workshops and more.

14–17 JUNE

BAILLIE GIFFORD BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Harmony Garden, Melrose, bordersbookfestival.org

Taking place in the National Trust’s Georgian Harmony Garden, the festival attracts world-class literary figures.

15 -17 JUNE

MUCKLE TOON ADVENTURE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Langholm Rugby Club, Milntown, muckletoonadventurefestival. co.uk

Family adventure festival featuring cycling, running and guided walks.

15 & 16 JUNE

SUMMERHALL BEER FESTIVALE FOOD & DRINK Summerhall, Edinburgh, summerhall.com

All things beery, yeasty and delicious are packed into Summerhall for an ale-filled weekend with in-house brewery Barney’s.

YOUTH BEATZ As Scotland’s largest free youth music event, Youth Beatz has been responsible for drawing in thousands of music fans to Dumfries annually, alongside some of the biggest names in British pop. As well as providing a safe space for young people to enjoy some of their favourite acts, Youth Beatz aims to offer interactive learning experiences and information on youth services and social issues from mental health to bullying, and everything in between.

The festival will not only be celebrating its tenth anniversary year in 2018, but has been announced as a major event in the Year of Young People. Youth Beatz will see a significant expansion on previous years’ programmes, with the festival running over two days and moving from its Dock Park base to the larger Park Farm Showfield.

The main event will round off Youth Beatz Fringe which celebrates a week of artistic activity in a range of venues across Dumfries and Galloway. The programme also includes the return of The Toon, an interactive production, designed and delivered by young people, which addresses key issues faced by today’s youth.

Previous headliners at the festival include Professor Green, Cascada, Tinchy Stryder, Alexandra Burke and Example, and there’s bound to be something exciting planned for the tenth anniversary.

But regardless of the lineup, Youth Beatz will no doubt have a positive impact on young people in the region and beyond.

(Arusa Qureshi) ■ Park Farm Showfield, Dumfries, 30 June & 1 July, youthbeatz.co.uk Supported by the Year of Young People 2018..

51

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 51

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

16 JUNE

Hospitalfield Summer Festival

PROM FEST FAMILY / MUSIC Promenade, Leven, fifedirect.org.uk

A one-day family music festival by the sea on Leven’s picturesque promenade.

16 JUNE

EDINBURGH WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, thewhiskylounge.com

Pairing up with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this event brings a huge range of whiskies from Scotland and around the world to the capital, plus masterclasses.

16 & 17 JUNE

THE POWER OF FOOD FESTIVAL 15–17 JUNE

15–24 JUNE

CREAM O’ THE CROFT

MORAY WALKING & OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

FAMILY / OUTDOOR Comrie Croft, Comrie, muckmedden.co.uk/ creamothecroft

OUTDOOR Various venues, Highland and Moray Regions, moraywalkingfestival.co.uk

Scotland’s family-friendly mountain bike festival using mountain bike trails installed by the team at the Croft. The weekend includes a multistage Enduro, races and coaching sessions for kids, live music, camping and a pedalpowered cinema.

A series of walks in the varied landscape of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Country. Take in the sights along sandy beaches, over hilltops, past railway tracks and in the footsteps of whisky smugglers.

15–17 JUNE

KILLIN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC McLaren Hall, Killin, killinmusicfestival.com

A three-day festival of music featuring live bands and artists as well as sessions and workshops throughout the village over the weekend. The 2018 lineup includes Peatbog Faeries, Blazin’ Fiddles, Aly & Phil and loads more.

52

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 52

15 JUNE–1 JULY

ANNUALE ART / FAMILY Embassy, Edinburgh, annuale.org

Annuale is a festival celebrating independent, grassroots, creative projects in Edinburgh, curated by the Embassy gallery.

16 JUNE

LAIRG MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Lairg Community Centre, Lairg, facebook.com/LairgCommunity

Celebrating their 20th anniversary with a day packed with music competitions for all ages.

FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Edinburgh, poweroffoodfestival.wordpress. com

A festival hosted by community food gardens across Edinburgh, See spotlight, page 50.

17–24 JUNE

FORFAR GALA WEEK COMMUNITY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Forfar, facebook.com/ ForfarActionNetwork

Nestled in the heart of Forfar, this festival aims to entertain all ages with activities ranging from pipe bands to dog shows and Highland dancing.

18 JUNE–7 JULY

HOSPITALFIELD SUMMER FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Hospitalfield, Arbroath, Angus, hospitalfield.org.uk

A series of events including children’s projects, concerts, open weekends, talks, tours and summer schools.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

LIVE COMEDY EVERY NIGHT! W W W. T H E S T A N D . C O . U K

WEEKEND SHOWCASE

EVERY THURS/FRI/SAT

at The Stand Feat. Stu Murphy & Garry Dobson

hosted by Billy Kirkwood top comedians making up

comedy on the spot The first monday of the month G R AT IN CELEB

AR 30 YE

THE STAND’S LEGENDARY NEW COMEDY NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY ONLY £3

BIG NAME TOUR SHOWS 0141 212 3389 StandGlasgow StandGlasgow

S scottishfair.com

Recipe for a great day at the

Scottish Game Fair

d Early Bir 8 1 0 Entry 2 NOW ORDER th April Ends 30 Apply T&C’s

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Registered Charity No: 1112023; Registered in Scotland SC038868.

53

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 53

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

20–24 JUNE

GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, jazzfest.co.uk

The Glasgow Jazz Festival has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music, including Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan and Pat Metheny. With major concerts, a late night jazz club, film screenings and talks, it’s one of the biggest events in the Scottish jazz calendar.

20 JUNE–1 JULY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, edfilmfest.org.uk

DIVERSE CITAY FESTIVAL Having re-opened to the public in November 2017 after a £16m makeover, Perth Theatre is proving that it’s not just its fixtures and fittings that are fresh-faced. On 23 June, new festival Diverse CiTay takes place in all the available spaces that this newly revamped building has to offer.

Featuring live music, workshops, performances and creative activities, Diverse CiTay will be curated by young people from across Perth and celebrates the diverse skills, talents and passion of the young people of Perthshire.

Across the city there are performances of music, drama and sport on the streets and in parks, with plenty of opportunities to join in.

You can visit the young entrepreneurs market where you can buy from the next generation of budding business people. Over at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Diverse CiTay will highlight issues that are important to young people.

The day also features the Two Inch Carnival, the shortest carnival in the world. It includes floats designed around the theme of diversity developed by young makers and creatives, as well as street performances, including Indian dance groups, Samba, pipes and drums and more.

Diverse CiTay rounds off with a special evening concert and a series of after-party events for over and under 18s. (Kelly Apter) ■ Diverse CiTay Festival, Various venues, Perth, 23 June, perthcity.co.uk Supported by the Year of Young People 2018..

54

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 54

The oldest continually running film festival in the world, the EIFF draws on its prestige to consistently present abundant programmes of new features, documentaries, retrospectives, shorts, panel discussions and educational workshops. For 2018’s Year of Young People the festival features an exciting programme for young people interested in filmmaking and the moving image industries.

21 JUNE

MIDSUMMER MUSIC IN THE CRANNOG MUSIC Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, crannog.co.uk

Midsummer magic featuring Scottish music around a log fire.

21-22 JULY

DUNDEE STREETS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS City Centre, Dundee

A vibrant celebration in the heart of the city, with street theatre, spectacle, music, games and fun.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

22–24 JUNE

WILDFIRE FESTIVAL MUSIC Wiston Lodge, Wiston, Biggar, wildfirefestival.co.uk

Scotland throws up the devil horns for its award-winning rock and metal festival. It’s business as usual as a variety of UK and European acts grace the Main Stage and Cack Blabbath Stage, which showcases unplugged, acoustic and blues based acts. Acts for 2018 include Lionheart, Massive Wagons, Black Cat Bones, Cairo Son, Falling Red, Hellbound Hearts and Witch Tripper.

22–24 JUNE

SOLAS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS The Bield, Blackruthven, Tibbermore, solasfestival.co.uk

A midsummer music and arts festival with performances and workshops in world music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts, plus debates.

22–27 JUNE

ST MAGNUS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Orkney Islands, stmagnusfestival.com

A prestigious festival that brings international orchestras, recitalists, theatre and literature to the Orkney Islands, and is renowned for its blend of worldclass performance and local participation.

you in this celebration of the very best of youth culture. See spotlight, p54.

and adult and children’s competitions. An attitude of hands-on music making is thoroughly encouraged.

27 & 28 JUNE

XPONORTH

29 JUNE–1 JULY

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Inverness, xponorth.co.uk

ARRAN MALT & MUSIC FESTIVAL

A cross-genre festival devoted to crafts, publishing, screen and broadcast as well as music. There are workshops, masterclasses and conferences during the day, and showcases of music and film in the evening.

27 JUNE–1 JULY

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL ART / LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues, East Neuk, eastneukfestival.com

World-class, critically-acclaimed music, art and literature all converge on this lovely corner of Fife. Though chamber music remains at the heart of the programme, the festival’s most varied selection yet includes musical surprises, international authors and imaginative artworks, all located in highly quirky venues.

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, Lochranza, Isle of Arran, arranwhisky.com

Brush up your whisky knowledge with a series of masterclasses in food pairings, cocktails and Arran whiskies.

There is also live music, a ceilidh with Tide Lines and a survivors lunch.

29 JUNE–2 JULY

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY FAMILY / MUSIC Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, Fairlie, Largs, kelburngardenparty.com

29 & 30 JUNE

Kelburn Castle provides the fairytale setting for this eccentric music festival. Six stages and various pop-up nooks host the musical programme – an eclectic mix of Scottish talent from the avant-garde and experimental to the accessible.

ISLE OF GIGHA MUSIC FESTIVAL

29 JUNE–8 JULY

FAMILY / MUSIC Isle of Gigha, gighamf.org.uk

3 HARBOURS ARTS FESTIVAL

The smallest music festival in Scotland offers a perfectlyformed line-up of ceilidhs, headline concerts, sessions, workshops and a musical beach picnic.

ART / LITERATURE / MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian, 3harbours.co.uk

A diverse mix of art, music, performance and heritage in Prestonpans, Port Seton and Cockenzie.

29 JUNE–1 JULY

DIVERSE CITAY FESTIVAL

NEWCASTLETON TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Perth, perthcity.co.uk

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Newcastleton, newcastleton.com

A Two Inch Carnival, live music, sport, and a young entrepreneur’s market await

Family-focused festival of traditional music, with workshops, ceilidhs, concerts

23 JUNE

29 JUNE–1 JULY & 6–8 JULY

TRNSMT FESTIVAL MUSIC Glasgow Green, Glasgow, trnsmtfest.com

After taking over where T in the Park left off, TRNSMT returns in 2018 and is set to expand to take in two 55

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 55

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

consecutive weekends. First acts announced for 2018 include Stereophonics, the Script, James Bay, Jessie J, Liam Gallagher, Courteeners, Wolf Alice, the Killers, Franz Ferdinand and CHVRCHES. 30 JUNE

GLASGOW COMIC CON ART / FILM & TV / LITERATURE Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, glasgowcomiccon.com

Glasgow Comic Con is an annual event which focuses on showcasing sequential art, hosting a wide range of established and up and coming creators from across the globe.

30 JUNE & 1 JULY

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Portsoy, stbfportsoy.com

with the Nile Rodgers’ Freak Out Let’s Dance Party. The event features Nile and CHIC plus a host of his friends and collaborators for a series of musical performances. In addition to the main stage, there is an experiential food offering that includes a long table banquet dining experience.

MENDELSSOHN ON MULL FESTIVAL

JUNE, DATES TBC

MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Mull, soundwavesscio.org.uk/ mendelssohn-on-mull-festival

A classical music festival in which young musicians are mentored by older professionals in the arcane craft of chamber music-making. The festival is composed of a series of free concerts played in venues throughout Mull, Iona and Oban.

A food and drink festival celebrating local eating and drinking. Dedicated to promoting quality, well-sourced food, there are tastings, popup restaurants, producers and traders to meet, organic food stalls and demonstrations.

30 JUNE & 1 JULY

THE FIESTA X FOLD MUSIC Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, westendfiesta.co.uk

A brand new festival brought to you by the team behind The West End Fiesta in collaboration 56

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 56

HORSECROSS YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Perth, horsecross.co.uk

A festival by and for children and young people, featuring performances and showcases

by Horsecross Arts Join In groups and performances by professional theatre and dance companies.

JUNE, DATES TBC

JUNE, DATES TBC

30 JUNE & 1 JULY

Scotland’s largest free youth music event is back bigger than ever to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 and their 10th anniversary year. See panel, page 51.

FAMILY / MUSIC Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, glasgowmela.com

30 JUNE–7 JULY

BALLANTRAE FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK

MUSIC Park Farm Showfield, Dumfries, youthbeatz.co.uk

GLASGOW MELA

For over 25 years this huge outdoor festival has been celebrating the traditions of Glasgow’s many and varied immigrant communities with a mix of international music, dance, activities and stalls.

As traditional boats congregate in the historic harbour, the seaside town of Portsoy celebrates with a festival of music, sailing, rowing and traditional crafts and art.

YOUTH BEATZ

JUNE, DATES TBC

FOOD & DRINK Ballantrae Harbour Shore Front, Ballantrae, ballantrae. org.uk/foodfestival

JUNE, DATES TBC

FILM FEST IN THE CITY FILM & TV St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, edinevents.com/film-fest-inthe-city

Open air film screenings of classics films, kids favourites and blockbusters. Fingers crossed for good weather.

PAISLEYMAKE: FESTIVAL OF CREATIVITY & DESIGN ART / HERITAGE Various venues, Paisley, paisleymake.com

A festival celebrating Paisley’s textile heritage. The event includes industry expert speaker sessions and the chance to learn new skills at drop-in workshops.

