Scotland’s Music Festivals
Scotland’s Music Festivals for the young and the young at heart.
Music in Scotland today goes way beyond the traditional bagpipe and folk music. The country actually holds several music festivals that present local and international music acts that range from classical musicians to pop and hip hop artists.
From January to December, a whole bevy of music festivals are hosted in Scotland, making it a complete musical paradise for music lovers and even for regular tourists. If you’re an avid music fanatic and a world traveller, why not hit two birds with one stone by visiting the wonders of Scotland and enjoy the many music festival at the same time.
From June to the end of July these three music festivals will cater to rock, electronic, pop, jazz, and blues enthusiasts.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Scotland – literally
The first festival that happens in early June, has been named the most beautiful festival in the world, rightly called so because of its magnificent location – the banks of Loch Ness, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
Called RockNess, it started in June of 2006 and has been held annually ever since, enjoying its 8th anniversary this year. The festival boasts an outstanding mix of music that ranges from local rock acts to international Indie and electronic musicians. For three entire days, over 30,000 spectators head to the beautiful Loch Ness and enjoy watching and listening to their favourite musicians from around the world. You can camp on site or stay in a range of accommodations that can be found in the villages nearby or in Inverness.
The second festival is considered to be the 5th largest music festival in the world. T in the Park is the most widely attended festival in Scotland, with more than 80,000 spectators everyday. Held over three days in July, this major Scottish music festival began in 1994 and enjoyed its 20th anniversary this year. Major world pop stars headlined this year, which included mega pop star Rihanna, rock band The Killers and world famous band Mumford and Sons. With seven music stages, stalls and shops, a large fun-fair and a huge camping area, this is the festival to attend for all music lovers in Scotland and its neighbouring countries.
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For the more sophisticated crowd who don’t want to rough it out in the fields of the aforementioned music festivals, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is perfect for jazz aficionados. If you’re attending the festival we recommend, the centrally located Edinburgh B&B, the Edinburgh Townhouse. Held annually during the 3rd week of July, this 10-day musical festival brings the capital city to a musical frenzy with street festivities, concerts and intimate music shows in pubs and bars.
Started in 1982, the festival prides itself on old school jazz musicians and contemporary jazz acts from around the world, bringing together some of the world’s best jazz and blues musicians all in one city. Big band orchestras, pub jam sessions and street concerts fill the air every night, making it literally impossible to see every act. A Mardi Gras parade opens the festivities, bringing New Orleans to Scottish tides with street dancing and celebration.
Visit Scotland during these months and not only will you enjoy the rich culture, history and sights of this beautiful country, but you’ll also get to witness the best music in the world.
