Festival Guide 2025: Your guide to this year's festivals and events throughout the West Coast

Festival and Events Diary 2025

 

Helensburgh Book Festival	Helensburgh, 28 - 31 March 2025
Bute Song	Isle of Bute, 4 – 5 April 2025
Loch Lomond Springfest	Loch Lomond Shores, 5 - 6 April 2025
The Cobbler Hill Race	Arrochar, 8 April 2025
Easter Trails at The Hill House & Geilston (NTS)	Geilstone, 18 - 21 April 2025
Easter Fun Day in Hermitage Park	Helensburgh,19 April 2025
Carradale Music Festival	Carradale, 18 - 19 April 2025
Bein Dubh Hill Race	Luss, 23 April 2025
Mull Music Festival	Tobermory Isle of Mull, 24 - 27 April 2025
Mad about Musicals,	Helensburgh Savoy Helensburgh, 25 - 26 April 2025

Colonsay Book Festival	Isle of Colonsay, 26 - 27 April 2025
Loch Shiel Festival The Big Music	various locations, 1 – 4 May 2025
Highlands & Islands Music and Dance Festival	Oban, 2 - 4 May 2025
Live in Loch Goil	Lochgoilhead, 2 – 4 May 2025
Rave on the Clyde	Helensburgh 3 May 2025
Colonsay Spring Festival	Isle of Colonsay, 5 – 18 May 2025
Skye Live Festival	Isle of Skye, 8 – 10 May 2025
Lorn Drama Festival	Oban, 15 – 17 May 2025
Helensburgh Beer & Gin Festival	Helensburgh, 16 - 17 May 2025
Arran Mountain Festival	Isle of Arran, 16 – 19 May 2025

Helensburgh Beer & Gin Festival	Helensburgh, 16 - 17 May 2025
Helensburgh Food & Drink Weekend	Helensburgh, 17 - 18 May 2025
Campbeltown Malts Festival	Campbeltown, 19 - 24 May 2025
Punk on the Peninsula	Dunoon, 22 - 25 May 2025
Stronghold Festival	Dalmally, 23 – 26 May 2025
Scottish Series	Tarbert, 23 - 26 May 2025
Fèis Ìle - Islay Festival	Islay, 23 – 31 May 2025
The Gathering	Inverness, 24 May 2025
FyneFest Glen Fyne	Inveraray, 30 May – 1 June 2025
Bagpipes in the Square,	Helensburgh, 4, 11, 18, 25 June 2025

Arran Folk Festival Brodick	Isle of Arran, 6 - 8 June 2025
Sound of Gigha Festival	Isle of Gigha 6 – 8 June 2025
Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games	Helensburgh, 7 June 2025
10 under the Ben Nevis Range	Fort William, 14 June 2025
Killin Music Festival	Killin, 20 – 22 June 2025
Oban International Shanty Festival	Oban, 20 – 22 June 2025
Tobermory Whisky Festival	Mull, 21 June 2025
Markie Dans Music Festival	Oban, 27 - 29 June 2025
Kintyre Songwriters Festival	Campbeltown, 4 - 6 July 2025
Luss Highland Gathering	Luss, 5 July 2025

Tarbert Seafood Festival	Tarbert, 5 - 6 July 2025
Loch Lomond Summerfest	Loch Lomond Shores 5 – 6 July 2025
Cantilena Festival	Isle of Islay, 6 - 11 July 2025
Ceòlas Uibhist	South Uist, 6 - 11 July 2025
Feis en Eilein	Isle of Skye, 9 - 11 July 2025
Tiree Music Festival	Isle of Tiree, 11 - 13 July 2025
Sound of Iona Music Festival	Isle of Iona, 18 – 20 July 2025
Bute Fest	Isle of Bute, 25 - 27 July 2025
Helensburgh Summer Gala Day & Dog Show	Helensburgh, 26 July 2025
Belladrum	Inverness, 31 July - 2 August 2025

