Event Details
Welcome to the 45th Shetland Folk Festival 2027
From Thursday 29 April to Sunday 2 May 2027, the small island capital of Lerwick becomes the global centre of folk music. The Shetland Folk Festival is the UK's most northerly folk festival and one of the most respected events of its kind in the world. For the 45th time, international touring artists and outstanding local musicians gather for four days of concerts, workshops, sessions and spontaneous music-making across the islands.
Highlights
- Four-day festival with concerts in Lerwick and in community halls across rural Shetland
- Festival Club at Islesburgh Community Centre: daily workshops, organised and spontaneous sessions, and live stage performances for members
- Around 15 international guest acts alongside Shetland's finest local musicians
- Foy concerts on Sunday evening, the grand finale where audiences get a last chance to see all visiting artists
- Late-night jam sessions in pubs and community spaces throughout Lerwick
- The NorthLink Ferries overnight crossing already sets the festival mood, with musicians often playing on board
- Concerts at up to six rural venues across the island, each run entirely by local volunteers
Programme
The festival opens on Thursday evening with the first concert block in Lerwick. From Friday through Sunday, afternoon and evening concerts run across multiple venues in Lerwick and at rural community halls throughout Shetland. During the day, the Festival Club at Islesburgh Community Centre provides a free programme for members including organised and spontaneous sessions, workshops and live music on the club stage. The highlight is the Foy concerts on Sunday evening, held simultaneously in three large venues where every visiting act performs one final time. The full lineup and concert programme will be announced from mid-January 2027 on the official website.
Tickets & Membership
The Shetland Folk Festival does not offer an all-inclusive ticket. Individual tickets must be purchased for each concert you wish to attend. Becoming a Festival Member gives you significantly cheaper concert ticket prices, access to the Festival Club throughout the weekend, and a discount code for 30 per cent off NorthLink Ferries passages. Memberships typically go on sale in February; those who sign up as early members in February receive priority ticket access one week before general sale opens. Exact prices for 2027 will be announced on the official website.
Getting There
- By air: Loganair operates daily flights to Sumburgh Airport (LSI) from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The flight from Aberdeen takes around 45 minutes. From Sumburgh Airport to Lerwick is approximately 35 to 40 minutes by car or taxi.
- By ferry: NorthLink Ferries runs an overnight service from Aberdeen to Lerwick. The crossing takes 12 to 14 hours and arrives in Lerwick in the morning. Cabins must be booked well in advance. Festival members receive a 30 per cent discount on passages and vehicles.
- On the islands: A hire car is strongly recommended for attending concerts at rural venues, as public transport does not align with concert times. Cars can be hired at Sumburgh Airport or in Lerwick.
Visitor Tips
- Book early: Accommodation, ferry cabins and flights sell out rapidly during festival weekend. Book several months in advance.
- A Festival Membership secures cheaper concert tickets, a ferry discount and access to the Festival Club; membership opens in February 2027.
- The NorthLink ferry crossing is part of the festival experience; visiting musicians often play spontaneously on board.
- Stay centrally in Lerwick to walk between concerts and the Festival Club with ease.
- Shetland weather in late April can be cool and changeable; bring waterproof and warm clothing.
- Concert tickets are in high demand and can sell out within minutes of going on sale; be ready the moment ticket sales open.
