Ullapool Guitar Festival & Trade Show 2026 – Ullapool, Scotland
Overview
The Ullapool Guitar Festival is a prestigious musical gathering set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, specifically the tranquil shores of Loch Broom. Celebrating its landmark 25th Anniversary in 2026, this event has evolved from a modest local assembly into a world-renowned destination for acoustic and electric guitar enthusiasts. The festival is celebrated for its unique “no barriers” atmosphere, where the line between world-class performers and the audience disappears in the intimate setting of the MacPhail Centre.
Spanning three days in early October, the festival program is densely packed with five major concerts, specialized morning workshops, and the legendary late-night festival clubs. The curation focuses on high-caliber musicianship across a spectrum of genres, including fingerstyle, classical, jazz, and traditional folk. Attendees are treated to performances by global legends and the brightest young talents from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, ensuring a diverse and masterfully executed musical journey for every guest.
Beyond the stage, the event features a significant trade show that serves as a focal point for the luthier community. Here, master instrument builders showcase handcrafted guitars, allowing visitors to test bespoke models and engage in technical discussions with the creators. The combination of elite tuition, stunning natural scenery, and the genuine warmth of the Ullapool community makes this 25th-anniversary edition a bucket-list event for guitar lovers worldwide.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Event Highlights
- Signature Concert Series: Features five major performances throughout the weekend showcasing a global roster of guitar virtuosos in a high-fidelity acoustic environment.
- Professional Masterclasses: Led by esteemed tutors like Clive Carroll and John Goldie, these morning sessions offer hands-on technical instruction for aspiring and advanced players.
- Luthier Exhibition: A dedicated trade space where attendees can meet renowned builders, trial handcrafted instruments, and learn about the latest innovations in guitar construction.
- Late Night Festival Club: Informal post-concert gatherings at the MacPhail Centre and local pubs where spontaneous jams and artist interactions continue into the early hours.
Why Attend
This festival is an unparalleled opportunity for those who value musical intimacy and technical excellence over stadium-sized spectacle. It is the ideal environment for guitarists who want to be inspired by the masters and for fans who want to experience the nuances of world-class playing in a room where every seat is the best seat in the house. The 25th Anniversary promises special retrospective performances and a celebratory atmosphere that honors two and a half decades of guitar excellence in the Highlands.
The event is perfectly suited for professional musicians looking to network with peers, students seeking to learn from the world’s best tutors, and travelers who enjoy high-quality cultural events. It attracts a sophisticated audience of collectors, hobbyists, and music lovers who appreciate the rugged beauty of Northwest Scotland. Whether you are coming for the technical workshops or the evening gin and guitar sessions, you will find a welcoming community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Total Duration: Three days of intensive concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold primarily as full weekend passes through the official festival website and are often capped to maintain the intimate venue capacity.
- Admission Type: Full Weekend Admission (includes all 5 concerts, all workshops, and all festival club sessions).
- Ticket Pricing: Adult weekend passes are approximately $365 and student/child passes are approximately $183 based on current exchange rates.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: There is no tiered seating; however, patrons and long-term supporters may receive priority booking notifications for limited-capacity workshops.
- Group Bookings: Discounts are occasionally available for educational groups or music schools contacting the organizers directly in advance.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Ullapool, Scotland.
- Venue: MacPhail Centre (Main Hall) and local venues like The Arch Inn for sessions.
- Google Maps Address: 5 Mill St, Ullapool IV26 2UN, United Kingdom.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: r.lindsay@btinternet.com
- Phone: +44 7740 423554
- Website: https://ullapoolguitarfestival.com
- Social Media: Ullapool Guitar Festival on Facebook and YouTube.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport (INV) is 97 km away (~90 minutes by car); international travelers often connect through London or Amsterdam.
- Public Transport: Scottish Citylink bus 961 runs from Inverness Bus Station directly to Ullapool Pier for approximately $25.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Private transfers from Inverness to Ullapool cost roughly $140 to $170; it is best to book these in advance.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the MacPhail Centre and around the village, though it fills up quickly during the festival weekend.
- Other Access: The CalMac Ferry terminal is located in the village center, providing access for those traveling from Stornoway and the Western Isles.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Ceilidh Place (Boutique, 0.5 km, famous for its artsy vibe and bookshop, ~$250-400/night); Royal Hotel (Highland charm, 0.3 km, waterfront views ~$200-350/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Caledonian Hotel (3-star, 0.2 km, traditional Scottish hospitality, ~$160-260/night); Harbour House (High-end B&B, 0.4 km, excellent breakfast ~$140-220/night).
- Budget Stays: Ullapool Youth Hostel (Hostel, 0.3 km, scenic harbor views, ~$60-110/night); West House B&B (Affordable comfort, 0.5 km, ~$90-150/night).
Attendee Experiences
- The atmosphere is so relaxed that you might end up having a drink at the bar with the same legend who was just on stage.
- The morning workshops gave me enough technical exercises to keep my practice sessions busy for the next year.
- Ullapool in October is stunningly beautiful and the sound quality in the MacPhail Centre is absolutely world-class.
Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Can I buy a single ticket for just the Saturday night concert?
The festival is designed as a weekend-long immersive experience, so only full weekend passes are typically available for purchase. This policy ensures that the same community of enthusiasts shares the entire journey together from the opening notes to the final jam. If there are any remaining seats closer to the event, the organizers may announce individual tickets, but this is rare.
What level of guitar playing is required to participate in the workshops?
The workshops cater to a broad range of abilities, but most participants find them most useful if they are at an intermediate level. Tutors are excellent at providing different "levels" of a piece so that everyone walks away with something they can play. Even if you are a beginner, the chance to watch a master explain their technique up close is an education in itself.
Should I bring my own guitar to the festival or can I rent one?
There are no official rental services at the venue, so it is highly recommended that you bring your own acoustic guitar to get the most out of the workshops. Many attendees also bring their instruments to the Late Night Festival Club for informal sessions and social playing. If you are traveling from abroad, ensure your case is flight-rated and check with your airline regarding their musical instrument policies.
Is there an age limit for children attending the festival with their parents?
The festival is a family-friendly event and encourages young musicians to attend, often providing discounted rates for students and children. However, please note that the concerts and workshops require a level of quiet and focus that may be difficult for very young children. The late-night sessions in pubs may also be subject to local licensing laws regarding minors after certain hours.
How does the trade show work and can I actually buy a guitar there?
The trade show is integrated into the festival experience, allowing you to browse and play instruments during the breaks between concerts and workshops. Many luthiers bring finished guitars that are available for immediate purchase, while others take commissions for custom builds. It is a fantastic opportunity to discuss wood choices, neck profiles, and electronics directly with the person who will be building your instrument.
