Headline acts and special ticket deal unveiled for legendary Speyside event as it celebrates national award nomination
Long-standing Fochabers folk festival Speyfest has unveiled an initial line up of sensational headliners as it sets its sights on a stand-out, celebratory 30th anniversary edition next year.
The Speyside event, which will take place from 23 – 25 July 2027, will be pulling out all the stops for its milestone edition as it puts early bird tickets on sale at 12pm, Friday 6 November.
In a move to give back to the community that has supported the event for more than three decades, audiences have the chance to make a substantial saving, with more than 30% off weekend passes especially for the 30th anniversary edition.
The festival’s organising committee, which is completely volunteer-led, is looking ahead to a buoyant milestone year, boosted by a nomination for Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards this week.
The 2027 festival is set to be a joyful celebration of Speyfest’s remarkable 30-year legacy in Moray, showcasing the very best of Scottish music and culture with a programme that will honour the enduring power of music and community spirit that has been its backbone since 1995.
The first headliners on the line up see a bill bursting with world-class talent, including legends from both sides of the Atlantic.
Acclaimed Scottish musicians Duncan Chisholm, Hamish Napier and a star-studded cast of musicians, sensational Canadian fiddling husband and wife duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and their incredible musical family, multi-award-winning trad rockers Skerryvore, and hometown heroes Tour Bus Fortune, all top the bill.
Each headliner has a special relationship with the festival, none more so than Duncan Chisholm and Hamish Napier, whose long history has been woven together over many years, bound by a shared love of Speyside.
The pair will be accompanied by a mighty cast of friends, in the form of seven of the country’s finest folk musicians: Ross Ainslie (whistle and pipes), Su-a Lee (cello), Megan Henderson (fiddle), Hannah Fisher (fiddle), Sorren Maclean (acoustic and electric guitar), Ross Hamilton (bass) and Donald Hay (percussion). Together, the group will put on a very special 30th anniversary performance especially for Speyfest audiences, with more details to be revealed in the coming months.
Natalie and Donnell created an absolutely electric atmosphere when they made their Speyfest debut this summer. They will return in 2027 with their seven children in tow, including daughter Mary Frances, a highly acclaimed fiddle player in her own right, who will perform at Speyfest for the first time with the whole MacMaster-Leahy clan.
Skerryvore have rightfully become firm festival favourites, headlining the Moray festival many times over the course of their impressive 21-year career. Flying the flag for homegrown talent, Tour Bus Fortune have amassed a big and loyal local following, with their fun-filled sets blending trad music with much-loved dance classics that never fail to get everyone on their feet.
Attracting thousands of visitors annually from across Moray, Scotland and further afield, including Belgium and Switzerland, Speyfest has earned a reputation over the last 30 years for its welcoming atmosphere, unique local spirit and passion for the very best contemporary traditional music.
The festival’s programme also showcases local arts and crafts, and food and drink, and puts on a range of activities for all ages, from fun runs to kids activities, while more big acts, emerging talent and special commissions are still to be announced.
Speyfest Chair Ashleigh Macgregor said: “Speyfest is an event with humble beginnings and big ambitions. Our anniversary is a significant milestone and one we have been working towards and looking forward to for many years. We’re determined to make it an extra special year, starting with a handful of world-class headliners who are all much-loved Speyfest favourites from over the years.
“Our ethos has always been to make outstanding live music accessible to as many people as possible, so we’re really pleased to be able to offer such a big saving on Early Bird tickets this year. People can enjoy more than 30% off, ensuring they can make lasting memories without worrying about the cost. This is our way of thanking all those who have supported us over the years and help make sure the milestone is something everyone can be part of.
“We’re incredibly proud to be an event powered by the passionate volunteers who have ensured the festival plays an important part in the cultural life of Moray so to be heading into our anniversary year with a Trad Awards nomination really is so encouraging and sets the tone for a fantastic year ahead.”
Daniel Gillespie of Skerryvore said: “Speyfest has been a key part of our 21-year journey as a band so we are delighted to be returning next year to celebrate 30 years of Speyfest. We may even enjoy a few songs and drams with the amazing team of volunteers that helped reach this impressive milestone!”
Speyfest returns for its landmark 30th anniversary next year, from Friday 23 – Sunday 25 July 2027.
Early bird tickets go on sale 12pm, Friday 6 November 2026, with weekend tickets priced at £100 for adults, £50 for children or £280 for a family of four. Visit www.speyfest.com.