The Orkney Folk Festival has unveiled its 2024 lineup, featuring a diverse array of artists from around the globe. Scheduled for May 23-26, the 41st edition will showcase talent from Canada, the USA, Australia, Ireland, Norway, England, and Scotland. Highlights include The East Pointers, Genticorum, and Nora Brown with Stephanie Coleman. Additionally, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, and Kris Drever will join forces for a special performance.
The festival will celebrate Irish music with Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, and Seamie O’Dowd, along with a rare appearance by Dòchas. Other acts include Ivan Drever, Alexander Aga Røystrand, Charm of Finches from Australia, and Yorkshire’s Jack Rutter.
Scottish artists like RURA, RANT, Alasdair Fraser with Natalie Haas, Claire Hastings, and more will contribute to the vibrant lineup. The festival, following its successful 40th-anniversary edition in 2023, is a must-attend event, with additional artists to be announced in the new year.
Orkney Folk Festival Producer, Craig Corse said: “With just under six months to go, we’re excited to announce some of the acts heading to Orkney in May for our 41st festival!
“A few artists are brand new to the festival – and for some, new to touring Scotland and the UK – who I know will go down well with our audiences over the weekend. We’ve also got a few returning favorites from Canada, the USA, and Scotland that we’ve been asked for time and time again and are looking forward to welcoming back to Stromness.
“As ever it’s great to announce a good few Orcadian artists at this stage, including The Chair who mark their 20thbirthday at the 2024 festival – which I’m sure is going to be a night to remember. We’re very keen to encourage young homegrown artists, so are also delighted to welcome Auskerry to their first Orkney Folk Festival, alongside many more Orcadian acts to be announced over the coming months.
“We say it every year, but the islands’ own folk scene, and the unparalleled welcome and social atmosphere that provides the visiting artists, really does make the festival uniquely special, and the envy of many.
“In these dark winter nights, it’s great to think ahead to the long spring days of May and being back in Stromness and at events throughout the county for another great Orkney Folk Festival weekend.”
More information at orkneyfolkfestival.com
(headline image: Rum Ragged — Credit Jeff Miller and Charlie Benoit)
Author: World Music Central News Room
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