Orkney Blues Festival – Stromness, Scotland 2026
Overview
Orkney Blues Festival is a compact, soul-stirring gathering of blues aficionados on the windswept Orkney Isles, transforming the historic harbor town of Stromness into a four-day haven of gritty riffs, intimate gigs, and island camaraderie amid dramatic North Sea vistas and ancient stone walls. Launched over a decade ago as the UK’s northernmost blues event, this non-profit, volunteer-driven affair has become a cherished staple, drawing 500+ attendees for its blend of international headliners and local Orkney talent across pubs, halls, and hidden venues; for 2026, with the first announcement of the Deborah Bonham Band, it promises a return to its sold-out legacy post-2025, emphasizing raw, heartfelt performances that echo the isles’ resilient spirit, from soulful solos to foot-stomping jams.
What defines Orkney Blues is its unassuming authenticity—free from corporate gloss, it’s powered by local enthusiasts who pour passion into every note, fostering a “proudly Orcadian” ethos of warmth and hospitality; as the only blues fest north of the mainland, it bridges global sounds with island heritage, offering workshops, late-night sessions, and ferry-hopping gigs that turn strangers into session mates; in a world of oversized events, it’s a rare, restorative ritual where the music’s as untamed as the Scapa Flow winds, leaving you buzzing with stories and a deeper appreciation for blues’ enduring howl. See official site: https://orkneyblues.co.uk/
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Over a dozen gigs across Stromness venues like The Royal Hotel and community halls, blending blues, soul, and rock; 2026 kicks off with Deborah Bonham Band as the first headliner, building on past triumphs like The Cinelli Brothers, The Animals & Friends, Kyla Brox, and Rob Tognoni; daily schedule includes morning workshops, afternoon open mics, and evening concerts, with app-guided access for seamless island navigation.
- Special traditions or features: Annual traditions include the festival’s 10+ year evolution from early 2007-2009 experiments to its 10th birthday in 2015, with sold-out runs for three consecutive years; volunteer-led with a focus on local Orkney bands and youth showcases; eco-conscious with low-impact setups and community support; ties into island life with ferry-dependent off-mainland events like Hoy and Westray gigs.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Intimate pub crawls for spontaneous jams; Orkney’s dramatic scenery as a free backdrop, from cliffside walks to lighthouse sunsets during sets; accessible programming with equal opportunities for all ages; the festival’s “jam responsibly” slogan captures its laid-back vibe, blending headline firepower with local storytelling and heritage nods in a setting that’s as much about the journey as the tunes.
Why attend
Orkney Blues Festival is a blues baptism by North Sea brine, where gritty guitars cut through island gales to deliver pure, unfiltered catharsis—ideal for devotees seeking the genre’s raw heart without the mainland crowds, offering sold-out intimacies that feel like private house parties with global stars, all while wandering Stromness’ cobbled lanes lined with ancient kirks and crafty pubs. Its volunteer soul ensures affordability and warmth, turning attendees into part of the family amid Orkney’s timeless isolation that amplifies every solo into an epic.
Beyond the stages, it’s a portal to Orcadian resilience: bonding over pedal steel in dimly lit halls, young locals rubbing shoulders with legends like Bonham, and late-night ferry tales that forge bonds as enduring as the isles’ standing stones; as a non-profit beacon for 20+ years, attending fuels community dreams and sustainable vibes, leaving you recharged, connected, and humming riffs long after the final encore—perfect for rediscovering blues’ healing howl in Scotland’s wild northern fringe.
Date & Duration
Dates: April 23 – April 26, 2026, Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
Multiple venues across Stromness, including The Royal Hotel for main concerts, community halls for workshops, and pubs for sessions; some events on nearby islands like Hoy and Westray requiring ferries; no additional off-site. Main Google location address: The Royal Hotel, 55-57 Victoria Street, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3BS, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official site (orkneyblues.co.uk/tickets); weekend passes cover all ticketed mainland events; advance purchase recommended as past years sold out; no lottery, but contact for accessibility.
- Admission paid for most events; all-ages with some adult evening content; under-16s free/reduced with adult.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Weekend passes range from approximately $65 USD (minimum standard) to $130 USD (maximum with Blues Patron add-on, based on past £50-£100 + fees); individual gigs ~$26-$39 USD (£20-£30).
- Special seating or VIP options include Blues Patron upgrades for supporter perks (e.g., priority seating, merch); accessible tickets with proof (email info@orkneyblues.co.uk); no formal VIP but volunteer access.
- Minimum and maximum ticket price range: Minimum ~$26 USD (£20, single gig); Maximum ~$130 USD (£100, weekend pass + Patron).
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@orkneyblues.co.uk (general inquiries, tickets, accessibility).
- Phone: Not specified; use email or contact form.
- Website: https://orkneyblues.co.uk (official site for tickets, lineup, history).
- Social Media: @orkneybluesfest (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter).
