The Galicia Fiddle Orchestra is travelling from Galicia, Spain, to attend NAFCo. The performers, led by accomplished musician Alfonso Franco, are aged between 12 and 20 years. Image - NAFco
Aberdeen will become “Scotland’s city of music” when thousands of performers, music-lovers and cultural visitors flock here from across the globe for the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, says Aberdeen Inspired.
And NAFco will also help local bricks and mortar traders hit the economic high notes with a boost in footfall and business, said Adrian Watson, chief executive of the city centre Business Improvement District, which is supporting the convention.
Taking place from Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28, the five-day festival will bring together performers, audiences and delegates from across Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the USA, Scandinavia and beyond for what is expected to be the biggest cultural gathering in the north-east this year.
More than 150 events will take place across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, taking over venues including the Music Hall, Lemon Tree, Tunnels, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall, North East of Scotland College (NESCol), Kirk of St Nicholas, The Barn in Banchory and St Margarets in Braemar.
Adrian said: “In less than a week, Aberdeen is going to become Scotland’s city of music as thousands gather for the prestigious North Atlantic Fiddle Convention.
“These talented musicians and music fans are going to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere here as they celebrate the rich and timeless traditions of fiddle music, so deeply part of the culture of Scotland and so many other nations across the world.
“Not only will they bring tunes – from the rousing to the poignant – to Aberdeen, they will also bring a welcome economic boost in footfall and business to our bricks and mortar traders, from shops to restaurants, bars to hotels, and our many visitor attractions.
“I know everyone in the Granite City – and wider region – will welcome this global cultural gathering and embrace the chance to hit the high notes with our thousands of visitors from across the world.”
The convention marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 25 years since the inaugural NAFCo was held in Aberdeen in 2001. Since then, the event has grown into an internationally recognised gathering that attracts visitors from around the world while showcasing the rich musical traditions of the North Atlantic region.
Laura Harrington, festival director of NAFco, said Aberdeen would become the fiddle capital of the North Atlantic. Image - NAFco
Among this year's headline performers are internationally acclaimed artists Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Duncan Chisholm, Session A9, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, The Rheingans Sisters, Shane Cook and The Woodchippers, and the Galicia Fiddle Orchestra, alongside hundreds of musicians taking part in concerts, workshops, sessions and community events.
The programme also includes free pop-up performances, family-friendly concerts, educational events, talks and participatory music-making opportunities designed to encourage people of all ages and musical backgrounds to become involved.
The scale and significance of the event have been recognised by other major partners, including EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, whose support has helped bring the convention back to Aberdeen for its 25th anniversary year.
Aberdeen City Council has also supported the return of the convention, recognising the cultural, community and economic benefits the event delivers for the city and wider region.
Julie Wood, Chief Officer City Development and Regeneration at Aberdeen City Council, commented, “Aberdeen City Council is pleased to support the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention through the Culture Investment Programme. The event strengthens the city’s cultural offer, brings people together and supports local businesses, and we are proud to help enable its return to Aberdeen.”
Laura Harrington, Festival Director of NAFCo, added, "Aberdeen will become the fiddle capital of the North Atlantic. We're looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the world and creating opportunities for people to experience incredible music, meet new people and celebrate the traditions that connect communities across the North Atlantic region.
"Whether you're a lifelong traditional music enthusiast or simply curious to see what it's all about, there will be something for everyone. The atmosphere during NAFCo is always incredibly special, and we're excited to share that with audiences once again."
Organised by the Elphinstone Institute at the University of Aberdeen, NAFCo 2026 will take place across multiple venues throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire from 24-28 June.
For more information and tickets, visit the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention website.