Congratulations to Largs Folk Nights who has been nominated in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025. Vote now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Hayley of Largs Folk Nights the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Largs Folk Nights was founded in 2017 by Scottish fiddle player Hayley Keenan to bring high-quality live traditional music to the seaside town of Largs in an intimate, welcoming setting. The club runs regular Sunday afternoon concerts, featuring some of Scotland’s best folk musicians alongside local floor-spot performers, creating a real community spirit around live music. The events are run on a non-profit basis, focused entirely on keeping traditional music accessible and thriving in North Ayrshire.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I’ve been surrounded by Scottish music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Largs, I learned fiddle from a young age and went on to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Music Education. I’ve spent my career both performing and teaching, and I’m passionate about keeping our traditional music alive and accessible for everyone.
As a founding member of the folk band Talisk, I toured extensively across the UK, Europe, and North America, performing at major festivals and winning awards including the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and Folk Band of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. I now teach full-time and still perform regularly — including playing from time to time with Skipinnish — while continuing to champion Scottish traditional music in schools and communities.
Creating Largs Folk Nights came from that same love of the tradition. I wanted to bring world-class folk music to my hometown, create a space where people could connect through live music, and support both established and emerging Scottish artists.
Any particular career highlights?
Since starting out, the club has welcomed some of the biggest names in Scottish folk music. A standout moment was the Christmas 2019 Folk Mash-Up with Mohsen Amini, Innes Watson, Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín and Sarah Markey — a brilliant night full of energy and fun. Tim Edey’s visit was another huge highlight — his warmth and world-class playing had the whole room smiling — while Robert Robertson’s show was packed full. The club has also hosted outstanding artists such as Norrie MacIver, Gary Innes, Talisk, Claire Hastings, Project Smok, Gnoss, Hannah Rarity and Gillian Frame. There have been too many great nights to count, each one special in its own way.
What are your plans for the future?
The aim is to keep going strong — continuing to bring amazing artists to Largs and supporting local performers. There’s also a long-term hope to create a Largs Folk Festival, building on the club’s success and giving the town its own celebration of traditional music, while keeping the same friendly, community feel that makes Largs Folk Nights what it is.
Largs Folk Nights Social Media
Website:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELC2oE9Zt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: largsfolknights
YouTube:
TikTok:
The 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 6th December 2025 in Aberdeen Music Hall! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and BBC Radio scotland Young Traditional Musician and Scots Performer o the Year Ellie Beaton and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.