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 […]
Newsletter
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, […]
Sessions and Sail 2026 Scottish Bursary Scheme now open
Sessions and Sail are delighted to announce that applications for their 2026 Scottish Bursary Scheme are now open. The scheme offers six fully-funded places for folk musicians to join one of their Scottish voyages for free, including food, accommodation and musical tuition. The bursary is designed to support folk musicians who might not usually have […]
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events. Taking place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, the annual initiative is this year supporting 63 projects and events, with hundreds more expected to be staged across the week. Applications for […]
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, […]
Tinto Summer School 2026 – open for bookings!
A residential Scottish and Traditional music event for 11 (entering high school) – 17 year old participants. Held at Wiston Lodge. We look forward to welcoming participants aged 11 (entering high school) – 17 back to Wiston Lodge (South Lanarkshire) for a great week of folk and traditional music, song, fun and campfire song! The dates are Monday […]
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Hands Up for Trad!
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to extend our warmest wishes to everyone who has been part of our incredible year. To all our partners, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters — thank you for making this such a brilliant year for Scottish traditional music and culture. What a year it’s been! From the […]
Trad music’s brightest stars honoured at MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025
The vibrant world of Scottish traditional music celebrated its brightest stars and leading lights at the 23rd annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Aberdeen last night. The event recognised an outstanding array of artists, projects and organisations for their significant contributions to preserving and advancing Scotland’s rich cultural heritage through music. This year’s […]