30th edition of the Scots Fiddle Festival, with evening concerts, showcases, family events and ceilidh of traditional Scots fiddle music at The Pleasance.
The Scots Fiddle Festival is back at The Pleasance from 20 to 22 November, and this year it's a big one: the festival is celebrating its 30th birthday. It's been running every November in Edinburgh since 1996, set up to promote and sustain traditional Scots fiddle music, and it's still run by a committee of volunteers as a registered charity. Rob Adams of The Times called it one of the most prestigious and nourishing events on the fiddle music calendar, and it's supported by Creative Scotland.
Artistic director Graham Rorie has put together a three-day programme that works in a few different ways. The evening concerts are on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November, with doors at 19:00 and unreserved seating. Friday's concert is £29 and Saturday's is £35. Then there are the showcases on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22, which run throughout the day; they're £17 each, though the 12:00 noon showcases on both days are free. If you're planning to spend a whole day there, you can get a showcase day pass for £50 for either Saturday or Sunday.
Beyond the stage, there's a fair bit to get stuck into. Workshops are £22 per person over 18, and £15 for the under-18 Youth Workshop. On Saturday 21 November, there's a ceilidh from 19:30 to 23:00, £13 per person or £12 if you're booking for eight or more. For the younger ones, 'Trad Tunes for Bairns' runs for ages 0-7 on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 from 10:00 to 11:00, and it's free, though donations are appreciated.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Edinburgh and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
If you want to do it all, the Festival Saver is £155 and covers both evening concerts, all showcases, the Festival Club, and any special events, though it doesn't include workshops. The Festival Club is by donation, with £3 suggested, and the Festival Hub and sessions are free. The Pleasance has been the festival's home since 2018, with the café and bar open all day and into the evening, and the Hub's Cabaret Room hosting free led and informal sessions.