JUNE, DATES TBC

REFUGEE FESTIVAL SCOTLAND MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

Coordinated by Scottish Refugee Council, and centred around World Refugee Day, this annual festival of arts and cultural events celebrates the contribution refugees make to Scottish cultural life and the welcome offered by local people.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

LIVE COMEDY EVERY NIGHT! W W W. T H E S T A N D . C O . U K

WEEKEND SHOWCASE

EVERY THURS/FRI/SAT

THE STAND’S LEGENDARY NEW COMEDY NIGHT EVERY MONDAY ONLY £3

BIG NAME TOUR SHOWS 0131 558 7272 standedinburgh standcomedyclub

57

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 57

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: DOL EOIN MACKINNON

JULY 3 JULY–24 AUGUST

THE SKYE FESTIVAL: FÈIS AN EILEIN ART / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Skye, seall.co.uk

Summer arts festival celebrating island culture and performing arts with a strong focus on Scottish traditional music. Events include charity cafes, art exhibitions, theatre, ceilidhs, environmental days and a community-led fringe programme of house concerts.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL The tiny Hebridean island of Tiree is home to the Tiree Music Festival. TMF was founded in 2010 by Stewart MacLennan and local musician Daniel Gillespie of Celtic rockers Skerryvore, reaching its target capacity of 2000 by 2016. At which point the organisers declared that small was beautiful, and they wouldn’t allow it to get any bigger. Their policy has paid off with TMF winning Best Small Festival at the National Outdoor Event Awards for four of the past six years. The music is mostly folk, roots and trad music with a dash of soul.

This year there’s the brand new ELEVATE STAGE, programmed entirely by young people and focusing on up-and-coming Scottish talent. Half a dozen food stalls offer nourishment and there are attractions to keep little ones occupied. But the real draw – apart from the music – is Tiree itself, one of the sunniest places in the UK. (Alex Johnston) ■ Various venues, Tiree, 13–15 July, tireemusicfestival.co.uk Supported by the Year of Young People 2018..

58

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 58

5–8 JULY

STONEHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Stonehaven, stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

A line-up combining old favourites and exciting new acts in a programme of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, sessions and the Tradition Bearers Concert.

7–8 JULY

WEAVE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Paisley, paisley2021.co.uk

A festival reconnecting Paisley’s weaving heritage with its historic textile connections all over the world. The programme features the Sma’ Shot Parade, a historic and colourful pageant, as well as cultural activities and performances.

8–13 JULY

CANTILENA FESTIVAL ON ISLAY MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Islay, cantilenafestival.co.uk

The beautiful island of Islay plays host to a repertoire of worldclass classical music. Focusing on collaboration, education and creativity, the festival encourages participants to push their boundaries, and this is echoed in a summer school that allows local young musicians to work with established practitioners.

6–7 JULY

SCOTFEST

11–15 JULY

MUSIC Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, scotfestuk.com

NORTH ATLANTIC FIDDLE CONVENTION

A two-day pop extravaganza featuring the likes of Boyzone, The Jacksons, B*Witched, Liberty X, East 17, Five and more to be announced.

6–8 JULY

NEWTON STEWART AND MINNIGAFF TRADITIONAL MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Newton Stewart & Minnigaff, tradmusic. com

One of the newest festivals on the traditional music scene, Newton Stewart is the brainchild of acoustic duo Nathon Jones and Rhona Norris.

MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeen, abdn.ac.uk/nafco

The opportunity to experience the diverse yet intertwined fiddling and dancing cultures of Canada, Denmark, England, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, USA and Wales. As well as concerts, workshops and busking sessions there is an academic conference running alongside the festival.

13–15 JULY

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE MULTI-ARTS Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, Stirling, dounetherabbithole.co.uk

A boutique music festival that manages a lovely line-up of LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

music, theatre, comedy and spoken word performances.

13–15 JULY

TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Tiree, tireemusicfestival.co.uk

With its picture-perfect white sands and world-famous surf TMF has been described as one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. See Spotlight, page 58.

13–22 JULY

MUSIC AT PAXTON MUSIC Paxton House and Country Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed, musicatpaxton.co.uk

Top quality international chamber music in the beautiful surroundings of Paxton House, an 18th century Palladian Country House near Berwick-upon-Tweed.

14–22 JULY

UNSTFEST 13–22 JULY

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghjazzfestival.com

Scotland’s biggest jazz festival presents concerts over ten days all over the capital, in parks, churches, clubs and concert halls.

With a programme featuring all styles from early jazz to the avantgarde, the EJ&BF usually secures some world premières, new bands, and new collaborations.

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Unst, Shetland Islands, unstfest.org

Britain’s most northerly festival on Britain’s most northerly island is a family-friendly affair with fiddle workshops, go kart races, film screenings and live music worth travelling for.

14–29 JULY

CALLANDER & TROSSACHS SUMMERFEST COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC

Various venues, Callander, incallander.co.uk/summerfest Two weeks of fine summer fun including crafts, workshops, music, film, cycling, family fun days and more at this community festival.

18–21 JULY

HEBCELT FAMILY / MUSIC Lews Castle, Stornoway, hebceltfest.com

The picturesque Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris provide a fitting backdrop for this family-friendly festival that showcases Celtic, traditional and contemporary music with a strong focus on Gaelic culture.

The excellent line-up for 2018 includes Skipinnish, Deacon Blue, Blazin’ Fiddles, Tide Lines, the Tumbling Souls, Kinnaris Quintet, Trail West, Vishtèn, the Yves Lambert Trio and Habadekuk.

18–28 JULY

CRAIL FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Crail, crailfestival.com

As well as musical entertainment, the Crail Festival features art, drama, theatre and outdoor activities including a sandcastle competition and rock pool guddle, for adults and children.

20–22 JULY

LOSSIEMOUTH FOLK CLUB FESTIVAL MUSIC Beach Bar, Lossiemouth, facebook.com/lossiefolkclub

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

The epitome of chilled festivals, the Lossiemouth Folk Club Fest encourages performers to come and play ‘for the craic’ in the spirit of celebrating traditional music and tales.

The entertainment’s free, with performers rewarded with a great atmosphere at this small festival by the sea.

59

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 59

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

20–22 JULY

REWIND SCOTLAND

Mugstock Festival

MUSIC Scone Palace, Perth, rewindfestival.com

Rewind goes large on nostalgia with the biggest line-up of 80s (and some 90s) artists to perform together in Scotland.

21–22 JULY

MCN SCOTTISH FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, mcnscottishfestival.co.uk PHOTO: M J WINDEBANK

Stalls, workshops, demos, fun fair, stunt shows and hundreds of motorbikes on display.

25–29 JULY

EDINBURGH FOOD FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK George Square Gardens, Edinburgh, edfoodfest.com

Celebrate all the lovely food and drink that Scotland has to offer. Back for its fourth year, the Edinburgh Food Festival showcases some of the best Scottish produce while offering demonstrations and other foodierelated activities.

lochnessfilmfestival.co.uk An independent, grassroots festival in a unique location. They screen shorts, documentaries, features and established films, with a focus on ideas and storytelling over budgets and experience.

27–29 JULY

26 JULY–26 AUGUST

SPEYFEST

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL

MUSIC Playing Fields, Fochabers, speyfest.com

ART / FAMILY Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghartfestival.com

Scotland’s largest annual celebration of visual art offers work by the best contemporary Scottish artists as well as exhibitions of the most important international artists and movements of the 20th century and other historical periods.

Well-established as one of the best Celtic and Scottish music festivals in the country with a varied programme of seated concerts, ceilidhs and stomps across three days and nights.

The festival line-up features some of the biggest names from the worlds of Scottish, traditional and contemporary music.

27 & 28 JULY

27–29 JULY

LOCH NESS FILM FESTIVAL

STRATHAVEN FOLK FESTIVAL

FILM & TV Various venues, Loch Ness,

MUSIC Various venues,

60

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 60

Strathaven, facebook.com/ strathavenfolkfestival Annual folk festival in South Lanarkshire featuring sessions, workshops and concerts.

27–29 JULY

BUTEFEST MUSIC Various venues, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, butefest.co.uk

A three-day music festival taking place of the Isle of Bute with a lineup mash-up of folk, rock, roots and dance.

27–30 JULY

MUGSTOCK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / SCIENCE Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie, mugstock.org

Boutique festival organised on a not-for-profit basis, featuring music, food, drink, theatre, art, cabaret and ‘sciencey stuff.’

The line-up for 2017 included The Supernaturals, The Langan Band, Bombskare, Rachel Sermanni, Orkestra Del Sol and Dave Arcari.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:42

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

27 JULY–4 AUGUST

ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL (AIYF) FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, aiyf.org

Classical and chamber music, contemporary and traditional dance, jazz and theatre are on offer from a cast of rising international and local stars, with companies travelling from the USA, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Asia to perform. See Spotlight, right.

28 & 29 JULY

ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Anstruther Harbour, Anstruther, anstrutherharbourfestival. co.uk

Family-friendly food festival based in Anstruther and featuring local food and producers, as well as children’s activities, tastings and demonstrations.

30 JULY–12 AUGUST

SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE BANDSTAND

Westburn Park, Aberdeen, aberdeenmela.wordpress.com A day for all communities in the North East to come together with a wide range of traditional music, dance, theatre, song and stories as well as bountiful ethnic food and delicious drinks on offer.

JULY, DATES TBC

WRITE HERE WRITE NOW FESTIVAL LITERATURE / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Paisley

An exciting new Young Writers Festival for people aged 8–26 based in Renfrewshire and focusing on plays, songwriting and poetry.

JULY, DATES TBC

TARBERT SEAFOOD FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Tarbert, Loch Fyne, tarbertfestivals.co.uk

An opportunity to sample the internationally renowned seafood (and other types of cuisine) from the waters of Loch Fyne. Off-menu there is a parade, music and stalls all situated around Tarbert’s gloriously picturesque harbour.

MUSIC Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre, Glasgow, regularmusic.com

JULY & AUGUST, DATES TBC

A series of outdoor gigs in Kelvingrove Park’s restored bandstand and amphitheatre drawing some seriously big names. The line-up in 2017 featured the very diverse likes of Tom Jones, Pixies, Arab Strap and multiple nights of fan-favourites Texas.

MUSIC Various venues, Perth, southernfriedfestival.co.uk

JULY, DATES TBC

ABERDEEN MELA: ONE WORLD DAY FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL

Scotland’s festival of American roots music covers all the American Roots music bases, including blues, country, Cajun, gospel, swing and soul. Fill up on workshops, free gigs, local bands and their legendary soul food. Acts at the 2017 festival which had its main base at the Perth Concert Hall included Nick Lowe, Loudon Wainwright III and Andy Fairweather Low.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL The event itself may be entering middle age, but when the 46th Aberdeen International Youth Festival gets underway this summer, its focus will be squarely on the younger generation. To tie in with the Year of Young People 2018 (the latest in the Scottish Government’s programme of themed years), the multi-arts festival will welcome people from home and abroad.

In 2018, expect groups from the Philippines, Russia, the USA, Australia, Canada, Italy, Ukraine, Burundi, Jordan, China and South Africa, as well as from right across the United Kingdom. The performers are young artists and groups but the festival encourages audiences of all ages to come and enjoy a programme of full-scale orchestras, choirs, jazz bands, solo traditional musicians, contemporary dance, new theatre and much more.

The Extended Festival programme takes shows outside the city, to towns and villages across the north east, with performances in churches, town halls and community venues.

(Kelly Apter) ■ Various venues, Aberdeen, 27 July–4 August, aiyf.org 61

SFG18-Listings Jan-Jul PM BD.indd 61

16/01/2018 11:42

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: DAVID MONTEITH-HODGE

SFG18-Features PM.indd 62

PHOTO: PIA JOHNSON

PHOTO: SHAMPHAT PHOTOGRAPHY

62

Festival highlights 2017 (clockwise from top left);The Dragon of Profit and Private Ownership at EAF; Hot Brown Honey; Adam by NTS; Meow Meow at EIF; author Nikesh Shukla at EIBF; Massed Pipes & Drums at Royal Edinbrugh Military Tattoo

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:39

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

CENTRAL BELTERS For a couple of months across the summer, Edinburgh is an epicentre of cultural activity with events popping up in almost every nook and cranny. Brian Donaldson looks at the festivals which will utilise every space from vast concert halls to tiny cubby holes in their pursuit of artistic excellence

2

017 was a landmark year for a trio of Edinburgh festivals, with the Fringe, International and Film events all marking their 70th year. With the dust on those celebrations now well and truly settled, the organisers merely have the task of maintaining the ridiculously high standards they keep setting year on year.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (3–27 Aug) hosts another month-long bonanza of culture from dance to kids shows, comedy to theatre, and cabaret to music with talks and magic shows thrown in for good measure. Barely a patch of grass or square centimetre of floor space will be overlooked as the Fringe puts on a wide range of events for all tastes.

Edinburgh International The Festival (3–27 Aug) is once again in line with the Fringe to keep a solid sense of artistic solidarity alive during August. The EIF will attract the cream of opera, theatre, music and dance in a variety of spaces such as the Usher Hall and Playhouse while the name of the game will continue to be innovation with a few unpredictable treats no doubt in store.

For lovers of visual art, the Edinburgh Art Festival (26 Jul–26 Aug) will display work from painters, photographers, sculptors and multimedia practitioners from close at home as well as around the world. Galleries and spaces large and small will be occupied in an exciting programme of exhibitions, screenings, performances, talks and tours.

Over in the oasis of calm that is Charlotte Square Gardens, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (11–27 Aug) will feature an array of novelists, poets, biographers, short story

writers, politicians, sporty folks, musicians and thinkers. The adult and children’s programme will contain a number of household names and rising stars, while you should keep an eye out for innovative curating of festival strands.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (3–25 Aug) is a genuinely blockbusting event which provides a feast of delights, with music, costumes and firework displays keeping this at the festival’s top table. And once more, talent from around the globe as well as on our doorstep will be in town, including pipers and dancers.

While those capital festivals may be viewed as the big five, there are other very special events which help make Edinburgh a true cultural summer hub. The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (13–22 Jul) marks the official beginning of the city’s festival season with musical events bringing us a splash of colour and blast of sound as acts from across the world deliver ten days of contemporary and traditional delights.

For those into tech matters, the Turing Festival (1 & 2 Aug) and the third instalment of FuturePlay – formerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival – (dates tbc) will keep us up to date with innovations and technological developments within the worlds of science and entertainment. Meanwhile foodies can gorge themselves on the ever-tasty Edinburgh Food Festival (25–29 Jul) and you can switch on to the latest developments and trends in TV with the Edinburgh International Television Festival (22–24 Aug). This exciting stramash welcomes celebrities and decision-makers who have the skinny on where the ever-evolving small-screen world is going next.

63

SFG18-Features PM.indd 63

16/01/2018 11:39

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

AUGUST 1 & 2 AUGUST

TURING FEST SCIENCE Various venues, Edinburgh, turingfest.com

Amid the cornucopia of arts events in Edinburgh in August, this festival focuses on technology and can be relied upon for some appearances by big names from the digital community.