Helensburgh Art Club Annual Show	Helensburgh, 2 - 4 August 2025
West Highland Yachting Week	Oban, Tobermory,Croabh 2 – 8 August 2025
Kilberry Loop Sportive	Kilberry, 3 August 2025
Doon The Watter Revival	Dunoon, 15 & 16 August 2025
Art Map Argyll	various open studios,16 - 25 August 2025
MOKfest, Mull of Kintyre Music Festival	Campbeltown, 20 - 24 August 2025
Cowal Highland Gathering	Dunoon, 28 - 30 August 2025
Islay Book Festival	Islay, 28 - 31 August 2025
Mendelssohn on Mull	Isle of Mull, 31 August - 4 September 2025
McLellan Arts Festival	Isle of Arran, 5 – 12 September 2025

Blas Festival	various venues, 5 – 13 September 2025
The World Stone Skimming Championships	Easdale Island, 6 September 2025
Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival	Loch Lomond Shores, 6 – 7 September 2025
Cove & Kilcreggan 10K	Kilcreggan, 7 September 2025
Lochaber Live	Fort William, 12 – 14 September 2025
Classic Car Show & Funfair	Helensburgh, 14 September 2025
Ceòl Cholasa	Isle of Colonsay, 18 - 21 September 2025
Sea Change Film Festival	Isle of Tiree, 19 – 21 September 2025
Live at the Loch	Tarbert, 19 - 21 September 2025
Islay Jazz Festival	Isle of Islay, 19 – 22 September 2025

Cowalfest Walking Festival

Cowal, 18 - 22 September 2025

Cove Real Ale Festival	Cove, 27 September 2025
Argyll Food Festival including the Argyll Coffee Festival	Oban, 27-28 September 2025
Cowal Open Studios studios across	Cowal peninsula, 26 - 29 September 2025
Jura Music Festival	Isle of Jura, 26 - 28 September 2025
Callander Jazz & Blues Festival	Callander, 2 – 5 October 2025
Feis na Mara	Arisaig, 3 – 5 October 2025
Colonsay Autumn Food & Drink Festival	Isle of Colonsay, 10 – 22 October 2025
Royal National Mod	Various venues, Fort William, 10 – 18 October 2025
Beatson’s Mully Rally	Isle of Mull, 10 – 12 October 2025
Tiree Wave Classic	Isle of Tiree, 11 – 17 October 2025

Halloween Trails at Geilston Garden	25 - 26 October 2025
The Wedding Singer,	Helensburgh Savoy 5 - 8 November 2025
Oban Winter Festival	Oban, 14 – 23 November 2025
Festive Lights Switch-On & Christmas Market	Helensburgh, 22 November 2025
Oban Festive Light switch on	Oban, 29 November 2025
Cove & Kilcreggan Book Festival	Kilcreggan , 29 -30 November 2025

 

Camping

 

So, you’re heading to a Scottish festival and camping? Brave soul! Picture this: roaring music, questionable fashion choices and the potential for a deluge that would make Noah proud. Fear not, intrepid festivalgoer! This guide will help you navigate the beautiful
chaos and emerge (mostly) unscathed.

 

First things first, embrace the midges. These tiny terrors think you’re a gourmet buffet. Pack midge repellent like your life depends on it. Think of them as little Scottish welcoming committees, eager to give you a taste of the Highlands – literally.

 

Next, let’s talk tent etiquette. Your tent is your castle, unless your neighbour’s guy rope is running through your doorway. Be mindful of your space, and avoid pitching up directly in front of someone’s meticulously crafted haven. Remember, a friendly wave goes a long way – unless you’re waking them up at 6 am with a bagpipe serenade. Help someone pitch their tent, share your snacks (if you’re feeling generous) and most importantly, clean up after yourself. Leave no trace but glitter (because, let’s be honest, glitter is going to be everywhere).

 

Packing pro-tips

Waterproof everything. Scotland and rain are best friends.  Imagine your favourite outfit soaked through - now
pack accordingly (and maybe bring a spare).  Wellies are not optional. They’re mandatory. Treat them like a fashion statement. Bedazzle them, accessorise them and make them your spirit animal.  Dry shampoo is your best friend. Showers? What are those? Embrace the festival grunge.

