Key Points
- Edinburgh Tradfest returns from 1 to 11 May 2026 with an extensive programme of traditional music, workshops, films, and storytelling.
- The festival features performances at iconic venues including the Queen’s Hall, Traverse Theatre, and Scottish Storytelling Centre.
- Highlights include acts such as Rura + Astro Bloc, Siobhan Miller Band, Kim Carnie, Séamus & Caoimhe, and Laura Jane Wilkie & Ian Carr.
- Additional events encompass ceilidhs, family-friendly sessions, lectures, and international artists blending Scottish traditions with global influences.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 11, 2026 – Edinburgh Tradfest has unveiled its 2026 music programme, promising an 11-day celebration of traditional arts from 1 to 11 May.
The festival, a staple in Edinburgh’s cultural calendar since 2013, will showcase live music, workshops, films, and storytelling across multiple venues, drawing artists from Scotland and worldwide.
What does the 2026 lineup include?
According to the official Edinburgh Tradfest website, the programme features a diverse array of performances, with Rura + Astro Bloc, Siobhan Miller Band, and Kim Carnie among the highlighted acts.
Séamus & Caoimhe, Laura Jane Wilkie & Ian Carr, and others such as Miwa Nagato-Apthorp, Parsisonic, and Dlù will appear in a bumper lineup, as reported on the festival’s schedule page.
As reported by The Resident Edinburgh of Resident Hotels, the event will bring together classic Scottish pipers, lively folk bands, and ceilidh ensembles at venues like the Queen’s Hall and Traverse Theatre.
Why is this festival significant for Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Tradfest has grown into a key highlight, attracting music lovers across Scotland with its unmissable mix of traditional and contemporary performances.
What venues and categories are involved?
Venues include the Queen’s Hall, Traverse Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, and The Cameo, covering categories such as music, film, storytelling, workshops, sessions, ceilidhs, and family-friendly events, per the festival’s official listings.
What can visitors expect next?
The festival encourages early planning for the May dates, with a full schedule of events promising vibrant celebrations of Scottish and international traditional music.
Further details on tickets and additional artists will follow on the Edinburgh Tradfest website as the event approaches.
