Edinburgh Tradfest
The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 2nd to 12th May 2025.
About Edinburgh Tradfest
| , Various Locations Edinburgh | |
| Edinburgh Tradfest Website | |
| Follow edintradfest on Twitter | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
The past, present and future of traditional music
Edinburgh Tradfest has a rich story. With its longer tap roots in the Edinburgh Folk Festival, it was launched by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) in 2013 to provide a distinctive platform for folk arts in the capital city.
Edinburgh is a hot house of talent, home grown and visiting, and Tradfest is an opportunity to see it all in play.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.
Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Tradfest
Ross Ainslie & the Sanctuary Band
Ross Ainslie gets together with collaborators The Sanctuary Band to perform tracks from the brand-new album, Pool at The Queens Hall Edinburgh on Friday 2nd May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: MAIK
Jamie Cook and Kirsty Law have joined forces to bring some of their most beloved songs together as brand new folk duo MAIK. Catch them at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Mini Mummers Parade Prep
Join the Family Beltane crew for a morning of mask decoration, crafting and face painting ahead of the May Day Parade.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Divergence
Divergence is so named because the band seeks to employ non-traditional instruments in traditionally-inspired music and you can hear them at the Traverse Theatre on 3rd May.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: An Introduction to Gaelic Storytelling
Join Gaelic storyteller Martin MacIntyre for an introductory session exploring the history, importance and joy in Gaelic storytelling culture in Scotland.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Leveret
Leveret, a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians, return to The Traverse at part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay
Don't miss the unmissable annual #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay featuring a concert with an outstanding line-up at the Traverse Theatre on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Family Beltane
This delightful Beltane Fire Society tradition allows parents to share in the magic of the Beltane story with their little ones through storytelling, face painting and arts & crafts.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: May Day Parade: Action for Justice
Artists, performers and culture workers of all kinds are called to join Tradfest musicians and mummers on the Edinburgh and Lothians May Day procession.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On
Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Hartwin Trio
Discover a dazzling play of sounds during this concert by the Hartwin Trio as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Lauren MacColl: Half A Lifetime
For this very special Edinburgh Tradfest gig Lauren MacColl plays tunes from her most recent album Haar, along with a delve into the back catalogue.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Easy Sundays: Family Ceilidh
Come with family and friends to dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 4th May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Dowally + Philippe Boudot: Ici et Là-Bas
Don't miss cinematic-folk duo Dowally and innovative French drummer Philippe Boudot as they celebrate the release of their album Ici et Là-Bas, recorded last year in Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Hip Hop Story Stop! Old Edinburgh Street Games & Stories
Join Claire McNicol and Fergus McNicol for a lively, family-friendly session of traditional street games, playful rhymes, toe-tapping songs, and captivating tales from Old Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Scotland’s Ancient Goddess: Hidden in Plain Sight
In his new book Scotland’s Sacred Goddess: Hidden in Plain Sight, Stuart McHardy explores the pre-Christian beliefs of the Scottish people.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Teho.
Teho., a Finnish power-fiddle duo that explodes musical boundaries while having roots deeply in the tradition, play the Traverse Theatre on 5th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: For The Love of Trees
This year’s special commission at Edinburgh Tradfest is by the legendary harpist, singer and composer Mary Macmaster!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Cafe Ceilidh
Celebrate Edinburgh's Tradfest with a free afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories with friends from the Scots Music Group in the Scottish Storytelling Centre!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Stories and Songs in the North-East Bothy Tradition
Join ballad singer Allan Taylor, fiddler Karin Paterson and storytellers Phyll McBain and Jackie Ross for a ceilidh of land, laughter and a hearty dollop of Doric!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Morag Brown & Lewis Powell-Reid
Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid play a rich repertoire of instrumental music from Scottish traditions along with many others.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: The Hot Seats
The Hot Seats are returning to Scotland for the first time since the pandemic and they play Edinburgh Tradfest for the first time!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: The Travelling Janes
Led by celebrated Scottish-American jazz vocalist Ali Affleck, The Traveling Janes is an all-women international ensemble. Catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 7th May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Beth Malcolm
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm plays the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 7th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Let Them Be Heard: Sangstream Scots Folk Choir
Sangstream, the a cappella Scots folk choir now in its 28th year, led by the renowned Corrina Hewat, is excited to perform their rich choice of songs as part of Tradfest.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Ellie Beaton
Enjoy an hour in the company of Ellie Beaton, this year’s BBC Scotland Young Trad Winner, at the Traverse Theatre on 8th May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Seckou Keita
Enjoy uplifting and contemplative music from Seckou Keita, a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Hearth Fire Sessions
Welcome to an eclectic night of ancient myth, contemporary storytelling, post-folk music, and physical artistry!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Kathleen Macinnes
Enjoy a super special gig from Kathleen Macinnes, one of Scotland’s national treasures, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Bog Standard
Bog Standard is the gripping true story of a tip off which led a rookie journalist to one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: The Legend of the Anonymous Poet (Or a 20th Century Barbarian Account)
