05/05/2026
Shetland Folk Festival 2026 - what a phenomenal four days! We’re blown away by the sheer number of people who poured their time, talent and heart into making this year’s festival unforgettable.
A huge shout out to the visiting acts who lit up every stage, bringing an eclectic mix of music that travelled from far beyond Shetland. Also our local performers whose incredible talent blew everyone away - we’re so proud of you! To our sponsors/funders, whose support keeps this festival thriving and allows us to dream bigger every year. To the shop staff and stewards, the friendly faces keeping things safe, merch flying, and helping with the never-ending queries that a festival on this scale generates. To our fabulous transport team (Eddie, Michael, Andrew & Ewen) who moved musicians and gear all weekend from A to B (and sometimes C, D and E) with patience and good humour. To the raffle sellers, out there with buckets, books and big smiles, raising vital funds one ticket at a time. To the hosts who open their homes and hearts to visiting artists — your hospitality is legendary. To the sound and lighting crews, the unsung magicians who make every venue feel alive. To all of our venues and their staff/volunteers who are so kind to us. A special shout out to the staff at Islesburgh Community Centre home of our amazing Festival Club, their patience and support over the busy days and late nights are second to none. To the Lerwick Boating Club, working all hours at full tilt in the Festival Club bar! To Jonny on the Spot and his magnificent cocktails, enjoyed by so many! To everyone involved in media coverage, capturing the stories, moments, and magic so the world can see what Shetland creates. And of course, to our amazing and respectful audiences — the loyal regulars and the first timers. Your energy is the heartbeat of this festival.
The committee are super grateful to our team of committee reps who work so hard before and during the event itself. We are all completely aware that we simply could not do it without you!! To Kelly, Gayle, Cathie, Robert, Keiran, Gary, Eva and Emily – THANK YOU so much, we love you guys!!
This whole event works because so many people — seen and unseen — give it everything. Thank you for making Shetland the most musical place on earth for a few extraordinary days.
Much love and gratitude to you all, see you next year!
Da Committee x
PS Here’s an awesome photo from our Shetland Heritage concert featuring some surprise skekler guests and taken by committee’s very own Christine Murchison.