2–4 AUGUST

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Belladrum Estate, Beauly tartanheartfestival.co.uk

This favourite of the Scottish music festival scene is back with a familyfriendly atmosphere, theatre and spoken word events, ceilidhs, arts and crafts workshops and fancy dress. See Spotlight, page 66.

2–12 AUGUST

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Merchant City, Glasgow, merchantcityfestival.com

A diverse arts festival in Glasgow’s swanky part of town. Previous years have seen comedy, theatre and art events taking place in the area’s fashionable buildings, while street performers add to the festival atmosphere.

2-12 AUGUST

FESTIVAL 2018 MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, glasgow2018.com

A dynamic cultural festival running alongside the Glasgow 2018 European Championships. See feature, p16.

Edinburgh, foodiesfestival.com Watch cooking demonstrations from top chefs, take part in drinks masterclasses and shop for local produce.

3–12 AUGUST

FRINGE BY THE SEA MULTI-ARTS Various venues, North Berwick, fringebythesea.com

With a spot of sea air and an entertaining lineup of music, comedy, theatre, film, author and children’s events, North Berwick’s multi-arts festival offers a respite from the madness of Edinburgh in festival season.

3–25 AUGUST

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, edintattoo.co.uk

ART / POLITICS St John’s Episcopal Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh, justfestival.org

Just Festival offers a programme to help people explore their spirituality by engaging with others and promoting peace with live music, talks and exhibitions. The 2018 theme is ‘OutsideIn’.

3–27 AUGUST

4 & 5 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

TRUCKFEST SCOTLAND

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, eif. co.uk

Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, with performers drawn from around the world.

3–27 AUG

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

FOOD & DRINK Inverleith Park, Arboretum Road,

The largest arts festival in the world and the greatest show on

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 64

JUST FESTIVAL

4 AUGUST

FOODIES FESTIVAL

64

3–27 AUGUST

This unique event draws crowds (and performers) from all over the world with massed pipes and drums, military bands, display teams, dancers and the haunting lament of the Lone Piper set against the magnificent backcloth of Edinburgh Castle.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Edinburgh, edfringe.com

3–5 AUGUST

earth. Every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste.

From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events.

COLOURSFEST MUSIC Braehead Arena, Kings Inch Road, Glasgow, colours.co.uk

Scotland’s longest-running dance festival brings together thousands of clubbers with superstar DJs.

FAMILY Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, truckfest.co.uk

The UK’s largest truck festival with plenty of entertainment for all the family.

4–12 AUGUST

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY Various venues, Pittenweem, pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

The harbour’s fishing boats, steep wynds and quirky cottages provide a picturesque backdrop as over 100 artists from all over Britain exhibit their work in houses, garages, halls and shops, and on the pier.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

11—27 August 2018

The World, in Words.

1000 authors, 900 events, bookshops and café-bars in one leafy tented village.

Programme launch 7 June Tickets on sale from 26 June edbookfest.co.uk @edbookfest

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

FRINGE 2018

3rd - 27th August

WIN

£100 voucher to spend on tickets at either Fringe or our year round venue Basement Theatre Go to: list.co.uk/offers VISIT US AT OUR NEW YEAR ROUND VENUE

204 ROSE STREET, EDINBURGH, EH2 4AZ

65

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 65

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018 PHOTO: PAUL CAMPBELL

4–12 AUGUST

BALLATER VICTORIA WEEK COMMUNITY / FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Ballater, ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL The lineup at Belladrum gets bigger and more impressive with each passing year: 2018’s event features Amy

MacDonald, Frightened Rabbit, Craig Charles, the LaFontaines, Lucy Spraggan, and Tide Lines. This small festival has grown from a one-day, one-stage event and now sprawls over three glorious days with multiple stages, tents and arenas with everyone from Tom Jones to Manic Street Preachers having previously headlined.

Music is just half the story at Belladrum. Firstly, there’s the wonderful setting with woods, ruins and the spectacular amphitheatre of the Italian Gardens which forms the main stage backdrop. Belladrum go all out to provide more than just bands in a field, with ceilidhs, wrestling, kids crafts, games and entertainment, roaming interactive performers, weird pop-up bars and fabulous craft beers.

But Bella’s trump card is the warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere making this a big bear hug of a festival. They don’t call it the Tartan Heart for nothing. (Henry Northmore) ■ Belladrum Estate, Beauly, 2–4 August, tartanheartfestival.co.uk Supported by the Year of Young People 2018.

66

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 66

Initiated in 1987 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession and to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater’s Victoria Week brings together the community to lay on a host of fun activities for all ages.

8–12 AUGUST

MULL OF KINTYRE MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Campbeltown, mokfest.com

Traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish music based in Campbeltown, Kintyre. The festival offers a selection of traditional music and mixed genre concerts, both open air and indoor, music sessions, festival club, family entertainment, tuition workshops, live music in bars and clubs, heritage walks, street parades and a funfair.

11 & 12 AUGUST

WHISKY FRINGE FOOD & DRINK Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh, royalmilewhiskies.com/whiskyfringe

Held in the magnificent Mansfield Traquair, this is the muchanticipated annual event from Royal Mile Whiskies. In previous years, tickets for this celebration of the water of life, which features over 200 whiskies to sample each day, have sold out in under 20 minutes. Sláinte!

11 & 12 AUGUST

PARTY AT THE PALACE MUSIC Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, partyatthepalace.co.uk

Music royalty performs against

the backdrop of Linlithgow Palace over two days at this familyfriendly fest. In 2017, the lineup included Kaiser Chiefs, Amy MacDonald and Razorlight.

11–27 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, edbookfest.co.uk

The world’s largest public celebration of the written word takes place in the first UNESCO City of Literature. As well as leading Scottish and international authors, the varied programme covers poets, politicians, journalists, biographers and children’s authors. See spotlight, page 68.

13–18 AUGUST

HIGHLAND YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Highlands and Moray, hyah.co.uk

The Highland Youth Arts Festival fuses heritage, arts and culture through a six-day festival, curated by and for young people.

The programme encompasses poetry, theatre, film, dance and more around the themes of local heritage and culture.

13–19 AUGUST

PIPING LIVE! GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL PIPING FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, pipinglive.co.uk

Week-long celebration of piping, including contemporary and traditional, solo and pipe bands and more. There are free family displays in the George Square area and the World Pipe Band Championships takes place on 17 and 18 August at Glasgow Green.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

18–27 AUGUST

MARYMASS FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Irvine, marymassfestival.com

Traditional and contemporary events including the Crowning of the Marymass Queen and the Marymass Folk Festival. This historic event dates back to the 17th century and celebrates history, tradition and heritage.

22–24 AUGUST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh, mgeitf.co.uk

Piping Live!

17 & 18 AUGUST

STRANRAER RNLI PARK FEST COMMUNITY / FAMILY / MUSIC Agnew Park, Stranraer, lifeboatparkfest.co.uk

Stranraer Inshore Lifeboats adopt their land legs for a fundraising music festival featuring a range of local and familiar artists as well as craft stalls, funfair rides and The Marine Lake with its pirate ship.

17–19 AUGUST

INNERLEITHEN MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Innerleithen, innerleithenmusicfestival.org

An established Celtic music festival that augments its lineup of local musicians, sessions, traditional singing, street events and workshops with international stars.

18 AUGUST

ELGIN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Elgin,

embraceelgin.co.uk Over 80 exhibitors descend on Elgin for this day of food and drink festivities, with live cookery demonstrations, children’s entertainment and hands-on activities. There are also treasure hunts, tastings and live music to enjoy.

18 AUGUST

GROOVE LOCH NESS MUSIC Clune Farm, Dores, Inverness, groovefestival.co.uk

A one-day dance festival on the shores of Loch Ness. Last year’s festival featured Faithless (DJ set), Skream, Julio Bashmore, Theo Kottis, Kidnap Kid and more.

18 AUGUST

WHISKY SOCIAL FOOD & DRINK Dobbie Hall, Larbert, harbroevents.co.uk

Meet brand ambassadors, take part in masterclasses and sample drams from some of the best distilleries in Scotland and around the world.

An essential fixture for everyone in the television industry wanting inspiration, networking, learning and fun. Run by and for the television industry, it is attended by over 2000 delegates and has featured hundreds of globally renowned top TV executives as speakers.

24–26 AUGUST

STRATHAVEN BALLOON FESTIVAL FAMILY John Hastie Park, Strathaven, strathavenballoonfestival.co.uk

An international hot air ballooning extravaganza, combining the stunning sight of hot air balloons launching and flying with a fun fair, stalls, classic vehicles and other evening events.

24 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

CREATIVE PEEBLES FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Peebles, peeblesartsfestival.org

The only cross-platform multi-arts festival in the Borders. The arts on offer include music, visual art representing the local area, author readings, newly commissioned theatre performances, a crafts fair and themed tours.

67

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 67

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

24 AUGUST–9 SEPTEMBER

THE TROSSACHS BEER FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK The Lade Inn, Kilmahog, Callander, scottishrealales.com

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL Every August, as the Scottish capital welcomes the world and the city teems with people and activity, the Edinburgh International Book Festival offers an oasis of calm in the green surroundings of Charlotte Square Gardens.

The festival welcomes over 1000 writers and thinkers from across the globe for panels, topical debates and Q&As on world literature, international politics and pressing contemporary issues. There’s also an evening programme of live literature, a dedicated and expansive children’s programme of authors and illustrators, and a bookshop where you can easily lose an hour or two.

This year the festival has invited a group of young Scots to work together with the EIBF team to create a strand of events focused on what they think it’s important to be discussing in 2018. The strand takes place over the festival’s final weekend and will include Q&As with muchloved authors, chat-show style interviews, book signings and hands-on workshops.

(Rowena McIntosh) ■ Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, 11–27 August, edbookfest.co.uk Supported by the Year of Young People 2018.

68

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 68

A traditional beer festival with live folk music at weekends, food from the Inn’s kitchen and a chance to sample some of the 160 Scottish real ales from the Scottish Real Ale Shop.

of the public programme is the activity weekend, offering workshops, presentations and shows. See spotlight, page 70.

31 AUGUST & 1 SEPTEMBER

MIDSTOCK FESTIVAL MUSIC Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, midstockfestival.com

24 AUGUST–24 NOVEMBER

Family-friendly music festival. In 2017 the lineup included Hot Dub Time Machine, Grado, Showaddywaddy and the Skids.

THOMAS MUIR FESTIVAL

31 AUGUST & 1 SEPTEMBER

COMMUNITY / MUSIC / POLITICS Huntershill Village, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, thomasmuir.co.uk

ELECTRIC FIELDS

A festival commemorating the great 18th-century political reformer, with concerts, lectures, treasure hunts and kids’ events.

Music festival set in the Dumfriesshire hills, with a focus on Scottish talent. The 2017 lineup included Frightened Rabbit, Dizzee Rascal and Arab Strap.

MUSIC Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Thornhill, electricfieldsfestival.com

25 & 26 AUGUST

BEYOND BORDERS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND THOUGHT

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

FAMILY / LITERATURE / OUTDOOR Traquair House, Innerleithen, beyondbordersscotland.com

A weekend of traditional music concerts, sessions, workshops and open mics.

The stationary meets the cyclical at this celebration of literature, thought and the outdoors in the Borders. Using the natural environment and the inspirational effects of the outdoors to stimulate debate, events include literary and woodland walks and storytelling cycle rides.

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

25 AUGUST–22 SEPTEMBER

TECHFEST FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Aberdeen, techfestsetpoint.org.uk

TechFest continues to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics fun and accessible to children and young people of all ages. A highlight

KELSO FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Kelso, kelsofolkfest.org

THE ELIMINATOR MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL FAMILY / OUTDOOR Parkhill Farm, Newburgh, muckmedden.co.uk

A family-friendly festival of mountain biking. There is the famous Head2Head downhill race, an off-road duathlon and a dual slalom, as well as a host of non-biking attractions including live music and craft workshops.

31 AUGUST–2 SEPTEMBER

HEAVY SCOTLAND MUSIC Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, heavyscotland.com LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Extremely heavy metal festival for Scotland, that made its debut in 2017. First acts announced for 2018 include Carcass, Gama Bomb, Nervosa and Perpetua.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

HIGHLAND MILITARY TATTOO HERITAGE / MUSIC

Fort George, Old Military Road, Ardersier, Inverness, highlandmilitarytattoo.com A showcase of Highland and military culture and traditions, set against the backdrop of the largest military fort in the UK. The programme includes Highland dancers, massed pipes and drums and historical vignettes.

AUGUST, DATES TBC

SUMMER HARVEST FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, crannog.co.uk

Try activities including ancient ploughing, making herb garlands, baking your own harvest rolls, threshing and grinding grain.

SEPTEMBER 1 & 2 SEPTEMBER

HUNTLY HAIRST FOOD AND FARMING FESTIVAL COMMUNITY / FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Huntly, huntlyhairst.co.uk

A community festival featuring a wide variety of things to see and to do, all connected to the culture and life of Huntly’s farming community. Local musicians provide the backdrop to a series of literature and foodie events and a new World Stovie Champion is crowned.

1–3 SEPTEMBER

THE PORTOBELLO BEACH FESTIVAL MUSIC Portobello Beach, Portobello, Edinburgh

A beach festival with local musicians, food and drink.

1–9 SEPTEMBER

LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE

Various venues, Largs, largsvikingfestival.com On the anniversary of the Battle of Largs, meet King Alexander of Scotland and King Haakon of Norway with living history installations in a 13th-century living history village. There are craft demonstrations, a Scottish food fayre and on-stage entertainment. The festival culminates with a Viking Festival of Fire and torchlit procession, Viking skirmish, the burning of a symbolic Viking longship and a firework display.

1–16 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH FOOD & DRINK FORTNIGHT FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Scotland, fooddrinkfort.scot

Annual celebration of Scotland’s fantastic larder offering more than 200 events around the country. These range from cookery demonstrations to farmers’ markets and tasting events.

1–30 SEPTEMBER

BORDERS HERITAGE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scottish Borders, scottishbordersheritage.com

A series of events including walks, talks, theatre and living history to help uncover the rich heritage of the Borders across a number of historic time frames.

1–30 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY MONTH HERITAGE Various venues, Scotland, scottisharchaeologymonth.com

Borders Heritage Festival

Every September an exciting range of free archaeological events are held all over Scotland, including excavations, ancient skills, talks and tours.

