IF the likes of Glastonbury and T in the Park aren’t your thing then fear not – there’s an eclectic array of festivals happening this summer in Scotland. From events celebrating all things foodie to the perfect weekend for bookworms, there are plenty of unique events to fill your calendar with.
Festival of Museums
There are more than 130 events are happening across Scotland’s museums and galleries from Friday 19th to Saturday 21st May. From getting crafty to exploring your local museum after-hours, the fest has a rich variety of activities and events to choose from.
When: 19th – 21st May
Foodies Festival
The UK’s biggest food festival is coming to Edinburgh this August and has a fab line-up in store for visitors, including Masterchef 2016 Champion Jane Devonshire and Michelin-starred chef Marcello Tully. Foodies can enjoy afternoon tea, browse the artisan market and sip cocktails. Brave visitors can even enter the Chilli Eating Competition.
Where: Inverleith Park, Edinburgh
When: 4th – 6th August
Price: Adult 3-day ticket £20; Concession 3-day ticket £16, Day tickets adult £14, Concession £10 (Except Fridays – Adult £10, Concession £8)
foodiesfestival.com/edinburgh-food-festival
Boswell Book Festival
With a programme starring ex-British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, Bake Off starlet Flora Sheddon and actor Nigel Havers, this festival at the picturesque Dumfries House is a must for bookworms.
Where: Dumfries House, Cumnock, KA18 2NJ
When: 12th – 14th May
West End Fest
From watching the Taming of the Shrew against the lovely summery backdrop of Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens to enjoying some musical entertainment at Kelvingrove Bandstand, the West End Fest programme is choc-full of great ideas for spending your June days.
When: 2nd – 25th June
Where: Various locations around Glasgow’s West End
Spirit of Skye Fest
The festival on the Isle of Skye offers visitors the chance to take part in Talisker Whisky masterclasses, gin masterclasses, cocktail tastings and real ale masterclasses with a culinary twist. Among those making an appearance in the Chef’s Theatre will be Gary Maclean (winner of Masterchef The Professionals) and Scott Davies (Head Chef at The Three Chimneys).
The two day extravaganza will also feature some fabulous live music and traditional Scottish ceilidhs.
When: 16th – 17th June
Where: Aros, Portree, Isle of Skye
Largs Food Fest
Cooking demonstrations, face painting, magicians, live music and seminars will all be on offer at Largs Food Festival, as well as lots of stalls boasting an array of delicious hot food.
Where: Largs Green on the Promenade
When: 27th – 28th May; 11am – 6pm
Potfest
Celebrate ceramics and take in a wonderful selection of pottery gems in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace.
Where: Scone Palace, Perth, PH2 6BD
When: June 9th – 11th
Price: Adults £5; Kids go free
Borders Book Festival
Judy Murray and Melvyn Bragg head up a seriously impressive line-up at this year’s Borders Book Festival.
Where: Harmony Garden, Melrose, TD6 9PX
When: 15th – 18th June
Juniper Festival
The Juniper Festivals are a great place to come and meet the people behind gin production and to enjoy samples from each brand. The exhibitors at Juniper Fest exhibitors showcase the best of local and international products, and the huge choice of gins available.
Edinburgh
When: 2nd – 4th June
Where: Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL
Glasgow
When: 9th – 10th June
Where: SWG3, Studio Warehouse, 100 Eastvale Place, Glasgow, G3 8QG
Price: £21.50
www.solid-liquids.co.uk/juniper-gin-festival
Southern Fried Festival
Perth’s festival of American Roots Music, the Southern Fried Festival is something a little different for music lovers who’d like to avoid the chart music at mainstream festivals or traditional Scottish music at smaller Scottish fests.
Where: Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ
When: 27th – 30th July
www.horsecross.co.uk/southern-fried-festival
Edinburgh Festival of Cycling
Learn from famed cyclists, take in a scenic tour of Edinburgh or get involved in a fun family bike ride. The fifth Festival of Cycling is coming and will make a refreshingly sporty alternative to Edinburgh’s many art and theatre festivals.
Where: Edinburgh
When: 8th – 18th June
Fyne Fest
If you like craft beer, fine food and great music – you’ll love Fyne Fest!
When: 2nd – 4th June
Where: Fyne Ales, Achadunan, Cairndow, Argyll, PA26 8BJ
Price: £60
Open the Door: Scottish Women Writer’s Fest
Taking the form of a ‘literary afternoon tea’, Open the Door will be heaven for keen readers who’d like to chat about their passion for books over a cuppa and baked goodies.
When: 13th May, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy Street, Glasgow G40 1BP
Price: £5 – £10
Coastword
Dunbar’s festival of words is a magical mix of singer songwriters, poets and writers and is sure to treat visitors to an inspiring, fun-filled three days by the sea.
Where: Dunbar
When: 19th – 21st May
Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland celebrates the contribution refugees make to life in Scotland and the welcome shown by local people. The festival features visual arts, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink and more, and encourages people to connect with each other, regardless of culture and backgrounds.
Where: Scotland-wide
When: 20th June – 2nd July
www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
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