Festivals in Scotland in 2024 – the easiest words to define them are vibrant and diverse! Scottish festivals take place all over Scotland and are some of the most bizarre and fun experiences that draw travelers from around the world and make the locals look forward to them year-round. The country is home to more than 200 festivals every year including the happening Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Don’t believe us? Read on and we bet these colourful fiestas will have you packing your bags in no time!
Top 10 Festivals In Scotland of 2024
No matter the time of year, there’s always something going on in Scotland. Here are the best festivals in Scotland that are completely worth talking about:
- Edinburgh’s Art and International Book Festival – 15 to 31 August 2022
- Shetland Folk Festival – 30 April to 3 May 2022
- Up Helly Aa – 28 January 2022
- Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival – TBC
- Orkney Folk Festival – 21 to 24 May 2022
- Hogmanay – New Year’s Eve – 30 December 2019 to 1 January 2022
- Selkirk Common Riding – 12 June 2022
- St. Andrew’s Day – 30 November 2022
- Fort William Mountain Festival – 19 to 23 February 2022
- Scottish Traditional Boat Festival – 20 to 21 June 2022
1. Edinburgh’s Art and International Book Festival
It is one of the largest art festivals that takes place in Edinburgh, the heart of Scotland. A lot of renowned artists and emerging talent come together and showcase their works of visual art at Edinburgh festival. The best thing is that entry fee for most of the exhibitions is free. Edinburgh International Book Festival is among the best book festivals in Scotland.
Festival Dates: 15 to 31 August 2022
Website
Must Read: Shopping In Scotland: Get Off The High Street To Find The Hidden Treasures!
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2. Shetland Folk Festival
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The Shetland Folk Festival is one of the traditional scottish festival and a treat for all folk enthusiasts. This amazing festival has been happening for the last four decades and is growing bigger and better with each passing year. It welcomes all the international, British and Scottish artists to perform. From traditional pub theaters to private gigs to workshops and youth-based programs, a lot is going to happen during this Scottish festival 2022.
Festival Dates: 30 April to 3 May 2022
3. Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is one of the famous festivals in Scotland. It is Britain’s biggest fire festival and is organised on the last Tuesday of every January. It refers to an assortment of fire festivals in Scotland which are annually held at the Shetland Islands in the middle of winter to mark the end of the Yule season. The festival involves a procession of up to a thousand guisers in Lerwick. Over 900 brightly dressed “guisers” tail the Jarl’s squadron of Vikings through the unlit streets of the town with candles. The official ceremony ends with a spectacular blaze of 800 flaming torches. It was tagged among the most enjoyed festivals in Scotland in 2018.
Festival Dates: 28 January 2022
Suggested Read: 13 Hotels In Scotland That Let You Experience Scottish Hospitality At Its Best
4. Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival
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The 7th Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring festival took place from 2nd to 18th April. It is one of the most famous festivals in Scotland, with over 60 events. People look out for species such as geese, badgers, salmon and kites. There are guided walks, poetry, music and whole range of family activities along with the program.
Festival Dates: TBC
Suggested Read: Outer Hebrides: A Guide To The Lesser Known Islands On Scotland’s Coast
5. Orkney Folk Festival
Beginning in 1982, it has grown to become one of the most special folk music festivals in Scotland 2022, UK. The Orkney Folk Festival is held annually for four days during the end of the month May. It offers folk music in its broadest sense, which suits everyone’s tastes. From acoustic singing and traditional tunes, to concerts featuring contemporary bands and dance gigs, it has everything. It is held in parish halls and community centers.
Festival Dates: 21 to 24 May 2022
Website
Suggested Read: 10 Hidden Beaches In Scotland To Spend The Most Magical Vacation Ever!
6. Hogmanay – New Year’s Eve
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The word “Hogmanay” means lost in the past. Even till this date, Hogmanay is the most important Scottish Festival. Historians believe that all of this celebration is inherited from the Vikings. While clearly celebrated around the world, the Scots have a longer heritage associated with this event.
Festival Dates: 30 December 2019 to 1 January 2022
Suggested Read: Day Trips From Edinburgh Remain Incomplete Without Visiting These 12 Places
7. Selkirk Common Riding
At numerous locations around Scotland, Riding the Marches is considered a traditional ceremony. It is observed on June 18, every year. The June 1488 Battle of Flodden is what Selkirk is well known for. There are also similar festivities in Sanquhar, Linlithgow, Annan, Peebles, Lauder and Langholm.
Festival Dates: 12 June 2022
Suggested Read: 10 Exciting Things To Do In Scotland When You Are Not Playing Golf
8. St. Andrew’s Day
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For years, at Scotland, the serving patron has been St. Andrew. Yet, November 30 was not documented as a public holiday in Scotland. Around the world, the expatriate Scots celebrate the St. Andrew’s Night. However, 2006 saw the passing of the declaration by the Scottish Parliament, to consider St. Andrew’s Day as an official holiday. It is undoubtedly one of the best festivals in Scotland.
Festival Dates: 30 November 2022
9. Fort William Mountain Festival
Fort William Day is considered to be a celebration of the mountain cultures, which are known to exist in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. It is observed during late February. A series of lectures are organized by expert climbers and mountaineers. Snowboarding opportunities are also arranged for, along with mountain biking and ice climbing. Often, a film night is organized which features the best picks of the Banff Mountain Film Festival.
Festival Dates: 19 to 23 February 2022
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10. Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
Boat Festival is one the most interesting traditional Scottish festivals. A cultural event is hosted on the Aberdeenshire coast by Portsoy. Various entertaining activities like sports, music, dance, rowing and sailing events, are organized during the celebrations. It is observed during the third week of June. It’s is one of the highly awaited and enjoyed festivals in Scotland 2022.
Festival Dates: 20 to 21 June 2022
Further Read: 10 Undeniable Reasons Why Scotland Is World’s Most Beautiful Place To Visit In 2024
Enticed to check these out and witness the Scottish culture at its best? Get set and enjoy festivals in Scotland in its vibrant hues. Book your trip to Europe and get going! You will have the best time of your life experiencing the Scottish culture from your own eyes.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Festivals In Scotland
Is Easter celebrated in Scotland?
Yes, Easter is a very important day in Scotland. It is a rich church celebration and the day is meant for leisure and hence it is a holiday here.
Does Scotland celebrate Labor Day?
Yes, Labor Day is observed in Scotland and is a public holiday in many places.
What holidays do they celebrate in Scotland?
Scotland has many spectacular festivals celebration held all round the year. They celebrate many holidays like Beltane’s Day, Empire Day, St Andrew’s Day; to name a few.
What are traditions in Scotland?
Scotland boasts a rich culture full of unique traditions and customs. From the greatest sporting traditions, Highland Games to romantic, musical tradition; there are many fantastic reasons for tourists to explore this country.
What are Scottish known for?
The beautiful country, Scotland is known for its wild beaches, delicious food, unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventures and vibrant live music and festivals.
What is the most beautiful place in Scotland?
Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth and the most beautiful places to visit here are: 1. Isle of Skye 2. Loch Lomond 3. Orkney Islands 4. Edinburgh
What is the best month to go to Scotland?
The best time to go to Scotland is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. By spring, the temperatures are still warmer and there is snow in the mountains while autumn months will welcome you with spectacular wintery scenes.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
