Congratulations to Speyfest who has / have been nominated in Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Speyfest now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Ashleigh of Speyfest the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Speyfest is a volunteer-led traditional music festival based in Fochabers, Moray, established in 1995. Over nearly three decades, it has grown into a much-loved celebration of Scottish traditional music and culture, bringing together outstanding artists and audiences from across Scotland and beyond. Passionate about championing traditional music, supporting artists and promoting inclusion, Speyfest combines a strong community spirit with a vibrant programme celebrating Scotland’s rich musical heritage.
Any particular career highlights?
A key highlight has been Speyfest’s growth from a single 500-capacity tent into an established annual festival welcoming around 5,000 visitors across the weekend. We are proud to champion exceptional traditional musicians, celebrate Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and promote gender balance and inclusion through our involvement with the BIT Collective. Above all, Speyfest’s achievements reflect the dedication of our volunteers and the support of our local community.
What are your plans for the future?
Our immediate focus is celebrating Speyfest’s 30th anniversary in 2027 with a special programme honouring our history while looking to the future. We aim to continue championing traditional music, supporting artists, improving gender balance and inclusion, and engaging new audiences. We are committed to ensuring Speyfest remains a sustainable, volunteer-led festival that enriches our local community and keeps traditional music thriving for generations to come.
Speyfest Social Media
Website: http://www.speyfest.com
Facebook: @speyfest
Instagram: @speyfest
YouTube: @speyfest
TikTok: @speyfest
Listen to music: http://
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves 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.