Friday May 1st 2026
Astro Bloc performing a pop-up concert yesterday outside Edinburgh Airport (credit: Douglas Robertson)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (1-11 May).
Due to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation, the traditional music festival welcomes over 65 events, plus free pop-up performances, to the capital.
The pop-up performances will last around 20 minutes each, giving audiences and passer-by a taste of Tradfest. Newcomers Astro Bloc performed at Edinburgh Airport yesterday, ahead of the festival kicking off.
The locations for up-coming pop-ups are:
– Aroma Restaurant and Bar, Broxburn, Saturday 2 May, 6-9pm – SAZ
– Nobles Bar, Leith, Friday 8 May, 2pm – Dauntless
Edinburgh Tradfest opens at Hangar 5 with two incredible bands headlining: Scotland’s most sought after folk band RURA; and newcomers to the folk scene Astro Bloc, whose music offers an exhilarating mix of heritage and innovation.
Over the weekend the music highlights continue with siblings Séamus and Caoimhe celebrating the culture of their Connemara homeland with dexterous instrumentals and beautiful blood harmonies; folk song sensation and multi award-winner Kim Carnie; an early evening concert with fiddler Eilidh Shaw (who is replacing Laura Jane Wilkie) and guitar legend Ian Carr; centuries old folk music from Rajasthani music sensation SAZ; African singing and step- dancing workshops; and late night sessions in the Traverse Bar.
In addition, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay on Saturday 2 May, by uploading a Strathspey tune online, or by joining fiddlers Sam Mabbett, Dylan Cairns, Eilidh Shaw and Angus Lyon for a live afternoon of Scottish music to celebrate the beauty of the humble Strathspey. Plus, anyone under 5 years and their family can join in an afternoon of songs, actions and non-stop dancing with award-winning folk singer, primary music school teacher, and parent to a lively pre-schooler Fiona Hunter (Malinky), who will be hosting this year’s relaxed performance on Sunday Afternoon.
Other hot tickets include The Furrow Collective with a final performance by Rachel Newton who is leaving the band; RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame); the Brian Molley Quartet tracing the Scottish roots of jazz; virtuoso musician Tim Edey; banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act seemingly from the 1920s with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”; Gen Z old-time combo The Onlies from Seattle; Scandinavian string trio Northern Resonance; and acclaimed singer, composer, and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.
One of the most unmissable events in this year’s programme has to be singer songwriter Josie Duncan’s new music commission on Monday night: A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), celebrating the life of Scots 16th century poet Marie Maitland whose works explored themes of same-sex attraction. Joining Josie on stage will be Charlotte Printer (bass), Chloë Bryce (fiddle), Eilidh Rogers (percussion), Jenny Clifford (guitar) and historian and author Ashley Douglas reading from Marie’s poems.
At the Storytelling Centre there will also be online talks and workshops discussing traditional dance, craft, music and storytelling with guest speakers including author, scholar, dancer and dance teacher Pat Ballantyne and CEO of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) Steve Byrne.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said:
“Over the past few months we have booked the most incredible bands we can find, sorted food and accommodation, checked all our sound equipment is in place, liaised with our programming partners, and briefed all our lovely technical, front of house and production teams. We are marketing like crazy in any way we can think of so we are ready. All we need now is YOU, the audience. We have just the best line-up ever so come and check it out. A good time is Guaranteed!”
Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May to Monday 11 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com.
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