We love festivals. We travel the world to see our favourite bands and find new ones to idolise. It’s fair to say, though, that Scotland does festivals like nowhere else. Even the indoor ones tend to have a sticky, feral feel to them. They punctuate time, like dropped pins marking the years of our memories and give form to long hazy months of summer. We’ve almost exclusively focused on music festivals, and as always we’re mega tight on space, so we’ll be back with part 2 next month with more variety and more of our favourites. Calendars ready?
EDINBURGH TRADFEST
Edinburgh, Various Venues, 2nd till 12th May
This year’s Edinburgh Tradfest once again features a fantastic line-up of live music at the Traverse and elsewhere across Edinburgh. Opening the festival on Friday 2nd May, is Scotland’s most sought-after piper and composer Ross Ainslie, performing with The Sanctuary Band. Expect trad as you know and love it but with contemporary excursions. Joining them at the Queens Hall is special guest, and SNACK favourite, Terra Kin aka Hannah Findlay. That’ll be a treat.
What else is there? Well, over the 11 days of the festival there will be live music and workshops involving more than 100 musicians.
Catch Finnish power-fiddle duo Teho. on 5th May, whose music combines Finnish traditional fiddling, Norwegian halling [an acrobatic Norwegian dance in duple measure], Swedish polska, bebop, western swing, and their own contemporary folk music [it’s going to be a lot, and in a good way]. Folk trio Divergence looks a great shout for something different: they’re so named because of their passion for playing non-traditional instruments in traditionally inspired music, including the more unusual tongue drum and the silver Boehm system flute.
Look out for their full programme launch on Tuesday 11th March and find the threads to weave your own special bespoke festival.
KNOCKENGORROCH
Galloway Hills, 22nd till 25th May
We’ve previously described Knockengorroch as a festival where ‘you will be plied with more smiles, more glitter, more hugs, more music, more offers of victuals, more warmth than ever before in your life.’ What else could you want?
Scotland’s longest-running greenfield music festival, held in stunning rural Dumfries and Galloway, is celebrating their 27th year!
It’s a cracking looking line-up with Mungo’s HiFi, The Dub Pistols, Elephant Sessions, Rokia Koné, Moving Shadow, and many more all set to play.
Among the many treats over the weekend are African Head Charge, a collaboration between master Jamaican percussionist Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah and English dub producer Adrian Sherwood, and a revolving cast of guest players. Polyrhythmic outernational sounds for your mind, your body, and your soul. SNACK favs abound with Dara Dubh, Girobabies, racecar, Morphmish, and Mima Merrow always a treat.
It’s not just about the music: the weekend will also feature comedy and theatre shows, arts, crafts, nature, and heritage workshops. It’s one of the most family friendly-festivals on the circuit, open to all ages with a dedicated quiet family camping area plus a children’s tent and procession. The Knock Bus is the eco way to travel from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
SKYE LIVE
Isle of Skye, 8th till 10th May
Skye Live undoubtedly has one of the most picturesque settings of any festival in the world. If you’ve not been then do a quick Google search; you’ll see what we mean.
Set in Portree, with stunning views of the incredible Cuillin Ridge on one side and The Old Man of Storr on the other it’s an unforgettable vista to accompany some of the best of contemporary traditional music and electronica. It’s their 10th year and with Skipinnish, Beth Malcolm, Gnoss, Kinnaris Quintet, Lord Of The Isles & Ellen Renton, along with Valtos (electronic Celtic fusion duo), Eclair Fifi, and Optimo (Espacio), you’re in for a treat, for sure.
THE REELING
Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, 6th till 8th June
Set in the Glasgow Southside gem that is Rouken Glen Park (OK, you massive pedant, it’s technically in East Renfrewshire) this relatively new festival, now in its third year, instantly became one of the biggest traditional music festivals in the Central Belt.
DEEP TIME: A FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSIC
Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, 26th till 29th November
Deep Time is Fruitmarket’s annual festival for new music which takes place in Fruitmarket Warehouse. Programmed with a different curatorial voice every year, each edition of Deep Time takes a generative theme as its starting point. The festival made its debut in 2023 and returned in 2024 with a programme inspired by New York composer John Cage and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. What does the festival have up its sleeve for 2025? Keep an eye on their socials, and probably in SNACK too, to find out more nearer the time.
REGULAR MUSIC’S SUMMER NIGHTS
Kelvingrove Bandstand and Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Glasgow, Various Dates
As Danny and Sandy from Grease would probably definitely concur, there is nothing better than a summer night. This is especially true for summer nights spent at the annual series of concerts at Kelvingrove Bandstand scheduled throughout July and August.
Bringing big names to Glasgow, the festival boasts performances by heavyweight Natasha Bedingfield (who’s hit Pocket full of sunshine is most hopefully certainly on theme) and local legends Teenage Fanclub (formed in 1989, they may not be teenagers anymore but they certainly still bring the energy). Queen’s Park Recreation Ground on the Southside has Echo & The Bunnymen, Del Amitri (supported by the brilliant Alice Faye), Ocean Colour Scene, and The Saw Doctors. Bring yourself, bring a friend, and enjoy some cracking summer nights.
