The much-anticipated Edinburgh Tradfest 2024 is gearing up for another unforgettable celebration of traditional and folk music in 2024. With an exciting lineup of renowned artists and a promise of diverse musical experiences, this year’s festival is set to be a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, just as last year!
Edinburgh Tradfest 2024: Headliners announced for this year’s extravaganza
Kicking off the festivities on Friday, May 3, is the dynamic band VALTOS, led by Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald. Blending traditional and electronic influences, VALTOS has taken the music world by storm, earning them the title of Up and Coming Artist of the Year at The Scots Trad Awards 2022. Their self-titled debut album, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Skye, promises a unique and genre-defying musical journey.
The following weekend promises a musical feast, starting with the magnificent Martin Simpson on Saturday, May 4. Universally acclaimed as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players globally, Simpson is a master storyteller, captivating audiences with his rare subtlety and intensity.
Every year we look to up our game at Edinburgh Tradfest so we are very excited to share not one but two BIG venue concerts for 2024. With Valtos and Special Guests at the Queen’s Hall to open and Julie Fowlis at the Assembly Rooms to close this year’s festival we know we are looking forward to a bumper year. Our opening weekend is also chock-full of superstars and gives a fine taster of what lies ahead for the rest of the programme. We can’t wait for it to start.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest
Sunday, May 5, brings the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc to the stage, a solid gold Edinburgh Tradfest favourite. Comprising Kevin Henderson, Olav Luksengård Mjelva, and Anders Hall, this fiddle trio skillfully blends the traditions of Norway, Sweden, and the Shetland Islands to create a rich and unique sound.
Traverse 2 will host LA-based singer-songwriter Alice Howe and the multi-award-winning singer/harpist/composer Rachel Newton during the opening weekend, adding more layers to the diverse musical tapestry.
Orkney-based FARA were a highlight of last year’s Edinburgh Tradfest
FARA – Edinburgh Tradfest 2023
“FARA are a band with all the gifts needed for live performance.” It’s another stunning gig at Edinburgh Tradfest…
The festival’s grand finale on Monday, May 13, features one of Scotland’s beloved traditional music stars, Julie Fowlis, at the Assembly Rooms. Known for her enchanting performances, Fowlis promises to close the festival on a high note, making it the biggest closing concert in Edinburgh Tradfest history.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest, express their excitement about the big venue concerts for 2024. From VALTOS and special guests at the Queen’s Hall to Julie Fowlis at the Assembly Rooms, the pair are sure the festival is poised for a bumper year.
Creative Scotland’s Head of Music, Alan Morrison, anticipates a stellar edition: “If the opening weekend is anything to go by, the 2024 edition is going to be one of the best yet.”
In recent years, Tradfest has transformed Edinburgh’s festival calendar with a world-class programme that celebrates the rich past and exciting future of folk and traditional music. If the opening weekend is anything to go by, the 2024 edition is going to be one of the best yet.
Alan Morrison – Creative Scotland’s Head of Music
The full program, to be launched in March 2024, promises an unmissable lineup of live music, talks, new commissions, and traditional storytelling, continuing the festival’s tradition of celebrating the rich past and exciting future of folk and traditional music.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the melodies, stories, and traditions of Edinburgh Tradfest 2024, running from Friday, May 3, to Monday, May 13. For tickets and more information, visit EdinburghTradfest.com.
Headline Show Details – Edinburgh Tradfest 2024
Friday 3 May
VALTOS plus special guests | Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG | Doors Open 19:30 | Starts 20:00 | £25/£20 plus booking fee.
Saturday 4 May
Martin Simpson | Traverse One,10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED | Doors Open 20:00 Starts 20:15 | £15/£12
Alice Howe & Freebo | Traverse Two, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED | Doors Open 18:15 | Starts 18:30 | £14/£12
Sunday 5 May
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc | Traverse One, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED | Doors Open 20:00 | Starts 20:15 | £16/£13
Rachel Newton | Traverse Two, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED | Doors Open 18:15 Starts 18:30 | £14/£12
Monday 13 May
Julie Fowlis | Music Hall, Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LR | Doors Open 19:30 | Starts 20:00 | £25/£20 plus booking fee
Accessibility
- All Edinburgh Tradfest venues are Wheelchair accessible
- All Edinburgh Tradfest venues offer Wheelchair accessible toilets
- All Edinburgh Tradfest venues have audio-enhancement systems
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