Snacks are crucial. Think granola bars, dried fruit and enough chocolate to power you through a ceilidh.  Glow sticks are essential. Not just for looking cool (which you will), but for navigating the tent city in the pitch black.

Avoid tripping over guy ropes - your dignity will thank you.

Scottish festival camping rule number one: Expect the unexpected. You might wake up to a rogue sheep nibbling on your tent, a bagpipe competition at dawn or a spontaneous ceilidh breaking out in the campsite.

Lean into the craziness!
So, grab your wellies, embrace the unpredictable weather and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. It’s wild, it’s wonderful, and it’s definitely an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

 

Gastronomic adventure

Calling all food lovers! This summer, prepare for a delicious journey through the Highlands and Islands. We’re talking vibrant festivals, mouth-watering events and enough local flavour to make your taste buds sing.
Imagine raising a craft pint at the Helensburgh Beer and Gin Festival, the salty air mixing with the hoppy aromas. Or perhaps a dram of liquid gold at the Campbeltown Malts Festival?

Get ready for a tasting session that’ll leave you feeling warm inside. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! From creamy artisanal cheeses at the Argyll Food Festival to the freshest catch of the day at the Tarbert Seafood Festival, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Think succulent scallops, plump prawns and the kind of fish that practically jumps from the sea to your plate.

The Highlands and Islands are bursting with culinary creativity, and these festivals are the perfect place to explore it. Think cookery demos from passionate chefs, tasty local food vendors dishing up their best creations and even fun activities for the wee ones. Don’t forget the farmers markets, overflowing with fresh produce and local delicacies.

It’s more than just food, though. It’s about engaging with the vibrant arts and culture that make this region so special. So come hungry, come curious and get ready for an epicurean adventure, Scottish style.

Logistics

Forget Netflix binge watching, this summer’s all about road trips and reeling in the Highlands and Islands. Lucky for you, you don’t need to clock up 500 miles to find a festival that’ll get your kilts swingin’.  But listen up, because the 2025 festival season is calling, and it’s time to get your groove on... with a plan Snagging VIP
tickets and a sweet sleep spot takes strategy, so ditch the dilly-dallying and dive into our insider tips!

 

And I would walk 500 miles...(But maybe drive!)

Got wheels? Awesome! But before you fill up, check the parking situation. Is it "free as a bird" or "pay to play"? Download passes? Shuttle buses? Get the lowdown, folks! Even better, team up for a ride-share! Less petrol guzzled, fewer traffic jams on those twisty Highland roads and ferries. Boom!

 

I’m gonna be... on public transport!

Go green and hop on public transport.  ScotRail, West Coast Motors, Citylink – they’re your eco-friendly chariot to festival fun. Just book early, or you’ll be singing the blues.

Ferry involved? CalMac or Western Ferries? Book it NOW, even if you’re just walking on! Some ferries are so cosy you pay cash onboard. Be prepared for a wee wait, but hey, that’s a chance to make new pals!

 

When I wake up, well I know I’m gonna be...snuggled up!
Accommodation disappears faster than free whisky at a ceilidh. Campsite, self-catering, hostel, hotel – book it before someone else does! Camping’s a blast, but you can’t just pitch your tent willy-nilly. Some festivals have designated tent and campervan areas, so grab those tickets pronto. And remember to support the local heroes!
Shop at homegrown businesses for food and supplies. Friendly faces, hilarious banter and the tastiest local treats await, so get ready to have a bonnie good time!

 

Family Fun

 

So, you’re thinking of taking the whole crew to a festival? Visions of live music under the sun, delicious food truck treats and kids sparkling with glitter are dancing in your head. But let’s be honest, the reality can sometimes feel more like a mosh pit of meltdowns and lost dummies.  Fear not! With a little planning and the right attitude, you can turn that potential chaos into a memorable, fun-filled experience for the whole family.

 

First things first, choose wisely!

Not all festivals are created equal. Research ahead of time to find one that caters to families. Look for features like dedicated kids’ zones with interactive activities, quieter areas for nap time and family-friendly music acts.