69

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 69

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

1–30 SEPTEMBER

6–12 SEPTEMBER

RIAS FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE

ORKNEY INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

ART Various venues, Scotland, festivalofarchitecture.scot

A major celebration of Scotland’s built environment, with a touring exhibition, workshops and other activities aiming to promote public interest in Scotland’s buildings.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

TECHFEST Aberdeenshire plays host to an annual science festival aimed at both children and adults. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, TechFest attracts thousands of eager scientists, and features a broad range of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) events, workshops, tours and talks across Aberdeen and throughout the north-east.

Last year’s festival examined all things online, from how digital technology will revolutionise our homes in the future to how our personal information is used (and often abused) on the internet. A diverse range of speakers took part including ethical hacker Jamie Woodruff, electrical engineer Dr Trina Dinnis, and wildlife presenter / cameraman Gordon Buchanan. TechFest also features an expansive programme of year-round educational events for schools and young people. In a world where experts are sometimes scoffed at by our leaders, it’s more important than ever to foster a new generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

(Murray Robertson) ■ Various venues, Aberdeenshire, dates tbc, techfestsetpoint.org.uk 70

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 70

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Orkney Islands, oisf.org

A mix of sparkling ideas and lively activities with talks and outings, food and music, in an island setting where past and future meet.

2–8 SEPTEMBER

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER

SCOTTISH BORDERS WALKING FESTIVAL

JOCKTOBERFEST

HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Hawick, borderswalking.com

The Scottish Borders has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. The Scottish Borders Walking Festival, the oldest established walking festival in Scotland, has a reputation for being one of the friendliest festivals of its type.

FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Black Isle Brewery, Old Allangrange, Munlochy, jocktoberfest.com

Follow the Black Isle creed of ‘Save the Planet, Drink Organic’, and drink their beer just metres from where it is brewed. Also on offer is plenty of live music and bratwurst.

7 & 8 SEPTEMBER

BOOTSTOCK 5–9 SEPTEMBER

LINLITHGOW FOLK FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Linlithgow, linlithgowfolk.com

Born from Linlithgow’s highly active folk scene, the town’s Folk Festival has featured big names such as Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, along with music covering the whole spectrum of folk tastes. With musical workshops and family events, this is, as they claim, ‘friendly folk in Linlithgow’.

MUSIC Resolis Memorial Hall, Resolis, Balblair, Dingwall, bootstock.org

Annual music festival to help fund educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in the poorest regions of Nepal.

7–9 SEPTEMBER

LIVE @ TROON MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Troon, liveattroon.com

Weekend music festival with strong headliners as well as its fair share of choirs and folk artists.

6–8 SEPTEMBER

7–9 SEPTEMBER

SKYE BOOK FESTIVAL

KIRRIEMUIR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND SONG

FAMILY / LITERATURE Aros Centre, Portree, Isle of Skye, skyebookfestival.co.uk

The festival delivers a comprehensive programme of events that welcomes writers, thinkers and artists to Skye to inspire, challenge and entertain.

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Kirriemuir, kirriefestival.org

A celebration of music with competitions and events around the cosy town most famous for producing JM Barrie.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

F: ͻ F: E6BF6?36D IaWcRab ̿ E_RMYRab ΄ 2ac ̿ 6gVWOWcW^]b ?dbWP͜ 5aM\M͜ 7WZ\ ̿ 4^\RQh 4^\_RcWcW^]b ̿ I^aYbV^_b E_RPWMZ 6eR]cb

A range of musical, literary and artistic events with a fringe drawing on the talents of the local creative P^\\d]WchÍ™ HWbWc @MWa] 3^^Y Ì¿ 2acb 7RbcWeMZ W] Í™

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL

MARKET Saturday 1st September 9am – 4pm @ Huntly Square • World stovies championship • Live music • Stalls • Bouncy castles

• • • • •

21–30 SEPTEMBER 2018

more th an

200 events for adul

Farmers’ Market Food tasters Cookery demos Street food Face-painting

young pe ts, + child ople ren

wigtownbookfestival.com www.huntlyhairst.co.uk

O1988 4O3222 SOUTHWEST SCOTLAND

Charity No. SCO37984

71

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 71

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

PHOTO: PAUL CAMPBELL

7–9 SEPTEMBER

MILLPORT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Millport, millportcountrymusic.com

A rootin’ tootin’ weekend of country and western gigs across several venues on the Isle of Cumbrae. Last year’s lineup included The Shires, David Ray and Morgan Frazier.

7–10 SEPTEMBER

PORTPATRICK FOLK FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Portpatrick, facebook.com/ portpatrickfolkfest

FINDHORN BAY FESTIVAL The biennial Findhorn Bay Festival started in 2014 and takes place in even-numbered years, bringing music, performance and the visual arts to the Forres area. The fast-growing festival is organised by Findhorn Bay Arts, which places the emphasis firmly on informality and accessibility. You can expect to find performers mingling with the public, and as well as attracting major artists from across the country (previous years have featured musical performances from Julie Fowlis, James Yorkston, Eddi Reader and Shooglenifty), the festival is also a showcase for the creativity of people in Moray.

Previous festivals have taken their cue from Scotland’s themed years, so the 2016 event highlighted Innovation, Architecture and Design, with exhibitions about the built environment as well as conservation and environmental projects. In Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, we can look forward to music, performance and installation by and for young people, at least some of which are bound to make use of Moray’s miles of beautiful sandy beaches.

The highlight of it all is Culture Day Forres. Modelled on similar Culture Night events elsewhere in Europe, this is a one-day explosion of performances, talks, poetry reading, workshops and interactive events in all kinds of venues, from cafés and parks to bus stops and alleyways. Culture Day Forres is free, family-friendly and promises a surprise at every corner. The festival takes place at the end of September, and with outdoor events being the rule rather than the exception, a warm coat and rain protection would be advisable.

(Alex Johnston) ■ Various venues, Forres, 26–30 September, findhornbayfestival.com Supported by the Year of Young People 2018.

72

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 72

A weekend festival in a picturesque seaside village, with concerts at the village hall and sessions at harbourside pubs on the Friday and Saturday.

8 SEPTEMBER

DUNBAR DAYTRIPPER MUSIC Lauderdale Park, Dunbar, dunbardaytripper.co.uk

A one-day music and food festival. The festival will be showcasing female artists in 2018, plus the usual youth music stage, kids’ entertainment and a teen ‘discotent’.

8 & 9 SEPTEMBER

PERTH FESTIVAL OF YARN HERITAGE Dewars Centre, Perth, perthfestivalofyarn.uk

The festival brings together independent dyers, farmers, small-holders, knitters, spinners, felters and weavers for a weekend. You can also take part in classes with professional tutors across a range of textile disciplines.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

8-16 SEPTEMBER

14–16 SEPTEMBER

21–23 SEPTEMBER

NEOS

THE BIG TAKEOVER: SHETLAND 2018

BLOODY SCOTLAND

HERITAGE Various venues, Aberdeenshire, northeastopenstudios.co.uk

Gain insight into the creative process and see some brand new art works in a series of studio open days all across the north-east of Scotland, featuring hundreds of different artists.

10–15 SEPTEMBER

SPIRIT OF MORAY BOOK FESTIVAL

FILM & TV / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, thebigtakeover2018.com

The BIG Takeover is a new event for young people in Shetland that delivers a three-day programme of musical and drama performances, sports events, films, arts, writing and crafts.

14–23 SEPTEMBER

A celebration of writing, illustration and publishing in Scotland at this local festival that attracts renowned Scottish authors.

MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian, lammermuirfestival.co.uk

NAIRN BOOK AND ARTS FESTIVAL ART / FAMILY / LITERATURE The Little Theatre, Nairn, nairnfestival.co.uk

An innovative festival drawing on Scotland’s love of the literary macabre celebrates crime writing by bringing together leading Scottish and international writers, showcasing debut voices and encouraging new writers.

21–23 SEPTEMBER

LITERATURE Elgin Library, Elgin, moray.gov. uk

11–16 SEPTEMBER

LITERATURE Various venues, Stirling, bloodyscotland.com

LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

Great music in the picturesque surroundings of East Lothian, employing unusual locations to provide a backdrop for top-class chamber music performances.

21–22 SEPTEMBER

ISLE OF JURA MUSIC FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Jura, juramusicfestival.com

Island festival of Scottish traditional music which encourages local talent with concerts, workshops and sessions, and completes the bill with established acts. This is their 25th festival, so expect an extra special programme.

SKYE LIVE

A range of musical, literary and artistic events with a fringe drawing on the talents of the local creative community. The programme features a Kids’ Day, workshops, author events, a food fair and competitions.

MUSIC The Lump, Portree, Isle of Skye, skyelive.co.uk

21–23 SEPTEMBER

Two-day music festival on Skye offering a fusion of genres, with traditional music, bands, DJs, and dance acts on the bill.

FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Dunbar, dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk

13–16 SEPTEMBER

21–23 SEPTEMBER

CEÒL CHOLASA

UGIE FOLK FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues, Isle of Colonsay, ceolcholasa.co.uk

MUSIC Various venues, Ugie, ugiefolk. co.uk

Four-day folky fest on Colonsay with WHYTE, Cara and Fara on the bill.

A small, intimate and friendly celebration of folk with concerts, pub folk nights and sessions. The 2018 festival features Malinky.

14–16 SEPTEMBER

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowfilm.org

Innovative festival for young audiences featuring premieres, screenings and special guest speakers. See spotlight, page 75.

21–23 SEPTEMBER

TIDELINES BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Largs, tidelinesbookfest.com

Largs-based book festival with a great little lineup of events for kids and adults alike.

DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

The DTMF has a back catalogue filled with some of Scotland’s best-loved music names. A range of trad music to suit most tastes, with a family concert on Sunday afternoon and workshops.

21–30 SEPTEMBER

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Wigtown, wigtownbookfestival.com

A celebrated feature in the Scottish literary calendar attracting big names. Scotland’s National Book Town buzzes with book events as well as theatre, music, site-specific events and a dedicated children’s garden.

73

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 73

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

27–30 SEPTEMBER

Torridon Mountain and Sea Festival

ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Various venues, Islay, islaybookfestival.co.uk

A friendly festival that caters to Scotland’s love of crime thrillers as well as introducing quirky and challenging books in a programme with something for all ages.

28 & 29 SEPTEMBER

LOOPALLU MUSIC Ullapool Pier, Ullapool, loopallu.co.uk

Intimate music fest located in the spectacular surroundings of Ullapool. Previous acts include Paolo Nutini and Mumford and Sons.

28–30 SEPTEMBER 22 & 23 SEPTEMBER

LOCH LOMOND LIVE FAMILY / MUSIC Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, lochlomondshores.com

A new family festival with two stages of traditional and acoustic music overlooking the famous loch. There is local food and drink to enjoy and attractions for kids.

22–30 SEPTEMBER

SHETLAND WOOL WEEK HERITAGE Various venues, Shetland Islands, shetlandwoolweek.com

Shetland’s textile industry celebrates the sheep that catapulted it to fame with masterclasses, workshops, a makers’ market and exhibitions.

23 SEPTEMBER

BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON AND FESTIVAL OF RUNNING FAMILY / OUTDOOR Bught Park, Inverness, lochnessmarathon.com

A family-friendly day based 74

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 74

around running, with a choice of distances. For those who’d rather not work up a sweat there’s the Event Village at the finish line with a food and drink fair.

MONIAIVE MICHAELMAS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

26-30 SEPTEMBER

Bluegrass, old time and Americana music in the beautiful music village of Moniaive.

FINDHORN BAY FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Forres, findhornbayarts.com

A spectacular five-day celebration of arts and culture taking place at the heart of Moray and showcasing artists of national and international renown. See panel, page 74 27–29 SEPTEMBER

TORRIDON MOUNTAIN AND SEA FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / OUTDOOR Torridon, Wester Ross, mountainandseafestival.co.uk

Festival incorporating the annual Torridon Walking and Ale Festival, with sea kayaking, mountain biking, Munro walking, local food, Scottish real ale and live music.

MUSIC Glencairn Memorial Institute, Moniaive, moniaivebluegrass.co.uk

28–30 SEPTEMBER

CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Callander, callanderjazz.com

The festival takes place amid the beautiful surroundings of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The emphasis is very much on good-time music but there are also workshops, open mic, jam sessions, and, for chilling out, the jazz and blues cruise.

29 SEPTEMBER

TENEMENT TRAIL MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, tenementtrail.com

A Tenement TV-promoted gig LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

crawl, which takes in a variety of Glasgow music venues.

Well-received annual beer festival with live music and world beer.

29 SEPTEMBER–19 OCTOBER

HIGHLAND ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Highlands, highlandarchaeologyfestival. org

Over a fortnight of investigations into Scotland’s ancient past, including walks, demonstrations, family events, self-guided trails, historical talks, and plenty of chances to get your hands dirty.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

BIG ROMAN WEEK FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Falkirk, bigromanweek.org.uk

Festival encouraging visitors to find out more about the Antonine Wall and our Roman roots, featuring walks, talks and family events.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

HISTORY LIVE HERITAGE Various venues, Stirling, historylive.scot

A three-day festival celebrating Scotland’s rich history and cultural heritage.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

SCOTLAND’S SALMON FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Inverness College, Inverness, scotlandsalmonfestival.org

A festival celebrating the Atlantic salmon as a flagship species.

Events include lectures, film screenings and a fair.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

BLAS FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Highlands & Islands, blas-festival.com

A massive celebration of the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands of Scotland. Last year featured Breabach and the Fèis Rois.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

DOORS OPEN DAYS FAMILY Various venues, Scotland, doorsopendays.org.uk

Get in free to hundreds of unique, ancient, or modern buildings normally closed to the public.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

KRAFTA DOC INTERNATIONAL ART MAKING FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, kraftadoc.com

International documentary festival about making art.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / POLITICS CCA, Glasgow, sqiff.org

Returning for a fourth year SQIFF hosts features, short film screenings, workshops, discussions and nights out.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

CLYDEBUILT FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

NORTH LANARKSHIRE BEER FESTIVAL

HERITAGE Kelvin Harbour, Glasgow, clydebuiltfestival.com

FOOD & DRINK Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre, Motherwell, culturenl. co.uk

A festival of boats, folk and maritime heritage that celebrates boats and the folk that use them for work and play.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL The Glasgow Youth Film Festival is different to other film festivals. Not only is it aimed at teenagers, it’s also the first film festival in Europe that is curated by 15–19 year olds. This novel approach prevents GYFF being a well-meaning but ultimately condescending collection of movies selected by adults based on what they think a youth audience should like. Instead you get a festival for young adults by young adults, with a lineup that appeals directly to the target audience, comprising three days of premieres and retrospective screenings.