This special live performance from filmmaker/storytellers Nadir Bouhmouch and Soumeya Ait Ahmed combines film, lecture and storytelling!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell
Though they grew up half a world apart, Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell connect through the quiet brilliance of their songcraft and the warm clarity of their delivery.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach
Their sound of Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach is best described as cinematic alt-folk, fusing elements of folk, classical, jazz, indie, electronic and alternative music. It’s unbelievably beautiful.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Finlay MacDonald Band
The Finlay Macdonald Band has been coming very much to the fore over the past couple of years and you can catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 10th May as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Storytelling for Musicians
Join musician and storyteller David Francis and learn how to improve your patter and song introductions with some basic rules of storytelling on this workshop as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
The Poet and the Moon: Lorca’s Flamenco Soul
TuFlamenco presents a tribute to Federico García Lorca, Spain’s most iconic poet, through Flamenco’s rhythm, dance, and poetry at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Saturday 10th May.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Transforming Auld Reekie - Walking Tour
Meeting at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, enjoy a walking tour around the sights and sounds of Edinburgh’s Old Town with artist/curator Claudia Zeiske on 10th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Claire Hastings (Relaxed Performance)
In a new departure for ETF25 we present a very special one hour gig designed to appeal to all ages, from new babies upwards.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Sunshine Stories: Sensory Stories and Play
Join storyteller Ailie Finlay from My Kind of Book on a fun-packed, sensory adventure for May time as we head off through the green grass and squelchy bogs of Scotland!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield
The talk by Joy Dunlop will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Pelkkä Poutanen
Don't miss Pelkkä Poutanen, a hypnotic and unique artist known for her distinctive voice and masterful throat-singing techniques, at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: ETF Spotlight
Each year we present a show that will throw a light on some of the most exciting new performers in folk and traditional music today.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Remembering Douglas
Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for a celebration of independent film in Scotland through the lens of celebrated filmmaker Douglas Eadie!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Siobhan Miller Band
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the Siobhan Miller band in full flight at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!
READ MOREMore Festivals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Improv Festival
Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR
Edinburgh International Improv Festival is back in person at Scottish Storytelling Centre from 20th to 23rd March 2025.
READ MORE
Portobello Book Festival
,
Various Locations Portobello
Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Christmas
,
Various Locations Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Gaelic Festival
,
Edinburgh
A festival celebrating Edinburgh Gaelic community past and present. A' dèanamh fèill air coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.
READ MORE
Cymera Festival
The Pleasance 60 Pleasance,
Edinburgh South EH8 9TJ
Cymera is Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing and it returns to Edinburgh from 31st May to 2nd June.
READ MORE
Luminate Festival: Edinburgh & Lothians
NA NA,
NA NA
Luminate: Scotland's creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.
READ MORE
Burns&Beyond
,
Burns&Beyond returns in January 2024, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns through traditional and contemporary art and culture from across Scotland and Beyond!
READ MORE
Syn Festival Edinburgh
,
Various Locations in Edinburgh
Join us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!
READ MORE
ScotlandsFest
,
Various Locations Edinburgh
2024 marks the 7th year of ScotlandsFest, more than 40 captivating events celebrating the vibrant literary, cultural and political landscape of Scotland.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Harp Festival
George Watson's College 69 Colinton Road,
Edinburgh South EH10 5EG
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival returns for its 42nd year in April, showcasing an eclectic array of harp talent from across the globe.
READ MORE
Festival of Migration
Southside Community Centre 117 Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh South EH8 9ER
Edinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Childrens Festival
30B Grindlay Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9AX
Edinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.
READ MORE
All Festivals listings in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links
Edinburgh International Improv Festival
Edinburgh International Improv Festival is back in person at Scottish Storytelling Centre from 20th to 23rd March 2025.
READ MORE
Portobello Book Festival
Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Christmas
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Gaelic Festival
A festival celebrating Edinburgh Gaelic community past and present. A' dèanamh fèill air coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.
READ MORE
Cymera Festival
Cymera is Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing and it returns to Edinburgh from 31st May to 2nd June.
READ MORE
Luminate Festival: Edinburgh & Lothians
Luminate: Scotland's creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.
READ MORE
Burns&Beyond
Burns&Beyond returns in January 2024, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns through traditional and contemporary art and culture from across Scotland and Beyond!
READ MORE
Syn Festival Edinburgh
Join us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!
READ MORE
ScotlandsFest
2024 marks the 7th year of ScotlandsFest, more than 40 captivating events celebrating the vibrant literary, cultural and political landscape of Scotland.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Harp Festival
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival returns for its 42nd year in April, showcasing an eclectic array of harp talent from across the globe.
READ MORE
Festival of Migration
Edinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Childrens Festival
Edinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links