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Festivals of fun


Throughout the year, Scotland hosts an eclectic mix of festivals which celebrate its cultures and traditions


JANUARY CELTIC CONNECTIONS GLASGOW Scotland’s premier celebration of the music of the Celtic world. www.celticconnections.com


FEBRUARY GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL Showcases a range of innovative and exciting films, as well as the best from some of the world’s greatest filmmakers. www.glasgowfilm.org


MARCH INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL A music and singing competition which provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to develop their potential in a wide range of musical events. www.invernessmusicfestival.org


U2 and Bruce Springsteen come to Scotland, they play in stadia such as Hampden Park in Glasgow and Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, you can hear lesser known singers and musicians at hundreds of pubs and clubs across the country. But there’s more to Scotland than rock


and pop. Classical, folk and jazz enjoy fantastic support and attract big audiences. Edinburgh’s International Festival is


a regular summer date in the calendar of classical musicians from around the globe. Celtic Connections, a massively successful


world-music festival, is held in Glasgow every January. Because of its outstanding success, the music industry is cherished in Scotland and has the support of organisations such as The Scottish Music Centre and NEMIS (New Music in Scotland). Academic institutions such as Stow


College, Napier University and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama offer courses specifically tailored towards a career in the music industry. It’s this support – along with fantastic talent


– that helps Scotland’s singers and musicians make a big noise around the world.


APRIL SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL Themed on whisky, food, music and the heritage and culture of Speyside, the festival offers a wide array of quality events. www.spiritofspeyside.com


MAY AVIEMORE & CAIRNGORMS WALKING & MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL


Guided walks through the magnificent scenery of the Cairngorms, including a mini expedition involving spending two nights on the mountains. www.nbremner.f2s.com


JUNE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW Scotland’s premier agricultural show, including displays of over


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5,000 animals, food and drink exhibitions, a flower show and craft goods. www.royalhighlandshow.org


JULY T IN THE PARK Scotland’s biggest music festival. Each year more than 85,000 fans take in a host of top artists in an open air concert. www.tinthepark.com


AUGUST EDINBURGH’S FESTIVALS The world’s biggest celebration of the arts takes over Edinburgh for three weeks in August. The programme is a vibrant mix of art forms – theatre, comedy, music and musicals, dance, events and exhibitions and children’s shows. www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk


AUGUST DARE PROTOPLAY GAMES FESTIVAL The UK’s largest video games event celebrating new talent and innovation in games and digital media. http://daretobedigital.com


SEPTEMBER THE BRAEMAR GATHERING Perhaps the most celebrated of all the Highland Games in the world, and the only one which guarantees the presence of a member of the royal family. www.braemargathering.org


DECEMBER EDINBURGH HOGMANAY Four fabulous days and nights of amazing events kick off the world’s greatest New Year party. With torchlit procession, street performers, fireworks, concerts, ceilidh, the Hogmanay party itself and a New Year’s Day run to blow the cobwebs away. www.edinburghshogmanay.com


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