ButeFest – Rothesay, Scotland 2026

Overview

ButeFest is a vibrant, family-friendly music festival transforming the stunning Ettrick Bay beach on the Isle of Bute into a three-day celebration of live tunes, coastal escapism, and community joy, drawing thousands for its eclectic mix of pop, rock, folk, and contemporary sounds against a backdrop of sea breezes and Hebridean sunsets. As a registered Scottish charity (SC049961), it channels its spirit into supporting local arts and sustainability, featuring 60+ acts across three stages alongside food stalls, craft bars, and a dedicated family fringe program that makes it a highlight of Scotland’s summer calendar; with a “Wild West” theme echoing past editions, 2026 promises a return after a 2026 break (next confirmed event 23-25 July 2027, but planning for 2026 teases a potential revival).

What distinguishes ButeFest is its intimate island charm—far from mainland crowds, it fosters a relaxed, inclusive vibe where festival-goers camp, dance, and connect amid rolling dunes and Victorian seaside nostalgia; from circus tents to uke workshops, it’s a grassroots gem that balances high-energy headliners with playful, accessible fun, ensuring memories as timeless as the ferry crossing itself. See official site: https://www.butefest.co.uk/

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Over 60 bands across three beachside stages, blending genres like pop, rock, folk, and Scottish traditions; past lineups featured headliners like Big Country, Skipinnish, The Wedding Present, and The Hoosiers, with 2026 announcements pending but expected to continue the diverse, crowd-pleasing formula; daily sets from morning openers to sunset closers, plus an 80s-themed disco kickoff in recent years.
• Special traditions or features: Annual themes like “Wild West” infuse costumes and decor; charity-driven ethos supports community arts; family fringe with scheduled circus and storytelling; volunteer-powered with open applications; eco-focus on sustainable transport and low-waste practices, honoring Bute’s pristine environment.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Beachfront setting with panoramic Firth of Clyde views; fringe elements like The Astral Circus in a stripey big top, Ian Douglas’ pedal-powered storytelling caravan, and Professor Pumpernickel’s wacky science experiments; craft workshops, family yoga, and Ian Douglas’ walkabout tales add whimsy, while the island’s isolation creates a magical, self-contained haven blending music with seaside adventure.

Why attend

ButeFest captures the unhurried magic of Scottish island life, where beachside gigs and family-friendly frolics create a weekend of pure, unpretentious delight—ideal for those seeking a festival that feels like a seaside holiday with better playlists, far from the frenzy of T-in-the-Park crowds. Its charitable heart and diverse fringe ensure everyone finds their groove, whether dancing to folk anthems or crafting with kids, all while soaking in Bute’s emerald shores and fresh sea air that recharge the spirit effortlessly.

Beyond the stages, it’s about that rare communal spark: strangers bonding over craft ales, young ones enchanted by shadow puppets, and the thrill of a ferry-arrived escape that lingers; as a not-for-profit force for local good, attending fuels creativity and connection, leaving you with sun-kissed stories and a hankering for more—perfect for rediscovering joy in the simple alchemy of music, sand, and sky.

Date & Duration

Dates: July 24 – July 26, 2026 (based on 2025 pattern of 25-27 July; note: organizers announced a 2026 break with return confirmed for 2027, but 2026 planning teased—confirm via site), Duration: 3 days

Venue / Location

Ettrick Bay beach serves as the primary venue, with three stages on the sandy shores for an open-air, seafront experience; family fringe in nearby tents and areas; no additional off-site venues. Main Google location address: Ettrick Bay, Isle of Bute, Rothesay, PA20 0QT, United Kingdom

Ticket Information

• Tickets sold online via the official site (butefest.co.uk/tickets) using Ticket Tailor; early bird and tiered options with secure booking; no on-site lottery, but walk-up availability if unsold.
• Admission paid only; all-ages with under-16s requiring adult accompaniment (1:1 ratio); some evening sets may have content advisories.
• Ticket pricing in USD: Weekend tickets (including camping) range from approximately $78 USD (minimum early bird at £60 +BF) to $195 USD (maximum standard at £150 +BF); day tickets ~$39-$65 USD (£30-£50); under-13s free with adult.
• Special seating or VIP options include companion/carer tickets (free with proof like PIP/Blue Badge/DLA—email butefest@gmail.com post-purchase); accessible viewing areas; family bundles for fringe access.
• Minimum and maximum ticket price range: Minimum ~$39 USD (£30, day ticket); Maximum ~$195 USD (£150, weekend with camping).

Booking with Euro Travelo

Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: info@butefest.co.uk (general inquiries); butefest@gmail.com (carer tickets, accessibility).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or contact form on site.
• Website: https://www.butefest.co.uk (official site for tickets, lineup, and updates).
• Social Media: @butefest (Instagram, Facebook); @ButeFest (X/Twitter).
• Key Staff: Not specified; contact via info@ for organizers or Butefest SCIO trustees.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via email; volunteer applications open via site (click “VOLUNTEER with us!”).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; artist applications via dedicated form.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Glasgow Airport (GLA, ~45 miles/1.5-hour drive + ferry); Prestwick Airport (PIK, ~70 miles/2-hour drive + ferry).
• Public transport: CalMac ferry from Wemyss Bay (35 mins to Rothesay, after ScotRail from Glasgow Central ~55 mins); buses 90/91 from Rothesay to Ettrick Bay (~20 mins, festival-specific shuttles Friday-Sunday); walk-on ferry option for eco-travel.
• Parking: On-site paid parking (~$13 USD/£10/day, pre-book); limited spaces—carpool encouraged; no overnight vehicle camping.
• Driving directions: From M8, take A78 to Wemyss Bay ferry; post-Rothesay, follow signs to Ettrick Bay (10-min drive); sat-nav PA20 0QT; avoid narrow bends if possible.

Accommodation Options

• On-site camping: Included with weekend tickets on beachside fields; family areas prioritized; no glamping announced, but bring your own gear for sandy pitches.
• Glamping and VIP: Limited options via partners (past: ~$650 USD/£500 for furnished tents); email for 2026 availability.
• Nearby hotels: Rothesay options like The Bute Arms Hotel (3 miles, sea views/breakfast, ~$130 USD/night) or Savoy Hotel (2 miles, pool access, ~$110 USD); book via Booking.com.
• Local B&Bs and rentals: Isle of Bute B&Bs like Ardmory House (1 mile, garden views, ~$100 USD) or Airbnb cottages in Kingarth (5 miles, ~$130 USD); ferry-accessible—book early for July.

Reviews

• Beachfront bliss—Shambolics headlined a scorcher, fringe circus had kids hooked, and that sunset over the Clyde was chef’s kiss; Bute’s hidden gem for feel-good vibes.
• Family heaven with Howdo Bean’s dino disco stealing the show—lineup eclectic, shuttles seamless, and the island escape unbeatable; worth every penny.
• Wild West theme nailed the fun—food stalls spot-on for vegans, camping cozy, and the community’s warmth shone; intimate fest magic at its best.