DIG FESTIVAL
Tramway, Glasgow, 9th till 24th May
If you dig dance, then DIG festival is for you. Featuring live performances from a variety of international names alongside emerging and local talent this festival is a feast for those who love to move. In addition expect screenings, community events, workshops and a family programme.
tramway.org/projects/dance-internationalglasgow
GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Various, Glasgow, 19th till 23rd March
From the Scottish premiere of Josefine, the Scottish Opera’s first-ever animated opera short, to a collaboration with Palestinian collective Gaza Film Unit, Scotland’s leading short film festival returns with a varied programme of beautifully made films. The opening event, The Disco: A Portrait of Simon Eilbeck, will debut visual artist Alex Hetherington’s sound and image portrait of DJ Simon Eilbeck. Formed from 16mm film and improvised compositions, The Disco encounters members of the Queer, Trans, alternative and nonbinary communities who gather at Simon’s monthly disco, Hot Mess.
EDEN
Raehill’s Estate, just outside of Moffat, 12th till 15th June
Edenites, old and new, are being welcomed back for the 14th year of the festival.
From headliners Bob Vylan (a London two-piece known for their unique blend of grime, punk, altrap, and rock), Leftfield (DJ set), The Bluebells, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes, The Joy Hotel, Orchestra Baobab, to Detroit hip-hop legends Slum Village (who have been leaving their mark on the genre since the 90s) the line-up is varied and deep. With over 250 performances across 10 stages, it’s going to be a riot (in the best way, we think).
SPRING FLING
Various Locations, Dumfries & Galloway, 24th till 26th May
Whether it’s stick men or the Mona Lisa, there is no greater joy than in creating something. But how do you create art; what does it take? Find the answer to these questions and more at this year’s Spring Fling, a visual art and craft open studio event. The festival promises to fling open the doors of over 80 artists’ workshops across Dumfries & Galloway for your pleasure and delight.
HOUSEGUEST
Various locations, Glasgow, 12th April
This one-day festival presented by local DIY promoters Crowded Flat and SMC will be putting grassroots Scottish artists where they belong: front and centre on stages near you. Some of the bigger festivals could do with paying attention. From CCA to Nice N Sleazy to The Variety Bar, catch up-and-comers like Majesty Palm, Parliamo, Tina Sandwich, Sister Madds, Big Girl’s Blouse (ace!), Bandit Country, Lacuna, PVC, and more. Walt Disco are the star turn and, hey, they’re always good value.
cca-glasgow.com/programme/house-guest
TECTONICS
Various locations, Glasgow, 3rd and 4th May
The name ‘Tectonics’ conjures images of earthquakes, which cause damage, but also renewal. Similarly, the two-day festival promises to shake up whatever your thoughts of orchestral music are with a varied and exciting line-up of international and local artists.
From Scottish improvisor Lauren Sarah Hayes, who explores instability, ephemerality, and unpredictability, to Norway’s fearless composer Øyvind Torvund, who merges baroque and folk music, this festival offers the cutting-edge of the orchestral genre. Discounted weekend passes available until 25th April.
SOLAS
Errol Park, Perthshire, 20th till 22nd June
A festival with a mission, Solas returns to not only entertain but also promote social and environmental justice. From global music focused on nurturing new talent to offering food for thought through debates with activists and thinkers of various disciplines, the festival is varied and sure to expand your horizons. Line up to be announced soon so keep an eye out.
KELBURN GARDEN PARTY
Kelburn Estate, Largs, 3rd till 7th July
Once upon a time there was a festival nestled in a stunning Scottish glen, surrounded by ancient woodlands, waterfall plunge pools, and secret pathways. That time is now.
Kelburn Garden Party returns for its fifteenth year this July. The festival will see the grounds of Kelburn Castle, an iconic 13th-century painted castle, transformed into a kaleidoscope of music, performance, and creativity, with surreal interactive experiences and pioneering art installations woven throughout.
From Baque Luar, an all-female Afro-Brazilian percussion group to fast-rising Glasgow hip-hop/ jazz collective Kai Reesu, the line-up of over 90 international and homegrown artists is sure to bring a bit of magic to your summer. On the SNACK don’t miss list: Sofia Kourtesis, Auntie Flo, Shy One, TAAHLIAH, Man of Moon, Maz & The Phantasms, racecar, Susan Bear, Morphamish, Helicon, Lezzer Quest and generally more than we could ever possibly fit in.
GOVAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Various venues, Govan, 26th till 29th March
This festival promises to bring Govan to life this March with a wide variety of music acts being brought to every corner of the city. From Flamenco dancing to classical music, the festival shines a light on Govan’s diverse community, providing something for everybody.
Of course, they [Govan] have a new bridge! That brings new connections, new friends, new possible futures. Talking of futures, don’t miss Ant Thomaz (Union of Knives) and Becci Wallace perform their new solo albums. Plus Glasgow Barons Orchestra will serve up a dinner of desserts with three exciting concertos by Bach, Sweeney, and Piazzolla.
glasgowbarons.com/govan-musicfestival-2025