2017’s GYFF featured transgender drama Just Charlie, dance doc Step, Japanese anime The Ancient Magus’ Bride and Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. Alongside the films there are also workshops, Q&As and a schools programme with tips, advice and ideas for aspiring filmmakers. A perfect weekend to inspire the next generation of young Spielbergs. (Henry Northmore) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 14–16 Sep, glasgowfilm.org Supported by the Year of Young People 2018 75

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 75

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

BEST OF THE WEST FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, bowfest.co.uk

Family-friendly festival highlighting the best in food, drink, craft and music from the West of Scotland.

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

V&A MUSEUM OF DESIGN DUNDEE

OUTDOOR Various venues, Ballater, visitballater.com

This eagerly anticipated new museum, designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma opening in the second half of 2018 and perched on the banks of the Tay, will tell the fascinating story of Scottish design.

A reconstruction of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s iconic Oak Room is set to be the centrepiece of the Scottish design galleries, while 300 objects across design disciplines will be exhibited. The earliest piece is a 15th-century book of illuminated manuscripts made in Rouen for a Scottish owner, right up to 2018 video game Beckett, produced

by Glasgow-based studio The Secret Experiment.

The galleries will show off Scotland’s pioneering development of materials, from linoleum to vulcanised rubber.

It’s not just Scottish design that audiences can look forward to: international exhibitions from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London will also travel to Dundee, bringing much of its acclaimed programme to Scotland for the first time. (Rachael Cloughton) ■ Dundee Waterfront, opening date tbc, vandadundee.org Supported by the Year of Young People 2018.

76

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 76

ROYAL DEESIDE CYCLING FESTIVAL

A week of family-friendly events to support the Etape Royale, a 100mile closed road cycle sportive.

SEPTEMBER, DATES TBC

ANGUS HERITAGE WEEK FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE Various venues, Angus, visitangus.com

Discover more about the built and cultural heritage of Angus with activities and events that highlight people, places and traditions 28 SEPTEMBER - 28 OCTOBER, EXACT DATES TBC

OCTOBER 1–31 OCTOBER

THE MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL ART / HERITAGE / SCIENCE Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowmackintosh.com/festival

Festival celebrating the creative genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The programme includes exhibitions and tours as well as the opportunity to unleash your own creativity.

1–31 OCTOBER

LUMINATE: SCOTLAND’S CREATIVE AGEING FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Scotland, luminatescotland.org

Luminate celebrates our creative lives as we age by offering a wide range of inspirational arts activities with, by and for older people, as well as creative events bringing generations together.

3–7 OCTOBER

GLASGOW AMERICANA MUSIC Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowamericana.com

Blues, country and folk fest.

FUTUREPROOF FAMILY / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Scotland, nationaltheatrescotland.com/ futureproof

New festival of international performing arts created by young people working alongside renowned theatre practitioners.

See spotlight, page 78.

4–6 OCTOBER

AYRSHIRE REAL ALE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC Troon Concert Hall, Troon, ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk

Sample some of the many real ales, ciders and wines produced by local brewers with live music.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER, DATES TBC

4–7 OCTOBER

BALERNO MUSIC FESTIVAL

MUSIC Various venues, Cumnock, thecumnocktryst.com

COMMUNITY / MUSIC Various venues, Balerno, balernomusicfestival.org.uk

This community-run music festival returns with concerts, workshops and a family-orientated feel.

THE CUMNOCK TRYST

Launched in 2013 by eminent composer and local boy James MacMillan. Brass and choral music are two especially strong traditions in Cumnock.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

Forest Festival

Tweed valley

FRI 19th- SUN 28th OCT 2018 WOOD MARKET Sat 20th & Sun 21st CARVEFEST! Sat 20th & Sun 21st SCOTTISH CONKER CHAMPIONSHIPS Sat 20th WITH OTHER EVENTS IN AND OUT OF THE WOODS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK 77

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 77

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

4–7 OCTOBER

5–7 OCTOBER

BEARSCOTFEST

ULLAPOOL GUITAR FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY Various venues, Edinburgh, bearscots.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON . . .

FUTUREPROOF The National Theatre of Scotland pride itself on presenting ‘theatre without walls’. For 2018, artistic director Jackie Wylie is introducing Futureproof, a brand-new month-long festival taking place at ten locations across the country. The festival is co-curated and creatively led by Lucy Gaizely of multidisciplinary performance company 21Common, with its emphasis on celebrating young people and their vital contribution to artistic life.

With work made in collaboration between young people and UK / international creators, the lineup includes German-Canadian Mammalian Diving Reflex; independent Russian group Akhe; the highly prolific Ghent-based CAMPO; Scotland’s Greg Sinclair, who fuses music, improvisation and text; and the irrepressible Londoner Jess Thom / Touretteshero. The impetus will be on cross-pollination work which defies simple genres and with such disparate voices joining together, Futureproof is sure to be a dynamic and fresh addition to the NTS stable.

(Lorna Irvine) ■ Various venues, Scotland, 28 September–28 October, nationaltheatrescotland.com Supported by the Year of Young People 2018.

78

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 78

Those cuddly fellas at the Bear Scots once again welcome ‘bears, cubs, chasers, otters and admirers’ for a weekend of furry fun. The festival includes multiple parties and club nights, brunches, and the crowning of Mr BearScot.

MUSIC The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, ullapoolguitarfestival.com

One for all lovers and players of the six-string with a combination of workshops, concerts, late night sessions and a trade fair with manufacturers of bespoke guitars.

Artists include Amanda Cook, Aynsley Lister and Gareth Pearson.

4–7 OCTOBER

WOFF: WORLD OF FILM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL GLASGOW FILM & TV Various venues, Glasgow, woffglasgow.com

International festival featuring over 40 films by independent directors from all over the world.

5–7 OCTOBER

BOOKMARK BLAIRGOWRIE RATTRAY AND THE GLENS BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE Blairgowrie Community Campus, Blairgowrie, bookmarkblair.com

A weekend book festival aimed at all ages.

4–7 OCTOBER

NESSBOOKFEST

5–12 OCTOBER

LITERATURE Various venues, Inverness, nessbookfest.wordpress.com

COWALFEST

Inverness-based book festival that features emerging voices as well as big names.

4 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

THE ENCHANTED FOREST ART / FAMILY / HERITAGE Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, enchantedforest.org.uk

A stunning sound and light show that transforms Faskally Wood using dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score.

5–7 OCTOBER

PORTOBELLO BOOK FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Portobello, portobellobookfestival. wordpress.com

This weekend book festival, run by a group of local people who are passionate about books, celebrates its 10th year in 2018.

HERITAGE / MUSIC / OUTDOOR Cowal Peninsula, Cowal, cowalfest.org

Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula with walks focusing on heritage, wildlife, art, folklore or just a good work-out.

There is also a range of musical and arts events.

6 OCTOBER

EDINBURGH COFFEE FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK

Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, edinburghcoffeefestival.co.uk A festival for lovers of all sorts of coffee, featuring workshops, tastings and demonstrations.

6–13 OCTOBER

HADDO ARTS FESTIVAL MULTI-ARTS Haddo House, Methlick, Ellon, haddoarts.com

A festival of music, theatre, visual arts and workshops in the beautiful surroundings of Haddo House.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

fuelled action as some of the world’s top competitors compete.

A whole host of daytime and evening activities surround the competition.

PRIME at Dancelive

18–21 OCTOBER

DOCUMENT HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / POLITICS CCA, Glasgow, documentfilmfestival.org

This dedicated international human rights documentary film festival uses international film to raise the profile of human rights and social issues that are not exposed in the mainstream media. There are also talks, discussions, workshops and other live events.

19–21 OCTOBER 6–13 OCTOBER

CRIEFF & STRATHEARN DROVERS’ TRYST WALKING FESTIVAL HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Various venues, Strathearn, droverstryst.com

and exclusively devoted to – contemporary dance. The programme draws high-quality companies to the north-east of Scotland.

12–20 OCTOBER

Annual celebration of the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. The modern day Tryst is a week-long festival run by volunteers with a programme of walks and evening social events.

ROYAL NATIONAL MÒD

11–15 OCTOBER

12–21 OCTOBER

SHETLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL

THE SPREE

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Shetland Islands, shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

Visiting and local acts join together in a Shetland knees-up to warm up the October evenings with fine trad music.

11–27 OCTOBER

DANCELIVE FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, dancelivefestival.co.uk

Annual festival celebrating –

LOCH NESS KNIT FEST HERITAGE Inverness Ice Centre, Inverness, lochnessknitfest.com

Three-day knitting festival, featuring workshops, talks, presentations and fashion shows.

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Dunoon, ancomunn.co.uk

19–21 OCTOBER

The Royal National Mòd is Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival celebrating our Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage.

FAMILY SEC, Glasgow, resonatetotalgaming.com

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Paisley, thespree.co.uk

Paisley’s national arts festival is a mix of music, comedy and arts showcasing the area’s talent.

13–19 OCTOBER

BWA TIREE WAVE CLASSIC OUTDOOR Various venues, Isle of Tiree, tireewaveclassic.co.uk

A highlight on the UK windsurfing calendar, this week long event guarantees plenty of adrenaline-

RESONATE TOTAL GAMING

Three-day festival of gaming featuring a professional eSports tournament.

19–31 OCTOBER

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / LITERATURE Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

A celebration of live storytelling and imagination uniting Scottish and international storytellers and musicians. Featuring performance, workshops, talks and children’s events.

79

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 79

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

20 & 21 OCTOBER

TWEED VALLEY FOREST FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Tweed Valley Forest Park, Glentress, forest-festival.com

A celebration of the rich woodland culture of the Borders. Featuring the Peebles wood market and the Scottish conker championships.

20 & 21 OCTOBER

CARVEFEST ART Tweed Green, Peebles, forestfestival.com

Carve Fest is a showcase of chainsaw carvers. Watch them at work, chat to the carvers and take home a unique wooden sculpture.

20–25 OCTOBER

LAS! IGNITE! LITERATURE / THEATRE & DANCE An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Stornoway, lanntair.com

Young creative talent from the Outer Hebrides come together in a festival of events devised and delivered by young people.

20 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY / FILM & TV Dundee Contemporary Arts, discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk

Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences combines the best youth cinema with workshops and events.

20 OCTOBER–25 NOVEMBER

GRAPHIC DESIGN FESTIVAL SCOTLAND ART Various venues, Glasgow, graphicdesignfestivalscotland. com

This festival aims to inspire young designers through active engagement. In 2018, it features a showcase of design and visual communication created by young people, entitled Young & Powerful.

80

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 80

Graphic Design Festival Scotland 24–28 OCTOBER

26–28 OCTOBER

BRAEMAR CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

TAMFEST

MULTI-ARTS Various venues, Braemar, braemarcreativearts.co.uk

Arts festival featuring a plethora of workshops and classes in music, dance, drama, visual arts, crafts and cooking.

24 OCTOBER-3 NOVEMBER

SOUND FESTIVAL MUSIC Various venues, Aberdeenshire, sound-scotland.co.uk

An innovative festival of new music bringing together a wide range of different musical styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations and talks.

25–28 OCTOBER

ORKNEY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL LITERATURE Various venues, Orkney Islands, orkneystorytellingfestival.co.uk

A programme of walks, talks, story sessions and workshops with renowned storytellers from Scotland and beyond.

FAMILY Town Centre, Ayr, tamfest.co.uk

Halloween festival in Ayr, with live performances, haunted tours, workshops and traditional skills.

26 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

AFRICA IN MOTION FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, africa-in-motion.org.uk

Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, features, shorts and documentaries.

27 OCTOBER

PERTH ALL SCOTLAND ACCORDION AND FIDDLE FESTIVAL MUSIC Salutation Hotel, Perth, perthaccordionfestival.co.uk

Kicking off with a ceilidh, the event takes in competitions and championships before finishing with the Senior Scottish Championship.

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 81

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

26 & 27 OCTOBER

PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL FAMILY Various venues, Paisley, paisley2021.co.uk

There’s halloweeny happenings galore in Paisley. Events in 2017 included a Halloween ball, a parade and family activities.

29 OCTOBER–4 NOVEMBER

Enjoy music, dance, food and fireworks at Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’.

NOVEMBER 1–29 NOVEMBER

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER, DATES TBC

ANGUS BREWFEST FOOD & DRINK Strathmore Hall, Forfar, angusbrewfest.co.uk

One-day indoor food and drink festival with local beers and ales, ciders, wines, gins and cocktails.

AT YOUR LEISURE

FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

The UK-wide festival dedicated to Francophone cinema, with a programme that features, UK premieres, retrospectives, a learning programme for pupils and their teachers, documentaries, animation, shorts and special events.

THEATRE & DANCE Musselburgh, East Lothian, r-2-m.net

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

At Your Leisure merges live dance performance and sports activity, with the aim of engaging and inspiring young people who can act as performers, audience and collaborators.

FAMILY / FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, lovesanimation.com

10 NOVEMBER

One for lovers of Japanese animated cinema, the festival showcases the latest Japanese animation.

FOOD & DRINK Hampden Park, Glasgow, glasgowswhiskyfestival.com

SCOTLAND LOVES ANIME

31 OCTOBER

SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / OUTDOOR Old Town, Edinburgh, beltane.org

Hosted by Beltane Fire Society, the Samhuinn Fire Festival celebrates the Celtic New Year. It is a stunning torchlit event, with acrobatics and fireworks.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

SCOTLAND’S GEOHERITAGE FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / SCIENCE Various venues, Scotland, scottishgeology.com/ geoheritage-festival

A month-long festival exploring Scotland’s amazing geoheritage.

31 OCTOBER–3 NOVEMBER

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

FACLAN: THE HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL

BALMAHA’S BRAW WEEKEND

MULTI-ARTS An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, lanntair.com/faclan

Since moving to the cusp of winter and focusing on themes such as the supernatural, this festival has attracted major names. It also features silent films and exhibitions.

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha, balmahasbrawweekend.co.uk

A festival of food, drink and entertainment on the banks of Loch Lomond.

