Edinburgh TradFest

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 30th April to 10th May 2021.

About Edinburgh TradFest

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.

In 2016, TRACS asked us at the Soundhouse Organisation to programme a series of concerts for them. With many years of concert promoting, beginning at our house in 2002, and then our regular Monday nights at The Traverse Bar (gathering appreciative audiences since 2014), we were well placed to select a dynamic line up of musical stars from home and abroad.

In 2018, TRACS had its funding reduced (as part of wider cut backs in government funding) but they honoured their commitment with a very strong Tradfest programme. When it came to appraise the situation for 2019 the good folks at TRACS decided they couldn’t continue without funding. We thought it was a shame to lose the festival particularly at a time when Scotland’s traditional music scene is so strong and vibrant, so they agreed to pass it on to us.

We also thank Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Tattoo Culture Fund for their support, and our partners at The Queen’s Hall, The Traverse, the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Edinburgh Folk Club for lending us their spaces and giving us the benefit of their considerable expertise.

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. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh TradFest are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Edinburgh TradFest

Shetland Springs

30th April 2021 - 10th May 2021

Online Event Edinburgh

The Shetland fiddle tradition celebrates its roots at Tradfest. We’re not talking about museum pieces here, this music is very much alive!
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Scotland Online: A Directory of Musicians

7th May 2021

Online Event Edinburgh

Join Edinburgh Tradfest for an evening of music and conversation to celebrate the launch of Scotland Online: A Directory of Musicians.
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Tall Tales Oscar

8th May 2021

Online Event Edinburgh

Listen to tall tales, ferocious fibs and fables performed live on Zoom by some of Scotland's finest tellers, then you decide who wins the lucrative accolade of Oscar the Leprechaun!
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Rebellious Truth 2021: Karine Polwart + Mike Vass

10th May 2021

Online Event Edinburgh

Tradfest is delighted to present their first annual Rebellious Truth Lecture on 10th May and the first speaker is Karine Polwart. The evening will begin with a performance by Mike Vass.
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