Thursday September 4th 2025
Los Chicanos performing at Dunbar music festival
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian’s longest-running music festival will stage more than 50 live music performances across 17 venues in Dunbar from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September this year, many of which will be free to attend.
The expanded programme adds electronica to its mix of genres for the first time alongside Americana, Blues, Folk, Rock and World Music and will take place in venues including West Barns Bowling Club, Dunbar Garden Centre, Harbour Chapel and Wishing Tree by the Sea.
The popular youth talent showcase – a programme staple over the last few years – has expanded to become a double bill, with eight East Lothian school bands performing on Saturday before the winners of the East Lothian Schools Battle of the Bands competition take to the stage on Sunday.
Busking will bring musical magic to Dunbar High Street throughout Saturday with a number of one hour slots available for solo performers and groups. More information and the registration details can be found on the festival website: www.dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk.
This year’s ticketed events include the popular festival ceilidh at West Barns BowlingClub which will be led by Collateral Dramage, a flute, fiddle and guitar three-piece ceilidh band from Edinburgh. Tickets for Andrew Gordon’s intimate performance at the Monk’s Retreat in Belhaven Brewery will also be available to purchase via the festival website from 3 September. All other festival events are free.
Funding from NnG Offshore Wind, Dunbar Community Council, Viridor, Artemis Foundation, East Lothian Council Arts and Belhaven Brewery has created the biggest collection of free events programme possible alongside donations from Dunbar Traders Association and local businesses.
Dunbar Music Festival is run by a committee of volunteers. Chair Neil Allison said:
“We’re thrilled that funding support has enabled us to create such a superbly diverse line- up of musical talent again this year and we are really proud that our festival attracts visitors to the town.
“We’ve got some amazing new artists and bands on the line-up this year and we know that they will love playing here. The local support for Dunbar Music Festival is always fantastic and we fully expect the town to be full to the brim with music lovers over the whole festival weekend.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