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

DUNDEE SCIENCE FESTIVAL

EDINBURGH DIWALI

FAMILY / SCIENCE Various venues, Dundee, dundeesciencefestival.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghdiwali.co.uk

A range of stimulating events, talks, shows and hands-on exhibits. demonstrating the wonderful world of science.

OCTOBER, DATES TBC

82

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 82

GLASGOW’S WHISKY FESTIVAL

Glasgow’s festival of the national tipple returns for a 10th year, with stands featuring whisky, gin, rum, other spirits and whisky gifts.

16–18 NOVEMBER

SCOTS FIDDLE FESTIVAL FAMILY / MUSIC Pleasance, Edinburgh, scotsfiddlefestival.com

This exciting, fiddle-fuelled weekend includes concerts, workshops, talks, stalls, sessions, festival clubs and ceilidhs.

23–25 NOVEMBER

SSW8 MUSIC Stanwix Park Holiday Centre, Greenrow, Silloth, sswevents.com

House, funk and plenty of sweet soul music all played out over a 30K Incubus Void sound system.

Westbrook Records label boss Bam Bam, Tom Jackson and Dave Evison are announced for 2018.

23 & 24 NOVEMBER

DUNDEE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV / OUTDOOR University of Dundee, Dundee, dundeemountainfilm.org.uk LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

The UK’s longest continuous running mountain film festival showcases an international programme of films by local film makers, presentations and book signings by world-renowned mountaineers, adventurers and expedition leaders, and art and photography exhibitions.

23 & 24 NOVEMBER

SCALARAMA FILM & TV Various venues, Scotland, scalarama.com

A month-long film festival with pop-up screenings taking place across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling.

24 NOVEMBER

DRAMBUSTERS WHISKY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Royal Campus, Dumfries, drambusters.com

A festival celebrating the water of life. Meet the makers and celebrities of the whisky world and have a wee dram of a range of malts and other spirits.

24 & 25 NOVEMBER

RAPT IN WINTER ART Various venues, Peebles, eastgatearts.com

A celebration of local artists with ten galleries featuring special Rapt in Winter exhibitions, including a group exhibition and sale at Eastgate Theatre.

24 NOVEMBER & 1 & 2 DECEMBER

DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE HERITAGE / LITERATURE Moat Brae House, Dumfries, peterpanmoatbrae.org

A three-day festival by The JMB Creatives celebrating the opening of Moat Brae – the place that inspired Neverland in JM Barrie’s Peter Pan.

CHRYSALIS Created and curated by Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, Chrysalis – their annual festival of youth performance – presents a selection of young people’s work that can stand as examples of excellence. First formed in 2015, this unique platform has an emphasis on emerging youthful companies who present uncompromising, thought-provoking work which aims to challenge preconceptions of what young companies can do.

Performers at previous festivals include Manchester’s Contact Young Company exploring teenage cancer diagnosis, Inverclyde’s Beacon Young Company examining environmental responsibility, Reading Rep tackling drug abuse and Tramway’s Junction 25 addressing the harmful effects of a highly commercialised, highly sexualised popular culture on young people’s mental health.

In addition to performances, the festival hosts a series of accompanying events that highlight the range of YTAS support available for the talent that will shape the next generation of theatre.

Participants can take part in workshops covering criticism, current trends, writing for youth theatre and different approaches to creating new work, while feedback and constructive criticism is actively encouraged through post-show discussions.

With the onus on innovative work, in both commissioned material and works-in-progress, the result is often controversial and groundbreaking, pushing the conventions of traditional theatre for young people. Each year, Chrysalis sets out to demonstrate how youth theatre need not lack the excitement and experimental panache of professional companies. This year should prove no different. As 2018 is officially the Year of Young People, there will be a special resonance. Where Chrysalis leads, others follow. (Lorna Irvine) ■ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, November, ytas.org.uk/chrysalis 83

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 83

16/01/2018 11:46

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

CHRYSALIS THEATRE & DANCE Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, ytas.org.uk/chrysalis

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Chrysalis festival brings together theatre companies from across the UK for a weekend of youth theatre.

See panel, page 83.

1–30 NOVEMBER

THE DICK INSTITUTE / EAST AYRSHIRE LEISURE: YEAR OF YOUNG PEOPLE MULTI-ARTS Dick Institute Museum and Art Gallery, Kilmarnock, eastayrshireleisure.com

An exciting new intergenerational festival, curated by young people and featuring gaming, film, visual art and writing.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

perthcity.co.uk Celebrate St Andrew’s Day with live music and a marketplace selling food and drink from Scotland’s natural larder.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

ST ANDREW’S DAY FUSION FESTIVAL

LITERATURE Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

THE SALTIRE FESTIVAL

HERITAGE / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Dundee, facebook.com/ MusicDevelopmentDundee

HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, East Lothian, saltirefestival.com

A celebration of Dundee and Scotland through music and dance.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre entertains across the colder months by showcasing how Scotland’s traditions can bring people together, home and away, in cross-generational celebration.

A festival of music, culture and heritage. East Lothian is the birthplace of the Scottish Flag and the festival celebrates this fact alongside St Andrew’s Day. Events in 2017 included live music, night runs and tours.

SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

MILNGAVIE ST ANDREW’S DAY FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Milngavie

A celebration of Scottish culture, heritage and innovation in Milngavie to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

PERTH ST ANDREW’S DAY SCOTTISH FESTIVAL FAMILY / HERITAGE / MUSIC Various venues, Perth, 84

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 84

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

ILLUMINATION: HARBOUR FESTIVAL OF LIGHT ART / FAMILY The Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, illuminationfestival.co.uk

A festival celebrating both the natural and built heritage of Irvine’s historic waterfront. Highlights of last year included a lantern parade, the illumination light trail across Irvine Harbourside, an illumi bike display, fire show and aerial acrobatics at the Light, Fire and Aerial Art Spectacular.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

ST ANDREWS DAY: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, St Andrews, standrewsday.com

Where better to celebrate our patron saint than the town that shares his name? There are a host of activities for young and old alike to pay homage to St Andrew including ceilidhs, a lantern-lit procession, a festive market and fireworks.

NOVEMBER, DATES TBC

BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND FAMILY / LITERATURE / POLITICS Various venues, Scotland, bookweekscotland.com

A ‘national book festival’ for LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:46

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Scotland courtesy of Creative Scotland, the Scottish Book Trust and many other collaborators across the country. The festival features a packed programme of star-studded author events, kids’ activities and the distribution of free books.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

GLASGOW LOVES CHRISTMAS FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Glasgow, glasgowloveschristmas.com

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Kinross, kleo. org.uk

A mix of family fun including pantos, music, street market, carols, fairs and Christmas activities.

7–9 DECEMBER

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Oban, obanwinterfestival.com

NOVEMBER–JANUARY, DATES TBC

CHRISTMAS IN ABERDEEN

AN LANNTAIR’S SCOTTISH WINTER FESTIVAL

STIRLING WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK Various venues, Stirling, stirlingwinterfestival.com

Stirling greets the winter with a programme of events from St Andrew’s Day to the other side of Hogmanay, including a Santa Parade, live music, markets and the Christmas lights switch-on.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

KINROSS-SHIRE’S WINTER FESTIVAL

FAMILY Kingussie High Street, Kingussie, Highland

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

A day stuffed full of all things Christmas, featuring Kingussie’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Watch the city centre light up at Glasgow Christmas Lights switchon, race 5k dressed as Mr Claus at the Santa Dash, watch the parade at the Style Mile Carnival and enjoy not one but two festive markets.

Aberdeen City hosts a range of festive events and activities to get your bells a-jingling this Christmas, with markets, concerts, pantos, exhibitions and entertainment.

2 DECEMBER

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, DATES TBC

The coastal town gets frosty with a series of activities, films and light shows to celebrate the fluffy white season that carries the year to a close. There’s even a chance Santa might stop by, when he gets a break from all that present preparation.

FAMILY / MUSIC / THEATRE & DANCE Various venues, Aberdeen, aberdeencity.gov.uk

DECEMBER

FAMILY / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, lanntair.com

An Lanntair host a festival in honour of Scotland’s National days of celebration: St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

Events include film screenings, live music and a family ceilidh.

NOVEMBER–JANUARY, DATES TBC

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY / HERITAGE Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghschristmas.com

Six weeks of winter wonderland, with the centre of Edinburgh transformed by a fairground, a host of colourful lights and the fabled Christmas market with stalls selling traditional trinkets and crafts as well as delicious Teutonic treats and glühwein.

CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Cromarty, Black Isle, cromartyfilmfestival.org

Film festival featuring interviews and screenings decided by festival-goers.

30 DECEMBER–1 JANUARY

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY MUSIC Various venues, Edinburgh, edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebration ushers the new year in with a bang. There’s a Torchlight Procession winding through the Old Town, massive street party with live music and the Loony Dook in the Forth.

31 DECEMBER

STONEHAVEN FIREBALLS FAMILY / MUSIC High Street, Stonehaven, stonehavenfireballs.co.uk

Enjoy the legendary sight of revellers parading up the High Street swinging balls of fire around their heads.

31 DECEMBER

RED HOT HIGHLAND FLING FAMILY / MUSIC Various venues, Inverness, invernessgigs.co.uk

Inverness’s annual free Hogmanay party is a family-friendly fling featuring bands, fireworks, and food and drink.

85

SFG18-Listings Aug - Dec PM.indd 85

16/01/2018 11:46

Scotland. creativity around every corner.

Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail - Glasgow’s Panda by Klingatron

From bustling city streets to traditional countryside crafts; Scotland is brimming with creativity. Waltz the wide streets of Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, home to world-class artists and venues across genres, from rock and pop to classical and electronica. Or head to the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design, Dundee, where the highly anticipated V&A Museum of Design is set to open in 2018. Edinburgh takes the crown as Scotland’s only UNESCO City of Literature and is the inspiration for a royal roster of writers including Irvine Welsh, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Rankin and J.K. Rowling. Visit the Scottish Borders to find out more about Scotland’s rich textiles heritage or head to the Outer Hebrides to meet the community behind the world-famous Harris Tweed.

Wherever you turn, there really is creativity around every corner in Scotland.

SFG18-index.indd 86

16/01/2018 11:47

2017 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

INDEX There are two indexes: The first lists festivals alphabetically and the second by genre.

3 Harbours Arts Festival Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music Festival Aberdeen International Youth Festival Aberdeen Mela Aberdeen Jazz Festival Adam Smith Food Festival Africa in Motion Film Festival Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival Alloway 1759 An Lanntair’s Feill Ceaird is Cocairachd An Lanntair’s Scottish Winter Festival Angus Brewfest Angus Glens Walking Festival Angus Heritage Week Annuale Anstruther Harbour Festival Arran Folk Festival Arran Malt & Music Festival Arran Mountain Festival Arts Across Learning Festival At Your Leisure Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival Ayrshire Real Ale Festival Balerno Music Festival Ballantrae Festival of Food & Drink Ballater Victoria Week Ballater Walking Festival Ballie Gifford Borders Book Festival Balmaha’s Braw Weekend Banchory Beer Festival presents Beer @ the Barn Bandstand Beer and Music Festival Bankfoot Inn Winter Beer Festival Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running BearScotFest Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Beltane Fire Festival Best of the West Festival Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought Big Burns Stramash Big Burns Supper

55 48 61 61 34 35 80 40 26 39 85 82 48 76 52 61 50 55 45 32 82 34 76 76 56 66 45 51 82 30 40 30 74 78 64 39 76 68 27 26

Big Roman Week BIG Takeover: Shetland 2018 Blas Festival Bloody Scotland Bonfest Book Week Scotland BOOKMARK Blairgowrie Rattray and the Glens Book Festival Bootstock Borders Heritage Festival Boswell Book Festival Braemar Creative Arts Festival Braemar Mountain Festival Burns Unbound Burns Unbroke: Contemporary Arts inspired by Robert Burns Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burnsfest!

ButeFest BWA Tiree Wave Classic C2C: Country To Country CAGE-A-RAMA Caithness International Science Festival Callander & Trossachs Summerfest Callander Jazz and Blues Festival Campsie Mayfest Cantilena Festival on Islay Capital Sci Fi Con Carvefest Celtic Connections Ceòl Cholasa Ceòlas Christmas Festival Christmas in Aberdeen Chrysalis Clyde and Avon Valley Festival Clydebuilt Festival CoastWord Coll Bird Festival Colonsay Book Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Coloursfest Conpulsion Conspiracy Counterflows Cowalfest Crail Festival Crail Food Festival Cream o’ the Croft Creative Peebles Festival Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Cromarty Film Festival Cumnock Tryst DanceLive Dead by Dawn

75 73 75 73 40 84 78 70 69 40 80 32 26 27 27 40 60 79 33 26 34 59 74 41 58 28 80 26 73 48 85 85 84 48 75 45 45 39 39 64 36 36 78 59 50 52 67 79 85 76 79 36

Dick Institute / East Ayrshire Leisure: Year of Young People Discovery Film Festival Diverse CiTay Festival Document Human Rights Film Festival Doors Open Day Dornoch Grand Fibre Fest Doune the Rabbit Hole Drambusters Whisky Festival Dreams for the Future Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival Dunbar Daytripper Dunbar Traditional Music Festival Dundead Horror Film Festival Dundee Design Festival Dundee Mountain Film Festival Dundee Science Festival Dundee Streets Festival Dundee WestFest Dundee Women’s Festival East Neuk Festival Eden Festival Edinburgh Art Festival Edinburgh Coffee Festival Edinburgh Contemporary Clown Festival Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival Edinburgh Diwali Edinburgh Festival of Cycling Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh Food Festival Edinburgh International Book Festival Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh International Harp Festival Edinburgh International Magic Festival Edinburgh International Science Festival Edinburgh International Television Festival Edinburgh Iranian Festival Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Edinburgh Marathon Festival Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival Edinburgh Restaurant Festival

84 80 55 79 75 33 58 83 83 46 38 72 73 40 45 82 82 54 48 32 55 50 60 78 39 46 82 50 64 60 66 47 64

