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Rachel Groves Wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026
Rachel Groves (Lever harp) is the winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026. Broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC ALBA on Sunday 1 February, the event brought six outstanding young traditional musicians to Glasgow’s City Halls, where they competed for the coveted title. Rachel grew up learning the lever harp in Aberdeenshire. A graduate of Berklee College … [Read More...] about Rachel Groves Wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026
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Battle of the Folk Bands 2026: The Way North Crowned Winners
Congratulations to The Way North who were crowned the winners of Battle of the Folk Bands 2026 at Celtic Connections on Saturday 31st January. The competition took place at the Drygate Brewery and all five finalists delivered brilliant performances in front of an enthusiastic audience. The Way North are a contemporary folk band based in […]
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events, sending a message of hope and unity around the world about the power of music, cultural identity and collaboration. Delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Innis & Gunn, the festival recorded attendances of 114,000 across 18 days – with the highest […]
Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid 2026
‘Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid’ will gie oot grants o a thoosan pund. Oor ambition is tae gie this siller tae individuals, community groups or organisations wha will yaise it tae produce audience-facing creative wark. The wark maun be maistly in ae dialect o the Scots leid. Ane o the successfu applicants […]
Women Musicians’ Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music. (January 2026)
The challenges facing women musicians in the music industry have been discussed for many years. Research has consistently identified gender marginalisation and misogyny as significant barriers affecting women’s participation across different musical genres. However, until now, there has been limited research specifically addressing sexual violence and harassment within the Scottish folk music scene. This important […]
Battle of the Folk Bands 2026 Finalists Announced!
We’re thrilled to reveal the finalists for the Battle of the Folk Bands 2026! After listening to all the brilliant entries submitted this year, our panel of musicians has selected five outstanding bands to compete at the grand final during Celtic Connections. Meet the Finalists These five bands impressed our judges with their musicality, originality, […]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026 Finalists Announced
Six exceptional musicians selected for prestigious Celtic Connections final Following an outstanding semi-finals weekend at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow, we’re thrilled to announce the six finalists for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026. All twelve semi-finalists delivered exceptional performances throughout the weekend, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent within Scotland’s traditional […]
Celtic Connections celebrates a picture perfect opening weekend
American country legend Emmylou Harris, trad-rockers Skerryvore and Palestinian singer-songwriter Amal Kaawash were among dozens of performers who wowed tens of thousands of fans across more than 80 gigs and events during the first celebratory weekend of Celtic Connections that fused international music, dance and friendship. Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton and MC Stuart Cassells led […]
Shetland Folk Festival 2026 – Visiting Artist line-up!
The countdown to the 44th Shetland Folk Festival is now on as organisers have launched the visiting artist line-up for 2026. From 30th April to 3rd May, a mixture of fresh and familiar faces will grace Shetland stages with fifteen visiting acts representing nine different nations. 2026 will see a large contingent of bands coming from across the Atlantic and […]
Applications open for coveted traditional music opportunity for young musicians
Young performers with a passion for traditional music and a sense of adventure are being invited to apply for one of Scotland’s most sought-after summer opportunities. Fèis Rois has opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Ceilidh Trail, offering 16 – 25-year-olds the chance to tour the country, learn from leading artists, and gain unrivalled professional […]
One of the most northerly festivals in the UK, the St Magnus International Festival looks to the skies as it celebrates its 50th edition in midsummer 2026.
Set in the magical Orkney islands off the north coast of Scotland, St Magnus International Festival is preparing a special programme to celebrate its 50th edition next summer. Festival Director, composer Alasdair Nicolson, is bringing together a festival that marks this golden milestone inspired by the theme of ‘Air’ reflecting on breath, sound, wind, flight and freedom. Across music, theatre, […]