 

Embrace the Power of Prep:

Forget packing light – you’re going into survival mode! Think of yourselves as festival explorers and pack accordingly. Sunscreen is your best friend. Apply it religiously! Hats, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes are also non-negotiable. Since this is Scotland, pack waterproof EVERYTHING. And speaking of comfort, bring a blanket or portable chairs for resting those weary legs (especially yours!) and even a small wagon to transport all of your stuff.

 

Master the Art of Communication
Festivals are notorious for patchy cell service. Designate a meeting spot in case you get separated, preferably somewhere easily recognisable like a landmark or information booth. Arm your kids with a piece of paper containing your Family Fun phone number and their name.  Bonus points for bright colours and bold lettering!

 

 

Snacks are your Superpower

Remember that hanger-monster lurking within us all? It’s amplified tenfold at a festival. Pack an arsenal of snacks! Think easy-to-eat, non-messy options like fruit, granola bars and sandwiches. Bringing your own water bottles is also crucial for staying hydrated and saving money.

 

Embrace the Imperfection

Things won’t always go according to plan. A spilled ice cream cone, a sudden potty emergency a mid-set nap attack - these are all part of the festival experience! Try to roll with the punches and remember- you’re all there to have fun.
And finally, remember YOU! Taking kids to a festival is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself to actually enjoy the music, the food or simply people-watch. Trade off with your partner, recruit a friend or even (gasp!) let the kids entertain themselves for a bit. You deserve it!

 

Festival Family Fun Checklist:

Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses.
Comfy Clothes & Shoes: Dress for the weather and prioritise comfort.
Blanket/Chairs: For relaxing and resting.
Emergency Contact Info:On paper for each child.

Snacks & Drinks: Pack a variety of easy-to-eat options.
Wipes & Hand Sanitiser: For inevitable messes!
First Aid Kit: Plaster, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
Positive Attitude: Embrace thechaos and have fun!

 

Oban International Shanty Festival Returns with a Wave of Talent from Across the Seas!

 

Once again the Oban International Shanty Festival is set to rock Oban, gateway to the Isles, but in the gentle way of a strong swell, with waves of great shanty talent filling the pubs and concert venues with more of those infectious chorus-led songs of the sea. We have a host of great talent, from Brittany, England and The Netherlands, bringing their special brand of exciting and evocative music to our shores.

From Yorkshire, Kimber’s Men have been delighting audiences all over the world with their powerful singing and close harmonies. Tripple are siblings Cit and Annie Lennox and Mum, Jill Andrews. With their name deriving from an old Scots word meaning to tap your feet to music or the meeting of two tides, Tripple marry close harmony and percussive vocables to reimagine traditional Scottish song.

No strangers to Oban Les Brouilleurs d’Écoutes, from La Rochelle in South West France are returning with a brand new lineup of talent with each new member adding their unique musical touch. Chris Roche has been singing shanties for probably more years than he cares to remember being a founder member of The Shanty Crew on the Cutty Sark back in 1973. He has a huge love for the sea having sailed many times on tall ships and been around Cape Horn several times.

Joss Cameron brings a wealth of experience and talent to Oban with performances and workshops. Look out for ’The Salt Sea Shore’, where Joss will interweave stories and songs from Scotlands’ coastal villages.

The Anthony Quines and Alex Cummings return with lovely harmonies and so too will Hans Weehuizen the Dutchman who has charmed and amazed local audiences and workshoppers with his skill on “the bones”. But flying in for a quick visit on Saturday only, the mighty sound of Voicemale from Glasgow will be filling the bars around the harbour as well as our main outdoor venue at Station Square.

But yet more acts will follow as news gets out of the delights that await bot performers and audiences at the Oban International Shanty Festival.

More information on all these great bands and about the Festival itself can be got by calling Tom Malone, at any time on +44 (0)7702 861 144 or by writing to obanshanty@gmail.com.

 

BID4Oban - Fàilte don Oban
Oban: Scotland’s Town of the Year Welcomes You in 2025
Oban, recently named Scotland’s Town of the Year at the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards, continues to shine as a must-visit destination.  This prestigious award celebrates the town’s strong community spirit and dedication to reinventing itself while staying true to its roots.  With festival season fast approaching, Oban has an exciting lineup of events to welcome visitors from near and far. While you’re here, why not indulge in the local delights?

