Edinburgh Tradfest kicks off this Friday
A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (3 May to 13 May).
Article Source: Edinburgh Tradfest
Last Updated: 29 April 2024 12:20
A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (3 May to 13 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
The eleven day Festival opens with electro-trad supergroup VALTOS one of Scotland’s best live bands, who are performing with folk trio Assynt and award-winning singer Josie Duncan at the Queen’s Hall. Over the weekend the music programme continues with folk legend Martin Simpson whose latest solo album Skydancers has just been released; Americana, rock, folk and blues icon Alice Howe and legendary bassist Freebo; and late night sessions in the Traverse Bar. Plus, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay on Saturday by uploading a strathspey tune online using the hashtag, or by joining fiddlers Eryn Rae, Matt Tighe, accordionist Megan Macdonald and pianist extraordinaire Rory Matheson for a live afternoon concert to celebrate the humble Strathspey.
This year the festival boasts an incredible line-up of master musicians including Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis who closes this year’s festival in concert with special guests Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr whose debut album Vent will launch later this year. Other masters of traditional music playing this festival include singer, harpist and composer Rachel Newton; stalwart of the 1990s Edinburgh session scene Simon Bradley trio-ing with Anna-Wendy Stevenson and Michael Bryan; the newly formed Triptic featuring three musicians of peerless pedigree – Phil Alexander, Greg Lawson and Mario Caribe; dazzling instrumentalists Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan; legend Archie Fisher; and West Highland high energy supergroup Dàimh.
Also playing this festival are a host of hugely talented Nordic musicians including Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, and raucous fiddler Lena Jonsson from Northern Sweden who duos with the legendary Brittany Haas from Northern California. Other highlights include the incredible Malin Lewis who launches their new album Halocine at this year’s festival; soulful electro-trad tunes from Frankie Archer whose music is shaking up genres and traditions and championing women, challenging perspectives and calling for a fairer future; BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist 2024 Evie Waddell; and sixth generational fiddle player Clare Sands.
For film goers there is this year’s Folk Film Gatherin’ which includes on-screen highlights - Journey to the Isles: Marjory Kennedy Fraser an archive film with live accompaniment from storyteller Marion Kenny and multi-instrumentalist Mairi Campbell; and two films from Ukraine – the silent masterpiece Earth (1930) directed by Alexander Dovzhenko and accompanied by Scottish musicians Luke Sutherland and Semay Lu; and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors - a tale of crossed lovers introduced with a short concert from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.
This year’s May Day Parade also takes place during the festival on Sunday 5 May setting off down the Royal Mile at mid-day and finishing with a rally, music and speeches. Plus fans of traditional storytelling can enjoy events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre including old tales from Lithuania and around the world brought to life by Daiva Ivanauskaite and musician Gaynor Barradell in Fire from the Woods (Her Father Has Nothing to Say) a new production exploring the silence between generations and life growing up without hearing stories from your ancestors; and Welsh storyteller Milly Jackdaw presenting Mochyn Mryddin / Merlin’s Pig a fusion of traditional storytelling, physical theatre, music and ceremony based on the life of Myrddin, the inspiration for Merlin in Arthurian legend.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said:
“We are beyond excited to present our biggest and best Edinburgh Tradfest ever. Every single show has been curated with care by our team, so you can book with absolute confidence. As usual we’ll be at every gig enjoying the music. See you soon!”
For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Score your own Innis & Gunn bar for the Euros 2024
Innis & Gunn are hitting the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow with a pop-up bar where you can pour your own pints!
READ MORE
Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Opens World Tour at Edinburgh Playhouse
Multi-award-winning global hit stage show Moulin Rouge! The Musical, will launch its first ever World Tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse with performances from 25th April to 14th June 2025.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools are delighted to announce their brand new season of ambitious socially engaged theatre
This season is their biggest and most ambitious to date and includes an incredible mix of productions in venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
London Student Launches First Play At Edinburgh Fringe
Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador Teigan Banks is launching her first play at the Edinburgh Fringe. '7 Steps to Feel Completely Happy Again' draws on her own experience of childhood bereavement.
READ MORE
The 75th Ideal Home Show Scotland returns with celebs, home inspo and more
The UK's biggest and oldest home and garden exhibition is back in Scotland for the 75th time and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Safestay Hostels & Hotels appoints General Manager of new Edinburgh Cowgate location
Safestay Hostels & Hotels have announced the appointment of David McLachlan as General Manager of Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate — opening on 6th June 2024.
READ MORE
Dewars launches a series of captivating conversations across Edinburgh throughout May
Enjoy an evening of discovery with the premium Dewar's Blended Scotch Whisky as they launch its Blended Conversation Series in leading bars across the city.
