Braemar Folk Festival returns for its fifth year this October, with a powerhouse line-up of cutting edge traditional and folk music artists among the line-up announced this week.
The festival, taking place in and around the iconic Deeside village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms, features concerts in St Margaret’s and the Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion, with more informal jam sessions in local pubs and even an acoustic fireside gig in a nearby bothy.
Opening Friday night of the festival on 3rd October is Radio 2 Folk Award and Trad Award Gaelic Singer of the Year Mischa Macpherson, one of Scotland’s most exciting singing talents. She will be followed by TRIP – a young trad supergroup based in Glasgow but uniting the traditions of Ireland, Northumbria, Isle of Man and Scotland with a contemporary flair.
Headlining the festival’s Saturday night on 4th October is the trad/electronic group Valtos – one of Scotland’s most popular festival acts. They will be supported by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cahalen Morrison.
Saturday afternoon features back-to-back concerts from acclaimed Scots singer Shona Donaldson and New England native, Madeleine Stewart joined in a trio by Glasgow based Rory Matheson and Craig Baxter.
The festival is curated to showcase both established and emerging talent, while celebrating Scotland’s rich musical heritage.
Beyond the musical programming, attendees will have ample opportunity to explore the surrounding area and the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, with guided wild swimming and foraging workshops.
Concert tickets are on sale now at braemarfolkfestival.com with further announcements on workshops, session line-ups and additional opportunities coming soon.
The Braemar Folk Festival is presented by St Margaret’s Braemar – the performance, arts and heritage venue located in the heart of the Deeside village – with sponsorship from Balmoral Group and The Fife Arms Hotel.
Festival director Fergus Mutch said: “We cannot wait to welcome music lovers back to Braemar Folk Festival this October for another unforgettable weekend.
“Tickets are on sale now, with a real powerhouse line-up of some of Scotland’s best folk and trad talent on the bill.
“And where better to enjoy great music than right here in the heart of the Cairngorms – with plenty of opportunity to get outside and soak up the great outdoors between gigs.
“We’ve got fantastic concerts from the likes of Valtos, TRIP, Mischa Macpherson and Cahalen Morrison; the local pubs will be jumping with live music and sessions to join in with; you’ll be able to pick up top performance tips from some world-class musicians in a range of workshops; and there will even be the chance to go wild swimming or foraging, for those who fancy something a bit different.”