As Scotland’s Seafood Capital, Oban offers the freshest produce thewest coast has to offer. You can often watch the catch coming ashore at the South Pier before it makes its way from sea to plate in minutes.
Stroll along the pier to explore the seafood shacks or enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the town’s many restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced fare—a true treat for the taste buds.
For the latest news Bid 4 Oban Events

 

Argyll Food Festival is back!

along with Argyll Coffee Festival.

Where: The Corran Halls

When: 27 and 28 September

Another great weekend of food, fun, workshops and entertainment.

Meet Artisan food and drink producers from Argyll. Cocktails.  Junior Bake off - Kids baking competition.  Open mic sessions.  Delicious food served all day.  Argyll Coffee Festival. Live cooking demonstration.  Attend workshops.

For updates on what will be happing, contact amanda@foodfromargyll.com or check our website foodfromargyll.com

 

World class music at Lochaber Live 2025

 

Scotland’s most exciting trad and folk festival is back - bigger, bolder, and better than ever!  Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ben Nevis, Lochaber Live 2025 promises a spectacular weekend of world-class music, incredible food, and an atmosphere like no other.

After a sell-out 2024, we’re turning up the volume once again with an unmissable line-up featuring Mànran, Trail West, Karen Matheson, Cara Dillon, Peatbog Faeries, Fara, Breabach, Flook, plus more to be announced.

But Lochaber Live is more than just the music. Enjoy a fantastic selection of top-quality food and drink, celebrating the best of local and Scottish produce—from gourmet delights to traditional favourites.
And don’t miss Sunday’s free family day, packed with live music, fun activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

With Gary Innes and An Aird Events - the team behind the record-breaking Hoolie in the Hydro - at the helm, Lochaber Live 2025 is set to be truly unforgettable.
Join us at the foot of Ben Nevis for a weekend of music, food, and festival magic. Book your tickets now!

For more info: lochaberlive.com

 

Concerts galore at Live Argyll’s Corran Halls

 

LiveArgyll is a charitable trust dedicated to enhancing the cultural, social, and recreational life of communities across Argyll and Bute.  Among its many facilities, the Corran Halls in Oban stands out as a premier venue for entertainment, events, and community gatherings.

As one of the largest event spaces in the region, Corran Halls boasts a versatile main hall with a seating capacity of over 500 and a studio theatre with floor capacity of 100 along with McCaig Suite & Cafe area this makes it the ideal setting for concerts, theatrical performances, comedy shows, and private functions. With its stunning coastal location and modern amenities, it serves as a hub for both local talent and internationally renowned acts.

The Corran Halls’ upcoming lineup features an exciting array of performances. 29th March - Copper Dogs, a Celtic punk band, will bring their high-energy sound to the stage, blending traditional Scottish influences with rock and punk elements. 15th August - The Vintage Explosion, a group known for their electrifying renditions of classic soul and rock ’n’ roll hits, will deliver a nostalgic and dynamic live experience. Meanwhile, on the 6th September, Hotel California, a seven piece ensemble of musicians will perform their spectacular new critically acclaimed show that gives you a concert experience of 100 minutes of pure Eagles nostalgia.

Beyond live performances, the Corran Halls regularly hosts community events, exhibitions, and private celebrations, solidifying its role as the heart of Oban’s cultural scene. Whether attending a high-profile concert, a local production, or a private event, visitors to Corran Halls can expect a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience.

For more info: liveargyll.co.uk/whats-on/

 

 

MOK Fest 2025

 

The Mull of Kintyre Music Festival celebrates its 32nd live event this year on August 20 – 24 with another fantastic line-up.  The Saturday night concerts on Aug 23 feature two fantastic headline acts. Twice winners of Scot Trad Awards Live band of the year Skerryvore headline the Glen Scotia West Coast Rocks concert with Rhuvaal and the Calum Campbell Band as support in this 4 hour concert extravaganza.

The Traditional concert on the same night headlines with one of Scotland’s most respected singers, Karen Matheson who is widely recognised as the compelling vocals of Scots band Capercaillie.  Karen will be performing with her full band. Opening the concert are Argyll Ceilidh Trail.

