Edinburgh Tradfest has announced it will return in 2020 thanks to the renewed support of Creative Scotland’s open funding programme.
Edinburgh Tradfest aims to bring the past, present and future of traditional music to the capital city and showcases the best international and local artists.
Acclaimed folk musician Eliza Carthy and The Restitute Band will open the festival on Friday 1 May at Assembly Music Hall.
Following a successful 2019 run, The Soundhouse Organisation return to programme the festival for a second year.
The main music programme, which goes on sale this weekend, runs for 11 days and features the very best of traditional music happening across the world today.
Highlights include: BBC Radio 2’s 2018 Folk Singer Of The Year Karine Polwart; iconic Scottish band Shooglenifty, Highland music group Dà imh and many more.
New for 2020 is the specially commissioned Shetland Springs: a celebration of the Shetland fiddle tradition at the Traverse Theatre on Sunday 10 May.
Curated by Catriona Macdonald, it will feature performances from herself and other luminaries from the northern isles, including Chris Stout, Kevin Henderson, Ross Couper and Margaret Robertson.
Douglas Robertson, Founder of The Soundhouse Organisation and Programmer of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “After a highly successful Edinburgh Tradfest in 2019 we are excited to present even more concerts in 2020.
“We, again, expect to entertain young and old, local and international guests with a taste for both the traditional and the new direction of folk music. Roll on May 1st!”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “Last year Tradfest reclaimed Scotland’s traditional music heritage for the capital city, with a festival that celebrated the trailblazers of the past and the rising stars of the future.
“With double the amount of gigs on offer this year, Tradfest will provide a bigger platform for Scotland’s world-class talent while spreading its net wider to catch even more international acts.
“It’s also great to see a home-grown event shine a brighter light on the superb female musicians who are the heart and soul of the folk and trad scene.”
Tickets for the main music programme are on sale this weekend and the full Tradfest programme will be announced mid-March.