32 54 35 42 35 67 32 59 46 28 32 87

SFG18-index.indd 87

16/01/2018 11:47

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival Edinburgh Whisky Festival Edinburgh Yarn Festival Edinburgh’s Christmas Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Elgin Food & Drink Festival Electric Fields Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival Enchanted Forest Evolve18 Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Falkirk Gin Festival FebruaryFest Festival 2018 Festival of Museums Fiesta x FOLD Film Fest in the City Fife Brass Band Festival Fife Food Festival Fife Science Festival FifeSing: The Fife Traditional Singing Festival Findhorn Bay Festival Fire and Light Fisherfolk Festival Foodies Festival Forfar Gala Week Fort William Mountain Festival Foxlake Outdoor Festival French Film Festival Fringe by the Sea Futureproof FyneFest Galloway Music Festival GastroFest Get Creative Festival Gig In The Goil Girvan Traditional Folk Festival Glasgow Americana Glasgow Coffee Festival Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow Film Festival Glasgow International Comedy Festival Glasgow International Glasgow Jazz Festival Glasgow Loves Christmas Glasgow Mela Glasgow Science Festival Glasgow Short Film Festival Glasgow Youth Film Festival Glasgow Zine Festival Glasgow’s Whisky Festival Glenfarg Folk Feast 88

SFG18-index.indd 88

27 52 34 85 35 85 67 68 47 68 78 48 82 36 28 64 45 56 56 38 27 48 42 74 26 51 64 52 30 48 82 64 76 48 32 35 35 42 40 76 45 56 30 33 38 54 85 56 50 34 73 36 82 36

Granite Noir Graphic Design Festival Scotland Groove CairnGorm Groove Loch Ness Haddo Arts Festival Hawick Reivers Festival Heavy Scotland HebCelt Helensburgh Beer & and Gin Festival Hidden Door Festival Highland Archaeology Festival Highland Haggis Festival Highland Military Tattoo Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival HippFest History Live Horsecross Youth Arts Festival Hospitalfield Summer Festival Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival Highland Youth Arts Festival Illumination:Harbour Festival of Light Innerleithen Music Festival Into The New 2018 Inverness Music Festival Islay Book Festival Islay Festival of Music and Malt Isle of Gigha Music Festival Isle of Jura Music Festival Jocktoberfest Juniper Festival Just Festival Just Start Here Kelburn Garden Party Kelso Folk Festival Killin Music Festival King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution Kinross-shire’s Winter Festival Kintyre Songwriters Festival Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Krafta Doc International Art Making Film Festival Lairg Music Festival Lammermuir Festival Largs Viking Festival Las! Ignite!

Leith Festival Lentfest Linlithgow Folk Festival

30 80 30 67 78 35 68 59 45 46 75 36 69 40 32 35 75 56 52 69 66 84 67 27 30 74 46 55 73 70 48 64 27 55 68 52 26 85 40 50 70 46 75 52 73 69 80 50 28 70

Live @ Troon Music Festival Loch Fyne 40th Anniversay Event Loch Lomond Live Loch Ness Film Festival Loch Ness Knit Fest Loch Shiel Spring Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Loopallu Lords Of The Land Festival Lossiemouth Folk Club Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival manipulate Visual Theatre Festival Marymass Festival MCN Scottish Festival Meadows Festival Mendelssohn on Mull Merchant City Festival MHOR Festival Midstock Festival Midsummer Music in the Crannog Millport Country Music Festival Milngavie’s St Andrew’s Day Festival Moniaive Folk Festival Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival Montrose Music Festival (Mo Fest) Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival Muckle Toon Adventure Festival Mugstock Festival Mull of Kintyre Music Festival Music at Paxton Nairn Book and Arts Festival National Whisky Festival NessBookFest Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music Festival Newton Stewart Walking Festival Niel Gow Annual Scottish Fiddle Festival North Atlantic Fiddle Convention North Hop North Lanarkshire Beer Festival NEOS Oban Live Oban Winter Festival Off the Page Stirling Book Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Orkney Folk Festival Orkney International Science Festival Orkney Jazz Festival Orkney Storytelling Festival Paisley Food & Drink Festival Paisley Halloween Festival

70 44 74 60 79 36 34 74 36 59 76 27 67 60 48 56 64 46 68 54 72 84 42 74 46 52 51 60 66 59 73 26 78 55 58 42 35 58 35 75 73 50 85 44 36 45 70 38 80 38 82

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:47

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Paisley Make: Festival of Creativity & Design Party at the Palace Peebles Outdoor Film Festival Perform in Perth Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Perth Beer Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Perth Festival of Yarn Perth Riverside Light Nights Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival Pittenweem Arts Festival Portobello Beach Festival Portobello Book Festival Portpatrick Folk Festival Power of Food Festival Prom Fest Puppet Animation Festival Rapt in Winter Red Hot Highland Fling Red Red Rose Street Refugee Festival Scotland Resonate: Total Gaming Rewind Scotland RIAS Festival of Architecture Royal Deeside Cycling Festival Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Royal National Mòd Saltire Festival Samhuinn Fire Festival Scalarama ScotFest Scotland Calling Scotland Loves Anime Scotland’s Geoheritage Festival Scotland’s Salmon Festival Scots Fiddle Festival Scottish Archaeology Month Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish Fan Fest Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Scottish Queer International Film Festival Scottish Storytelling Centre Winter Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Scottish Wanderer Cyclefest

56 66 27 32 80 44 45 72 27 84 66 46 64 69 78 72 52 52 35 83 85 27 56 79 60 70 76 64 79 84 82 83 58 39 82 82 75 82 69 70 28 69 79 41 75 84 56 41

Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Shetland Folk Festival Shetland Schools’ Music Festival Shetland Wool Week Shuffle Down Skye Book Festival Skye Live Solas Festival soundfestival Southern Fried Festival Southside Fringe SPECTRA: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light Speyfest Spirit of Moray Book Festival Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Spree Spring Fling SSW8 St Andrew’s Day: At the Edge of the World St Kilda Challenge & Festival St Magnus International Festival Stage iT! StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Stereofunk Festival Stirling Winter Festival Stonehaven Fireballs Stonehaven Folk Festival Stranraer RNLI Park Fest Strathaven Balloon Festival Strathaven Folk Festival Strichen Festival Summer Harvest Festival Summerhall Beer FestivALE SynFestival Edinburgh Take Me Somewhere Tamfest Tarbet Seafood Festival Taste of Grampian TechFest TEDxYouth@Glasgow Tenement Trail The Mackintosh Festival The Skye Festival: Fèis an Eilein The Trossachs Beer Festival Thomas Muir Festival Tidelines North Ayrshire Book Festival Tiree Music Festival TMSA Keith Festival Torridon Mountain and Sea Festival TradFest Edinburgh • Dùn Èideann TRNSMT Festival Truckfest

79 40 34 74 39 70 73 55 80 61 44 28 60 73 40 79 47 82 84 50 55 45 32 41 85 85 58 67 67 60 45 69 51 35 48 80 61 48 68 47 74 76 58 68 68 73 59 50 74 38 55 64

Turing Fest Tweed Valley Forest Festival TweedLove on the Green Ugie Folk Festival Ukulele Festival of Scotland Ullapool Book Festival Ullapool Dance Festival Ullapool Guitar Festival UnDependence Film Festival UnstFest Up Helly Aa Walk Islay Weave Festival Wee Write!

West End Festival Whisky An’ A’ That Whisky Fringe Whisky Social Wide Days Wigtown Book Festival Wild Film Festival Scotland WildFire Festival Winter Fest Winter Words Festival WoFF: World of Film International Festival Glasgow Woodland Dance Project Write Here Write Now Festival XpoNorth Youth Beatz

64 80 50 73 38 42 32 78 36 59 27 36 58 32 48 48 66 35 & 67 38 73 35 55 26 28 78 39 61 55 56

CATEGORY ART 3 Harbours Arts Festival Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival Annuale Big Burns Supper Braemar Creative Arts Festival Burns Unbroke: Contemporary Arts inspired by Robert Burns Burnsfest!

Callander & Trossachs Summerfest Campsie Mayfest Carvefest Counterflows Creative Peebles Festival Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dundee Design Festival East Neuk Festival Edinburgh Art Festival

55 40 52 26 80 27 40 59 41 80 36 67 46 45 55 60 89

SFG18-index.indd 89

16/01/2018 11:47

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Enchanted Forest Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow International Haddo Arts Festival Hidden Door Festival Highland Youth Arts Festval Illumination:Harbour Festival of Light Into The New 2018 Just Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Mackintosh Festival Merchant City Festival Paisley Make: Festival of Creativity & Design Perth Festival of the Arts Pittenweem Arts Festival Rapt in Winter RIAS Festival of Architecture Solas Festival SPECTRA: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light St Magnus International Festival West End Festival

32 78 56 38 78 46 66 84 27 64 34 76 76 64 56 45 64 83 70 55 28 55 48

COMEDY Big Burns Supper Edinburgh Festival Fringe Findhorn Bay Festival Foxlake Outdoor Festival Fringe by the Sea Glasgow International Comedy Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Southside Fringe Spree

26 64 74 48 64 33 76 73 36 45 44 79

COMMUNITY Balerno Music Festival Ballater Victoria Week BearScotFest Campsie Mayfest Colonsay Festival of Spring Crail Festival Creative Peebles Festival Forfar Gala Week Get Creative Festival 90

SFG18-index.indd 90

76 66 78 41 39 59 67 52 35

Luminate Meadows Festival Refugee Festival Scotland Southside Fringe Stranraer RNLI Park Fest West End Festival

76 48 56 44 67 48

FAMILY 3 Harbours Arts Festival Aberdeen International Youth Festival Adam Smith Food Festival An Lanntair’s Scottish Winter Festival Angus Heritage Week Annuale Anstruther Harbour Festival Arts Across Learning Festival Balerno Music Festival Ballater Victoria Week Ballie Gifford Borders Book Festival Balmaha’s Braw Weekend Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Best of the West Festival Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought Big Burns Stramash Big Burns Supper Big Roman Week Book Week Scotland BOOKMARK Blairgowrie Rattray and the Glens Book Festival Borders Heritage Festival Boswell Book Festival Braemar Creative Arts Festival Burns Unbound Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burnsfest!

Caithness International Science Festival Callander & Trossachs Summerfest Campsie Mayfest Christmas Festival Christmas in Aberdeen CoastWord Colonsay Book Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Crail Festival Crail Food Festival Creative Peebles Festival DanceLive Discovery Film Festival

55 61 35 85 76 52 61 32 76 66 51 82 74 64 76 68 27 26 75 84

78 69 40 80 26 27 40 34 59 41 85 85 45 39 39 59 50 67 79 80

Doors Open Day Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival Dunbar Traditional Music Festival Dundee Science Festival Dundee WestFest Eden Festival Edinburgh Art Festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh International Book Festival Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh International Magic Festival Edinburgh International Science Festival Edinburgh’s Christmas Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Elgin Food & Drink Festival Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival Enchanted Forest Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Festival 2018 Festival of Museums Fife Science Festival FifeSing Findhorn Bay Festival Fire and Light Foodies Festival Foxlake Outdoor Festival Fringe by the Sea Futureproof FyneFest Glasgow International Comedy Festival Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art Glasgow Loves Christmas Glasgow Mela Glasgow Science Festival Glasgow Youth Film Festival Glenfarg Folk Feast Haddo Arts Festival Hawick Reivers Festival HebCelt Highland Haggis Festival

75 46 38 73 82 48 48 60 64 66 47 64

32 54 42 35 85 35 67 68 78 82 64 45 48 42 74 26 64 48 64 76 48 32 38 85 56 50 73 36 78 35 59 36

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:47

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival Horsecross Youth Arts Festival Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival Illumination Islay Book Festival Isle of Gigha Music Festival Kelburn Garden Party Kinross-shire’s Winter Festival Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Largs Viking Festival Linlithgow Folk Festival Loch Fyne 40th Anniversay Event Loch Lomond Live Lochwinnoch Arts Festival manipulate Visual Theatre Festival Marymass Festival MCN Scottish Festival Meadows Festival Merchant City Festival MHOR Festival Millport Country Music Festival Milngavie’s St Andrew’s Day Mugstock Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival Oban Winter Festival Off the Page Stirling Book Festival On the Rocks Student Arts Festival Orkney Folk Festival Orkney International Science Festival Paisley Halloween Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Perth Riverside Light Nights Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival Pittenweem Arts Festival Puppet Animation Festival Red Hot Highland Fling Refugee Festival Scotland Resonate: Total Gaming Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Royal National Mòd Saltire Festival Samhuinn Fire Festival Scotland Loves Anime Scotland’s Geoheritage Festival

32 56 69 84 74 55 55 85 70 46 69 70 44 74 34 27 67 60 48 64 46 72 84 60 73 55 85 44 36 45 70 83 45 27 84 66 46 64 35 85 56 79 64 79 84 82 82 82

Scots Fiddle Festival Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Shetland Schools’ Music Festival Shetland Wool Week Skye Book Festival Southside Fringe SPECTRA: Aberdeen’s Festival of Light Spree Spring Fling St Andrew’s Day: At the Edge of the World St Kilda Challenge & Festival StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Stirling Winter Festival Stonehaven Fireballs Stranraer RNLI Park Fest Strathaven Balloon Festival Strichen Festival Summer Harvest Festival Tamfest Tarbet Seafood Festival Taste of Grampian TechFest Tidelines North Ayrshire Book Festival Tiree Music Festival TMSA Keith Festival Truckfest Tweed Valley Forest Festival TweedLove on the Green Ullapool Book Festival Ullapool Dance Festival UnstFest Up Helly Aa Walk Islay Weave Festival Wee Write!

