News

Orkney Folk Festival is seeking expressions of interest for voluntary roles on its Board of Trustees and Organising Committee as planning gets underway for the 2027 festival.

These are opportunities to play a part in a much-loved festival that celebrates Orkney’s culture and community, brings world-class artists to the islands and creates memorable experiences for thousands of people every year.

Board vacancies

There are currently two vacancies on the Board:

• Ordinary Trustee
• Secretary (Trustee)

As long-serving Trustees retire, we’re looking for people who care about the festival and want to help shape its future. Trustees help to:

• Provide good governance and strategic direction
• Support the Festival Producer and Organising Committee
• Oversee the festival’s financial sustainability
• Safeguard its values and reputation
• Ensure the festival meets its responsibilities as a charity.

The Board meets quarterly, with occasional additional meetings, and virtual attendance is possible.

Previous board experience isn’t essential. We’re looking for people with enthusiasm for the festival, good judgement and a willingness to contribute. All roles are voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

For the Secretary role, we’re particularly looking for someone organised and reliable, with an eye for detail and confidence handling documentation.

To be considered for either role, please complete our short Trustee application...

A huge thank you from all our board and committee for another brilliant year of music and fun at the 2026 festival. We’ve loved having you with us.

Thank you to our visiting and local artists, volunteers, sponsors, Orkney Friends. crews, local businesses and the wider community for making it such a successful event. We couldn’t do it without you.

We’re taking a well deserved break ahead of planning for next year.

The all important dates for your diary are 27 to 30 May 2027. We’ll see you then!

The award-winning Orkney Folk Festival opens today, Thursday, for the 43rd edition of the event. More than 8,400 tickets have already sold for the four-day island festival.

Orkney Folk Festival is one of Scotland’s longest-running folk festivals. Leading artists from the USA, Canada, Finland, Ireland, England and throughout Scotland are joining home-grown Orcadian musicians as part of the 52 acts appearing at the festival this year.

This year’s furthest travelled acts have crossed the Atlantic. California’s Kenneth Pattengale, one half of The Milk Carton Kids, returns to the stage solo for the first time in 16 years, and is making his debut Orkney appearances.

Louisiana’s Dirk Powell and Cedric Watson are joining forces with Dirk’s daughter, Amelia Powell, to bring their Cajun, Creole and Old Time Appalachian influenced sound.

Meanwhile, Damn Tall Buildings, are bringing their seamless harmonies and captivating solos to Orkney from Brooklyn for the first time.

Canada is also represented at the festival by three quarters of the legendary Cape Breton band Beòlach. Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin and Mac Morin are combining forces having all played at the festival as part of different line ups over the last 20 years.

Finnish group, Polenta, are bringing...

Orkney Folk Festival has announced its full programme for the 2026 event, with acts from around the world set to perform across the islands between 21 and 24 May.

Leading artists from the USA, Canada, Finland, Ireland, England and throughout Scotland will join home-grown Orcadian musicians as part of the 52 acts appearing at the festival in its 43rd year. The Orkney Folk Festival is Orkney’s largest festival, with almost 9,000 tickets sold at the record-breaking 2025 event.

This year’s festival offers a diverse line up. Audiences can look forward to performances from visiting artists including California’s Kenneth Pattengale, one half of The Milk Carton Kids, making his debut appearances in Orkney in his first solo tour in 16 years.

USA representation is boosted with appearances from Louisiana’s Dirk and Amelia Powell and Cedric Watson who bring Cajun, Creole and Old Time Appalachian influenced sound. Meanwhile, Damn Tall Buildings, from Brooklyn, bring their seamless harmonies and captivating solos.

Canada is also represented at the festival by three quarters of the legendary Cape Breton band Beòlach. Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin and Mac Morin. Finnish group, Polenta, are also one of this year’s international...