On Friday 22 the Ali Buckets Ceilidh Band make their debut at the festival and are guaranteed to get everyone dancing at the Festival Ceilidh Night. The festival would not be complete without a performance from the Wee Toon Tellers who return to the Ceilidh night and will play straight after the Dalriada Connections Band.  The Kintyre Schools Pipe Band will open the concert following a performance at the head of the Quay.

The Beinn and Tuirc Festival Gaelic Night on Aug 20 opens the festival with one of the Gaelic worlds most respected singers, Arthur Cormack who will be accompanied by Ingrid Henderson. This will be a night of tunes, stories and songs from a host of outstanding Gaelic performers. The following night on Aug 21, Spoons Young Folk Night promises another great selection of young performers from across Kintyre.

The Dalriada Connections Concert on Aug 24 has two wonderful headline acts. Davie Robertson and Alex McAllister will perform a set of songs and tunes before TRIP perform with their full six-piece line-up for  the first time at the festival. This dynamic bands tight-knit arrangements blend traditional melodies and self-penned tunes and songs to produce a truly exciting take on folk music. A host of other musicians will also perform and don’t forget to pick up your Kilkerran Distillery whisky miniature at the door.

The festival ends with Kilkerran Survivors Night featuring Campbeltown supergroup Slainte Davaar Allstars who will close the event. FLING make a welcome return to this legendary concert along with Kintyre Schools Pipe Band who will once again perform. The organisers are also delighted that Kintyre Chorale will make their festival debut at Survivors.

The concert will open with Alex, Archie and Arran McAlister with more bands still to be announced. There are loads of free open-air events and music in the hotels and bars around the town.
For further information visit our website at www.mokfest.com or email mokfest@hotmail.co.uk

 

Welcome to the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival 2025

 

This May the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival committee is looking forward to hosting the 41st HIMDF this year, with events taking place from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4.

Since the start of the festival in 1984, many top class musicians and dancers have come from across Scotland and further afield, to compete in a range of competitions, receiving feedback from adjudicators about their performance and enjoying meeting up with friends, old and new. Young people, from the age of three, are given the opportunity to perform in front of an audience, bringing huge amounts of pleasure to all and adult musicians come back annually to enjoy all that the festival and the town of Oban have to offer.

This year, with events taking place in the Corran Halls, Atlantis Leisure, Oban High School and the Royal Hotel, the festival programme includes Highland Dancing, hosting the Scottish Area Finals, Choreography, Senior Piping, Junior Piping and Drumming and Junior Fiddle and Accordion competitions. For our Schools’ Day, pupils are invited to enter Choir, Recorder, Action Song, Folk Group and Ensemble classes.

Please see the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Facebook pages for more details.

The HIMDF committee is grateful for the support for the festival and welcomes anyone who would like to join this enthusiastic group of people who are committed to hosting a weekend of excellent music and dance in Oban. They are also hugely grateful for the financial support from the Strategic Festival Fund, ACHA, LINK housing, the Hugh Fraser Trust, The Rotary Club of Oban, Oban and Lorn Lions Club and the Netherlorn Piping Society.

 

What’s on in Helensburgh in 2025!

 

Helensburgh and Lomond is the gateway to Argyll, situated on the Clyde Sea Lochs, and including the west bank of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. With regular direct trains from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the ScotRail Highland Explorer on the West Highland Line, it has fantastic transport connections to both the west coast and the central belt.

Visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, Geilston and Glenarn Gardens, the Scottish Submarine Centre and the Outdoor Museum. Browse in unique independent shops and galleries, dine in award-winning restaurants and cafés, then relax in a boutique hotel, luxury lodge or B&B.

With over 200 local community groups there is always something going on! Outdoors, there are hill climbs, 10Ks, bike races and Highland Games. For families, visit one of our Summer Gala Days, our fabulous Fireworks Night, our friendly Festive Lights Switch-On and Christmas Market, and our Winter Festival. Experience our wide range of Food and Drink Festivals, and enjoy some culture with Bagpipes in the Square in June, the Helensburgh Book Festival at the end of March, or the Cove & Kilcreggan Book Festival in November.