West End Festival Wigtown Book Festival

82 69 79 41 56 34 74 70 44 28 79 47 84 50 32 85 85 67 67 45 69 80 61 48 68 73 59 50 64 80 50 42 32 59 27 36 58 32 48 73

FILM & TV Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival BIG Takeover: Shetland 2018 CAGE-A-RAMA Callander & Trossachs Summerfest Capital Sci Fi Con Counterflows Cromarty Film Festival Dead by Dawn Discovery Film Festival

40 73 26 59 28 36 85 36 80

Document Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dundead Horror Film Festival Dundee Mountain Film Festival Dundee Women’s Festival Edinburgh International Film Festival Edinburgh International Television Festival Edinburgh Iranian Festival Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival Evolve18 Film Fest in the City Fort William Mountain Festival French Film Festival Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow Film Festival Glasgow Short Film Festival Glasgow Youth Film Festival HippFest Hospitalfield Summer Festival Krafta Doc International Art Making Film Festival Loch Ness Film Festival manipulate Visual Theatre Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival Peebles Outdoor Film Festival Scalarama Scotland Loves Anime Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival SQIFF UnDependence Film Festival Wild Film Festival Scotland WoFF XpoNorth

79 46 40 82 32 54 67 32 28 48 57 30 82 56 30 34 73 35 52 75 60 27 73 27 83 82 41 75 36 35 78 55

FOOD & DRINK 3 Harbours Arts Festival Adam Smith Food Festival An Lanntair’s Feill Ceaird is Cocairachd An Lanntair’s Scottish Winter Festival Angus Brewfest Angus Heritage Week Anstruther Harbour Festival Arran Malt & Music Festival Ayrshire Real Ale Festival Balmaha’s Braw Weekend Banchory Beer Festival presents Beer @ the Barn Bandstand Beer and Music Festival Best of the West Festival Christmas in Aberdeen Clyde and Avon Valley Festival Crail Food Festival

55 35 39 85 82 76 61 55 76 82 30 40 76 85 48 50 91

SFG18-index.indd 91

16/01/2018 11:47

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2018

Drambusters Whisky Festival 83 Edinburgh Coffee Festival 78 Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival 46 Edinburgh Diwali 82 Edinburgh Food Festival 60 Edinburgh Restaurant Festival 32 Edinburgh Whisky Festival 52 Elgin Food & Drink Festival 67 Falkirk Gin Festival 36 FebruaryFest 28 Fife Food Festival 27 Foodies Festival 64 FyneFest 48 GastroFest 35 Glasgow Coffee Festival 45 Glasgow Loves Christmas 85 Glasgow’s Whisky Festival 82 Helensburgh Beer & Gin Festival 45 Highland Haggis Festival 36 Huntly Hairst Food and Farming Festival 69 Islay Festival of Music and Malt 46 Jocktoberfest 70 Juniper Festival 48 Kinross-shire’s Winter Festival 85 44 Loch Fyne 40th Anniversay Event Merchant City Festival 64 MHOR Festival 46 National Whisky Festival 26 North Hop 35 North Lanarkshire Beer Festival 75 Oban Winter Festival 85 Paisley Food & Drink Festival 38 Perth Riverside Light Nights 27 Power of Food Festival 52 Scotland’s Salmon Festival 75 Scottish Fan Fest 28 Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 69 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 56 Shuffle Down 39 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 40 Stirling Winter Festival 85 Tarbet Seafood Festival 61 Taste of Grampian 48 West End Festival 48 Whisky An’ A’ That 48 Whisky Social 35 & 67 Write Here Write Now Festival 61

HERITAGE Alloway 1759 An Lanntair’s Feill Ceaird is Cocairachd: Craft and Cookery Festival Angus Heritage Week Ballater Victoria Week 92

SFG18-index.indd 92

26

39 76 66

Beltane Fire Festival Big Burns Stramash Big Burns Supper Big Roman Week Borders Heritage Festival Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Celtic Connections Clyde and Avon Valley Festival Clydebuilt Festival Cowalfest Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Dornoch Grand Fibre Fest Dundee Design Festival Edinburgh Diwali Edinburgh’s Christmas Enchanted Forest Festival of Museums FifeSing Fire and Light Forfar Gala Week Hawick Reivers Festival Highland Archaelogy Festival Highland Military Tattoo History Live Largs Viking Festival Leith Festival Marymass Festival Milngavie’s St Andrew’s Day Festival Paisley Make: Festival of Creativity & Design Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Red Red Rose Street Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Royal National Mòd Saltire Festival Samhuinn Fire Festival Scotland’s Geoheritage Festival Scottish Archaeology Month Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Shetland Wool Week St Andrew’s Day: At the Edge of the World Strichen Festival Summer Harvest Festival The Mackintosh Festival The Skye Festival: Fèis an Eilein TMSA Keith Festival TradFest Edinburgh • Dùn Èideann Tweed Valley Forest Festival Up Helly Aa

39 27 26 75 69 27 26 48 75 78 79 33 45 82 85 78 45 42 26 52 35 75 69 75 69 50 67 84 56 84 27 64 79 84 82 82 69 70 79 56 79 74 84 45 69 76 58 50 38 80 27

Weave Festival

58

LITERATURE 3 Harbours Arts Festival Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival Ballie Gifford Borders Book Festival Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought Bloody Scotland Book Week Scotland BOOKMARK Blairgowrie Rattray and the Glens Book Festival Boswell Book Festival Braemar Creative Arts Festival Burns Unbound Burns Unbroke: Contemporary Arts inspired by Robert Burns Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline Burnsfest!

CoastWord Colonsay Book Festival Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival East Neuk Festival Edinburgh International Book Festival Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Findhorn Bay Festival Glasgow Comic Con Glasgow Zine Festival Granite Noir Islay Book Festival Las! Ignite!

Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival NessBookFest Off the Page Stirling Book Festival Orkney Storytelling Festival Red Red Rose Street Royal National Mòd Scottish International Storytelling Festival Scottish Storytelling Centre Winter Festival Skye Book Festival Spirit of Moray Book Festival StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Tidelines North Ayrshire Book Festival Ullapool Book Festival Wee Write!

West End Festival

55 34 51 68 73 84 78 40 80 26 27 27 40 45 39 46 55 66 82 74 56 36 30 74 80 76 73 78 44 80 27 79 79 84 70 73 32 73 42 32 48

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:47

2018 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS

Wigtown Book Festival Winter Words Festival

73 28

MUSIC 3 Harbours Arts Festival Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Music Festival Aberdeen International Youth Festival Aberdeen Jazz Festival An Lanntair’s Scottish Winter Festival Arran Folk Festival Arran Malt & Music Festival Arts Across Learning Festival Balerno Music Festival Balmaha’s Braw Weekend Bandstand Beer and Music Festival Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Best of the West Festival Big Burns Supper Blas Festival Bonfest Bootstock Borders Heritage Festival Braemar Creative Arts Festival Burns Unbound Burnsfest!

ButeFest C2C: Country To Country Callander & Trossachs Summerfest Callander Jazz and Blues Festival Campsie Mayfest Cantilena Festival on Islay Celtic Connections Ceòl Cholasa Ceòlas Clyde and Avon Valley Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Coloursfest Counterflows Cowalfest Crail Festival Creative Peebles Festival Cumnock Tryst DanceLive Diverse CiTay Festival Doune the Rabbit Hole Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dunbar Daytripper Dunbar Traditional Music Festival Dundee WestFest East Neuk Festival Eden Festival Edinburgh International Festival

55 48 61 34 85 50 55 32 76 82 40 64 76 26 75 40 70 69 80 26 40 60 33 59 74 41 58 26 73 48 48 39 64 36 78 59 67 76 79 23 58 46 72 73 48 55 50 64

Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Edinburgh International Harp Festival Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Electric Fields Electric Frog & Pressure Riverside Festival Evolve18 Fiesta x FOLD Fife Brass Band Festival FifeSing: The Fife Traditional Singing Festival Findhorn Bay Festival Fisherfolk Festival Foodies Festival Forfar Gala Week Foxlake Outdoor Festival Fringe by the Sea FyneFest Galloway Music Festival Gig In The Goil Girvan Traditional Folk Festival Glasgow Americana Glasgow Coffee Festival Glasgow Jazz Festival Glasgow Mela Glenfarg Folk Feast Graphic Design Festival Scotland Groove CairnGorm Groove Loch Ness Haddo Arts Festival Heavy Scotland HebCelt Helensburgh Beer & Gin Festival Hidden Door Festival Highland Military Tattoo Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival Hina Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival Innerleithen Music Festival Inverness Music Festival Islay Festival of Music and Malt Isle of Gigha Music Festival Isle of Jura Music Festival Jocktoberfest Just Start Here Kelburn Garden Party Kelso Folk Festival Killin Music Festival King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution

32 35 59 35 85 68 47 48 56 38 42 74 51 64 52 48 64 48 32 42 40 76 45 54 56 36 80 30 67 78 68 59 45 46 69 40 32 67 30 46 55 73 70 27 55 68 52 26

Kintyre Songwriters Festival Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Lairg Music Festival Lammermuir Festival Lentfest Linlithgow Folk Festival Live @ Troon Music Festival Loch Lomond Live Loch Shiel Spring Festival Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Loopallu Lords Of The Land Festival Lossiemouth Folk Club Festival Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival Meadows Festival Mendelssohn on Mull Merchant City Festival Midstock Festival Midsummer Music in the Crannog Millport Country Music Festival Moniaive Folk Festival Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival Montrose Music Festival (Mo Fest) Mugstock Festival Mull of Kintyre Music Festival Music at Paxton Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival NEOS Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music Festival Niel Gow Annual Scottish Fiddle Festival North Atlantic Fiddle Convention North Hop Oban Live Orkney Folk Festival Orkney Jazz Festival Party at the Palace Perform in Perth Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Perth St Andrew’s Day Scottish Festival Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival Pitmedden Community Music Festival Portobello Beach Festival

40 50 70 46 52 73 28 70 70 74 36 34 74 36 59 76 48 56 64 68 54 72 42 74 46 60 66 59 55 73 58 35 58 35 50 45 38 66 32 80 45 84 66 46 69 93

SFG18-index.indd 93

16/01/2018 11:47

THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS 2017

Portpatrick Folk Festival Prom Fest Red Hot Highland Fling Red Red Rose Street Rewind Scotland Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Royal National Mòd Saltire Festival ScotFest Scotland Calling Scots Fiddle Festival Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Shetland Folk Festival Shetland Schools’ Music Festival Shuffle Down Skye Festival: Fèis an Eilein Skye Live (festival) Solas Festival soundfestival Southern Fried Festival Southside Fringe Speyfest Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Spree SSW8 Summer Weekender Soulful Weekender St Magnus International Festival Stereofunk Festival Stonehaven Fireballs Stonehaven Folk Festival Stranraer RNLI Park Fest Strathaven Folk Festival Strichen Festival Tenement Trail Tiree Music Festival TMSA Keith Festival TradFest Edinburgh • Dùn Èideann TRNSMT Festival Ugie Folk Festival Ukulele Festival of Scotland Ullapool Guitar Festival UnstFest West End Festival Wide Days WildFire Festival Woodland Dance Project XpoNorth Youth Beatz

72 52 85 27 60 64 79 84 58 39 82 56 79 41 40 34 39 58 73 55 80 61 44 60 40 79 82 55 41 85 58 67 60 45 74 59 50 38 55 73 38 78 59 48 38 55 39 55 56

OUTDOOR Angus Glens Walking Festival Arran Mountain Festival 94

SFG18-index.indd 94

48 45

Ballater Walking Festival Beltane Fire Festival Beyond Borders International Festival of Literature and Thought Coll Bird Festival Colonsay Festival of Spring Cowalfest Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Dundee Mountain Film Festival Dundee Women’s Festival Edinburgh Festival of Cycling Fort William Mountain Festival Groove CairnGorm Highland Archaeology Festival Moray Walking Festival Newton Stewart Walking Festival Royal Deeside Cycling Festival Scottish Borders Walking Festival Scottish Wanderer Cyclefest St Kilda Challenge & Festival Tweed Valley Forest Festival Walk Islay

45 39 68 45 39 78 79 82 32 50 30 30 75 52 42 76 70 41 50 80 36

POLITICS Book Week Scotland Document Dundee Women’s Festival Just Festival TEDxYouth@Glasgow SQIFF

84 79 32 64 47 75

SCIENCE Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival Caithness International Science Festival Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival Dundee Science Festival Edinburgh International Science Festival Fife Science Festival GastroFest Glasgow Science Festival Graphic Design Festival Scotland Mugstock Festival Orkney International Science Festival Scotland’s Geoheritage Festival Scottish Archaeology Month TechFest TEDxYouth@Glasgow The Mackintosh Festival Turing Fest Wee Write!

34 34 38 82 35 48 35 50 80 60 70 82 69 68 47 76 64 32

THEATRE & DANCE Creative Peebles Festival DanceLive Diverse CiTay Festival Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dundee Streets Festival Dundee Women’s Festival Eden Festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Edinburgh International Magic Festival Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland Evolve18 Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival Festival 2018 Findhorn Bay Festival Fringe by the Sea Futureproof Glasgow Comedy Festival Haddo Arts Festival Highlands & Islands Music & Dance Festival Horsecross Youth Arts Festival Into The New 2018 Just Start Here Las! Ignite!

Lentfest Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Luminate manipulate Visual Theatre Festival Merchant City Festival MHOR Festival Millport Country Music Festival Nairn Book and Arts Festival Perth Festival of the Arts Puppet Animation Festival Royal National Mòd Solas Festival Southside Fringe SSW8 Summer Weekender Soulful Weekender St Magnus International Festival Stage iT! Take Me Somewhere Ullapool Dance Festival West End Festival Winter Fest WoFF Write Here Write Now Festival

67 79 23 46 54 32 50 64 47 64

32 42 35 48 82 64 74 64 76 32 79 40 56 27 27 80 28 34 76 27 64 46 72 73 45 35 79 55 42 82 55 45 48 32 48 26 78 61

LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVALS

16/01/2018 11:47

Bringing

inspiration and ideas to you

Portencross Castle, near West Kilbride, North Ayrshire

Wherever you are we’re on hand to help you discover the true Spirit of Scotland.

KNOW scotland

ICENTRES ARE BRIMMING WITH SCOTLAND INFORMATION. Our friendly experts can offer advice on where to go and what’s on, as well as book accommodation and tickets for events, activities and transport. Find out where we are and when we’re open at visitscotland.com/icentre.

SFG18-index.indd 95

LOOK OUT FOR OUR COO VANS. This happy herd will be on the moo-ve throughout Scotland, with our Coo-visors delivering excellent local advice. Look out for them at events and attractions and discover our top tips to make the most of your Scottish experience.

IF YOU SEE THIS SIGN YOU’LL BE IN THE IKNOW. Our accredited Information Partners are based throughout Scotland and can offer tailored advice to help you make the most of your visit. Chat with them for insider tips about the must see attractions in the local area.

16/01/2018 11:47

Creativity Matters To Scotland

Creativity is a vital part of our nation’s DNA – it brings individuals together, galvanising and reviving communities across the country, as well as opening our minds to cultural diversity and social inclusion. Cultural participation contributes toward our mental wellbeing and acts as a valuable tool in education and skills development.

Visit www.creativescotland.com/ creativitymatters for more on why creativity matters to Scotland, and read the inspirational stories behind the people and projects we support.

Photo: Sam Gurrey and Fresh Creations www.fresh-creations.co.uk

SFG18-index.indd 96

16/01/2018 11:47