Cultural in Lerwick
Up Helly Aa
Shetland's long Viking history has rubbed off in more ways than just street names and square-shouldered locals. Most villages have a fire festival, a continuation of Viking midwinter celebrations of the rebirth of t…
Music in Shetland
Shetland Folk Festival
This four-day festival sees local and international folk musicians playing in various venues across Lerwick and beyond.
Music in Stromness
Orkney Folk Festival
A four-day event in late May, with folk concerts, ceilidhs (evenings of traditional Scottish entertainment) and casual pub sessions. Stromness packs out, and late-night buses from Kirkwall are laid on. Book tickets …
Performing Arts in Kirkwall
St Magnus Festival
Running for a week over midsummer, this festival is a colourful celebration of music and the arts, with high-quality orchestral performances at the heart of it. It's held in various venues around Kirkwall.
Cultural in Shetland
Shetland Nature Festival
A week-long festival offering a series of guided walks, talks, boat trips, open days and art and photography workshops celebrating the wildlife and geology of Shetland.
Cultural in Shetland
Shetland Wool Week
This week celebrates Shetland's sheep-rearing, spinning and knitting traditions. Leave that polyester sweater at home.
Music in Shetland
Fiddle Frenzy
Running for a week at the beginning of August, Fiddle Frenzy celebrates the Shetland tradition of fiddle playing.
Sailing in Shetland
Shetland Boat Week
A week of activities on and about the water celebrates Shetland's long seafaring tradition.