Plus, Helensburgh Market in the Square runs twice a month, and there are regular Craft Fairs, Concerts, Lectures, Theatre, Garden Openings and Sporting Events throughout the year. Find all the latest news about local events in our online calendar destinationhelensburgh.org/whats-on

We look forward to welcoming you to Helensburgh and Lomond in 2025!

 

Markie Dans Music Festival Returns to Oban – June 27th–29th

 

Oban’s favourite music festival is back! Markie Dans Music Festival returns from Thursday, June 27th, to Saturday, June 29th, bringing an electrifying mix of live performances, great food, and an unbeatable atmosphere to Scotland’s west coast.  Markie Dans, a legendary Scottish pub tucked away beneath Corran House, is known for its warm welcome, top-notch live entertainment, and famous beer garden with breathtaking coastal views. Each year, the festival transforms the venue into a haven for music lovers, with an incredible lineup of talent.

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, featuring an exciting mix of established artists and up and coming acts like CHUNKS and Raised by Clams.
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, soak up the festival vibes with a cold pint, or discover fresh new sounds, Markie Dans is the place to be.

Food will be served daily from 12pm to 9pm, with an extensive menu designed to keep festivalgoers fueled without missing a moment of the action. Don’t miss out on one of Scotland’s most exciting live music weekends, visit Markie Dans for a festival experience you won’t forget, make memories, dance all day, and vibe with amazing tunes!

For more information, visit www.markiedans.co.uk or follow on social media.

 

Live in Loch Goil

 

2-4 May 2025, Lochgilphead

For more info: liveinlochgoil.co.uk

The Cantilena Festival Islay

Sunday 6 July – Friday 11 July

The Cantilena Festival is delighted to return to the island of Islay for a week-long festival of classical chamber music. Six students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland have successfully auditioned to join five professional players to perform throughout the island. The students will embrace the highly sought after privilege to learn alongside the musicians who have worked with Britain’s major orchestras. The Cantilena Festival offers the only opportunity for Islay residents to hear music which ranges from Renaissance to the present day.

Cantilena has become a near sell-out event, attracting audiences from as far afield as Germany and Italy, thanks to the intimate and informal atmosphere of the venues which include some of the island’s famous malt whisky distilleries. This year will see the festival celebrate its 25th season with performances running from Sunday 6 July – Friday 11 July.  The programme includes music by Bach, Mozart and Schubert; and will feature a world premiere by a young RCS composition student, the piece will be inspired by Islay and its people.

Please visit www.cantilenafestival.co.uk to keep up to date with the full itinerary and ticketing information.

 

Springbank, Kilkerran and Cadenhead lovers from across the world will travel to Kintyre in May for the 2025 edition of the Campbeltown Malts Festival.

From Monday 19th - Saturday 24th May, a full programme of events will take place to celebrate the wide variety of whiskies and spirits from the three companies.

Events from Monday to Wednesday include annual member tastings for the Springbank Society and Cadenhead’s Club as well as the highly sought after Malt Barns Dinner.

A special Charity Tasting on Monday 19th will feature unique Springbank distillations from the 1960s, 70s and 80s with all proceeds donated to charities within Kintyre. New for 2025, Springbank’s Festival Farm Tour will take you on an excursion to Glencraigs Farm to learn about the popular Springbank Local Barley series.
The Springbank Open Day on Thursday 22nd and Kilkerran Open Day on Friday 23rd will see hundreds of visitors in the grounds of the distilleries. Both days will feature local stall holders and food vendors, a number of whisky tastings, free distillery tours, exclusive Open Day bottles, live entertainment and a range of bars. Festival edition Cadenhead’s Warehouse Tastings will also run daily from Monday to Saturday to celebrate the week of events.

The benefits of the festival are enjoyed throughout Kintyre as accommodation, restaurants and bars will all be packed for the duration, contributing a significant amount to the Kintyre economy.
Fellow local distilleries and independent bottlers will also be hosting events throughout the festival so it is sure to be a fantastic week in Campbeltown.

