Shetland's 23rd Accordion and Fiddle Festival

A Scottish dance music festival featuring the best Shetland bands along with top Scottish and International players. Five days of concerts and dances popular with both Shetland residents and visitors alike.

The festival takes place over a hectic period in early October. As with Shetland Folk Festival, musicians from all over the world perform at the event, although emphasis is on Scottish Dance music. Local musicians feature prominently in the event line-up. Tunes are swapped and musicians make new friends in the sessions which is an important part of the festival; younger musicians find them especially valuable in broadening their experience.

Adopting the tried and trusted format of widespread community involvement, the event incorporates most areas of Shetland. It culminates in one of the biggest traditional dances to take place anywhere in the UK. Around a dozen different dance bands take it in turn to perform to 1,500 enthusiasts in the local sports centre in what amounts to a highly enjoyable "traditional rave".

The festival is a must for anyone who enjoys the sound of traditional music and has the stamina to absorb it for four hectic days.

The Festival programme is almost complete and should be ready for circulation in mid August so please kep checking the organiser's website for details in a couple of weeks.