The Orkney Folk Festival is, today, widely regarded as one of the most prolific and special throughout
Entering it’s 29th year in 2011, the festival is manned year round by a voluntary committee of around a dozen members – the same principal format upon which it was founded in 1982.
In the early eighties both tourism and traditional music were going through a low period. The summer tourism season was shrinking, and so there was a great need to increase visitor numbers to the islands in the earlier summer months, so that the tourism industry could become more sustainable. Also, at that time, folk music was seen as unfashionable – particularly amongst the younger generations.
Taking these threads as a cue, the then Orkney Tourist Board and BBC Radio Orkney were instrumental in bringing together a group of individuals with the requisite skills to take on the role of organising and promoting a Folk Festival. A committee was formed in late 1982, and in less than six months staged the first festival at the end of May in 1983. The Orkney Folk Festival has since been contributing to the musical and cultural life of Orkney, has established itself as an important event in both the Orkney and Scottish folk calendars.
One of the most important characteristics of 1983’s festival that stands true today is the balance of visiting and local artistes. Whilst the festival has become a sought-after stage amongst folk acts worldwide, it is equally the local, Orkney-based, acts that make the festival what it is. Many folk enjoy the festival, and the atmosphere it creates in and around Stromness and the isles, so much that they return year after year to experience the fine mixture of music and hospitality. Many are musicians, storytellers or dancers themselves, however there are scores of others who simply come to enjoy the “craic”.
We invite you to come and experience the festival's magic too.
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