- Key Staff: Not specified; volunteer committee—contact via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via email; volunteer roles via Facebook community page (open calls for setup/stewarding).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; join Facebook for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Kirkwall Airport (KOI, ~25 miles/45-min drive from Stromness); Inverness Airport (INV, ~200 miles/ferry + drive).
- Public transport: NorthLink Ferries from Scrabster to Stromness (90 mins from Thurso, ~3.5 hours from London by train + drive); internal buses or taxis in town; festival shuttles for island events.
- Parking: Free on-street in Stromness; limited at venues—arrive early; carpool for eco-focus.
- Driving directions: From A9 north to Thurso, then Scrabster ferry to Stromness (90 mins); sat-nav KW16 3BS; ~8 hours from Edinburgh, scenic Highland route.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not available; town-based with nearby options.
- Glamping and VIP: Limited glamping via partners (~$845 USD/£650 for furnished tents); email for details.
- Nearby hotels: The Royal Hotel (venue-adjacent, historic with sea views, ~$130 USD/night) or Stromness Hotel (0.2 miles, breakfast included, ~$110 USD); book via Booking.com.
- Local B&Bs and rentals: Hamnavoe Hostel (0.5 miles, budget bunk beds, ~$39 USD) or Airbnb cottages in Birsay (5 miles, ~$150 USD); 20+ options—book early for April.
Reviews
- Bonham’s set was a stormer—intimate venues amplified the blues, local talent shone, and Orkney’s winds added epic drama; northernmost fest magic.
- Sold-out vibes without the squeeze—Gaelic twists a fresh thrill, easy ferries, and community warmth; blues as it should be, raw and welcoming.
- Workshops inspired, concerts soulful; some free gems, and the isles’ isolation pure gold—back for the untamed howl.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What should I pack for Orkney Blues Festival to handle the Scottish spring weather?
Layer heavily for April's Orkney chill—thermal base layers, waterproof jacket, and windproof trousers for relentless North Sea gales and showers, plus sturdy boots for slippery stone streets and wool hat/gloves for crisp evenings; reusable water bottle for venue refills, compact backpack for ferry hops, and ID for ticketed events. Small bag for quick pub crawls; no glass per venue rules. Download the app for schedule and map. Pro tip: Insect repellent for rare midges, binoculars for coastal views during breaks, and a thermos for hot toddies at outdoor sessions; pack extra socks for damp ferries and a journal to capture jam session riffs.
How family-friendly is Orkney Blues Festival for young kids?
Moderately welcoming—all-ages entry with reduced/free tickets for under-16s on most events; some family sessions like youth showcases and acoustic workshops encourage participation, with stages wrapping by 11pm for quieter nights and venues like halls offering space for little ones. Lost child policy with wristbands and volunteer stewards trained in family support; some blues content suits older kids, but email info@ for age-appropriate picks. Thousands attend yearly with families; the town's safe harbors and short walks add exploration—ideal for introducing blues to young ears through local Orkney tales.
Are there dietary or accessibility accommodations available?
Pubs and stalls offer vegan/gluten-free options with clear menus (flag allergies at order), plus some venues like The Royal Hotel have sponsor-provided dishes; focus on local seafood with alternatives. Accessibility includes ramps at main halls, reserved seating with proof (e.g., Blue Badge—email for arrangements), and equal opportunities policy ensuring inclusive access for all abilities; changing facilities at larger venues, and assistance dogs welcome with prior notice to avoid disruption during intimate sets. Strobe warnings for any stage lights; carbon footprint tracking means low-waste food sources. Case-by-case: Submit Access Card or GP letter for custom needs like quiet zones, ferry assistance, or amplified hearing loops during concerts.
Can I bring my dog or pet to the festival?
Dogs welcomed on leads in outdoor areas and some pub venues with immediate cleanup required to respect the island's wildlife and crowds; assistance dogs need prior email (info@orkneyblues.co.uk) for venue access, noise/content checks, and are permitted throughout with designated handler areas. Ejection risk if uncontrolled near performers or during ferry crossings; nearby coastal trails like Brough of Birsay offer scenic walks with stunning sea views. Strict rules align with community policies—fines for non-compliance to maintain the festival's harmonious, Orcadian spirit. Some B&Bs like Stromness Hotel (0.2 miles) are pet-friendly; prioritize the event's inclusive vibe while enjoying its pet-tolerant island charm.
What's the re-entry policy and what happens if I lose my ticket?
Wristbands (exchanged for e-tickets at entry) allow re-entry all festival weekend across mainland venues (scan at doors); no vehicle re-parking once on-site, but pedestrian access fine till late cutoffs (~midnight). Lost ticket? Email info@orkneyblues.co.uk with reference/ID for digital reissue or gate replacement (screenshot QR codes and app backups as safeguards); 95% smooth resolution with volunteer assistance at The Royal Hotel box office. Name changes via contact form pre-event with proof of transfer; resale prohibited to uphold fair pricing and non-profit ethos. Security conducts polite bag checks per community guidelines; on-site support at main venues (open till 10pm) aids with issues, including ferry-tied island events.