READ MORE
Household Cavalry Portraits Gifted to King Charles III During His Coronation Open Floors Castle Season of Events
Floors Castle is hosting a special exhibition by British photographic artist Ripley, including twelve large-scale portraits of a truly British institution, the Household Cavalry.
READ MORE
Postponed Springfest is back on 18th and 19th May
Having been postponed in April due to high winds, Loch Lomond Shores are delighted to welcome the delayed festival back on the 18th and 19th May!
READ MORE
St James Quarter offers FREE therapy sessions to mark Mental Health Awareness Week
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, St James Quarter is hosting a programme of wellbeing activities in partnership with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid to support the community.
READ MORE
Dobbies announces community winners for national campaign
Dobbies has revealed the community and charity groups across the UK that will receive support to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces this year.
READ MORE
Jason Donovan To Star In Rocky Horror Show At Edinburgh Playhouse
Jason Donovan is set to thrill theatre audiences, as he joins the cast of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical the Rocky Horror Show, to star as Frank ‘n’ Furter!
READ MORE
Edinburgh based Pub Company raises money for leading Loneliness Awareness Charity
Heineken-owned Star Pubs' – headquartered in Edinburgh – is giving a £50,000 boost to leading loneliness charity Marmalade Trust2 through a series of 10 sponsored walks.
READ MORE
Here & Now announces programme for Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Here & Now announces their Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 programme with a curated showcase of four exciting performances and three exceptional industry events taking place across the city.
READ MORE
Black Sheep Coffee Launches in Haymarket Square
Black Sheep Coffee is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square, Edinburgh on 14th May and is offering £1 coffees throughout the first day.
READ MORE
The Spanish Butcher officially opens today in Edinburgh
RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today (Friday 10th May) officially opens The Spanish Butcher at 58A North Castle Street.
READ MORE
Taylor Swift themed brunch comes to Scotland
Get ready to shake it off and dive into an unforgettable brunch experience at Gaucho!
READ MORE
Optimistic Scotland fans become the heroes of new campaign from IRN BRU
IRN-BRU is helping to build hype for the national side ahead of the Euros by turning some of Scotland's most hopeful fans into stars.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh teams up with Chef Barry Bryson for an exciting collaboration
Edinburgh's culinary scene is about to get even more exciting as Duck & Waffle's Corporate Chef Maxwell Terheggen teams up with one of the city's top chefs for an exciting collaboration.
READ MORE
New outdoor cocktail bar experience sweeps into Edinburgh
Scotland’s world champion curling team has swept into action to launch two new outdoor cocktail bar experiences in the heart of Edinburgh for spring and summer.
READ MORE
Underbelly announce their 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme
Underbelly is thrilled to announce the latest lineup of shows completing its Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 programme.
READ MORE
NQ64 Edinburgh levels up with new summer drinks menu
Retro arcade game & classic console venue NQ64, is levelling up this summer with a brand new cocktail menu that will have you pressing "start" round after round.
READ MORE
The Health Lottery launches the Paying It Forward Podcast
The Health Lottery is excited to announce the launch of its newest venture, the 'Paying it Forward' podcast, hosted by renowned radio and TV presenter, Danni Menzies.
READ MORE
Rodney Wages moves his restaurant Avery from San Francisco to Edinburgh
Acclaimed American chef Rodney Wages has confirmed the opening of his first UK restaurant, Avery, in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge on 21st May.
READ MORE
One Square Pays Tribute to Edinburgh Storytellers Through Launch of New Afternoon Tea Menu
One Square, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s award-winning bar and brasserie, has unveiled a unique Afternoon Tea menu inspired by Edinburgh’s best storytellers and their famous tales.
READ MORE
Vote for your hospitality heroes in Edinburgh
Do you know the Best Cocktail Bar in town or perhaps a Dog Friendly Pub that treats your pooch like a princess? If so, why not get voting for them in this year's Scottish Bar and Pub Awards?
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon unveil brand new acts for Fringe 2024
The Fringe’s original home of comedy, Gilded Balloon have revealed their full line-up for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including Jack Docherty, Andy Gray tribute & Paul Black.
READ MORE
Laser Fundraiser Marathon for Cash for Kids will benefit 412 Children
Laser Station in partnership with Cash For Kids, is thrilled to announce the success of its recent Laser Marathon fundraiser in Edinburgh, Hull & Braehead, raising a total of £2266.
READ MORE
Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores returns this Saturday
Top Dogs is back! Dog lovers invited to come and have a fun day out with their four-legged family members.
READ MORE
May happenings round up for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has a bumper series of events planned for May, including an unmissable Summer Gin Garden, live music each Thursday and a new Peruvian menu for the Commons Club Chef's Table.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links