For more info: www.springbank.scot/malts-festival-info

 

The Cowal Gathering is the largest, most spectacular Highland games in the world

All eyes will be firmly on Dunoon from 28 – 30 August as the world famous Cowal Gathering welcomes the world back to Dunoon Stadium for three days of celebrating the traditional culture and fun which has seen it named as one of Scotland’s best family-friendly days out.

Cowal Gathering features a full three-day programme of competitions and entertainment including the World Highland Dancing Championships, Cowal Pipe Band Championship and Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship, Cowal Gathering is not ‘just a Highland games’, but a fusion of a traditional Highland gathering, live music and entertainment.

What’s the best way to do Cowal Gathering?  Well, the Friday night Gig at the Gathering is a must. It’s the best way to kick off your Gathering weekend, and this year Cowal Gathering favourites Trail West return to the tent as headliners, guaranteeing a fantastic night out. 

We also have a packed programme for families on Cowal Saturday with performances from the Drakes of Hazard and demonstrations from Glasgow Science Centre. Try your hand at axe throwing, get the kids on two wheels with our mountain bike track, and of course, it wouldn’t be Cowal Saturday without Artie’s Singing Kettle.

These events are all free with your Saturday admission ticket AND this year we also have 500 FREE kids places when you buy online in advance.
This year be organised, put a post-it note on your fridge, put a reminder in your phone but DON’T miss out on an unforgettable weekend of action and fun.

Or even better, buy your tickets now and guarantee your place with the Cowal crowd at
www.cowalgathering.com

 

Loch Shiel Festival 2025: The Big Music

A cultural treasure of the West Highlands of Scotland, the Loch Shiel Festival is arguably Scotland’s most picturesque chamber music festival, renowned for making use of spectacular and unusual settings around Loch Shiel and hosting performances from internationally acclaimed chamber musicians. The festival is delighted to be returning to the shores of Loch Shiel this Spring, with performances in Glenfinnan, Acharacle and Strontian from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th May 2025.

The festival’s free opening event will take place at the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct on Thursday 1st May, featuring spoken word from author Kirsty Gunn and an outdoor performance from the Lochaber Schools’ Pipe Band. 

The festival, over the course of the May Bank Holiday weekend, will celebrate highland musical traditions, and will feature an array of events including performances from award-winning artists including the piper Brighde Chaimbeul, the Maxwell Quartet,  BBC Young Trad Musician 2025 Finalist Roo Geddes, and accordionist Neil Sutcliffe. There will also be a focus on piping, psalm singing and the spoken word/storytelling traditions of the west highlands, with events for all the family.

More details about this year’s programme and tickets for all festival events are available on the festival website: www.lochshielfestival.com

 

Sound of Iona Music Festival Returns for 2025 with Three Days of Live Music

Following a spectacular sell out inaugural event, the Sound of Iona Music Festival is set to return from July 18 to 20, 2025, offering attendees three full days of live music against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Iona.

Building upon the success of its first year, the 2025 festival promises an expanded lineup featuring some of Scotland’s finest musical talents.  While the full roster of artists will be announced in the coming months, festival organisers are committed to delivering a diverse mix of modern folk and indie rock performances that
celebrate Scotland’s rich musical heritage.

Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of experiences, from intimate acoustic sets in picturesque settings to energetic mainstage performances with headline performances by Peatbog Faeries, Nati and Skipinnish. In addition to the musical offerings, the festival will feature local food vendors, showcasing the best of Scottish cuisine. Attendees are encouraged to prepare for Scotland’s unpredictable weather by bringing essentials such as suncream, sunglasses, and raincoats.

Given the island’s limited accommodation options, attendees are encouraged to get their weekend camping passes on Eventbrite as soon as possible. Camping facilities will be available, including options for two-person and four-person setups, as well as luxury bell tent packages.  Attendees should note that dogs are welcome on

the island but are not permitted in festival venues and must be kept on leads at the campsite, which is located on a working croft.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite now with a list of FAQ’s available there also for people to check if needed.
For more information, ticket purchases, and updates on the artist lineup, please visit the official festival website on www.eventbrite.co.uk  or follow the Sound of Iona Music Festival on social media.