Why travel south of the Border to experience one of the many music festivals taking place in the UK in 2025, when there’s plenty taking place in Scotland throughout the next 12 months?
Scotland, despite the loss of T in The Park, is still a hotbed of music activity throughout the annual Summer Festival Season, and while many might be familiar with TRNSMT or Celtic Connections, travel further afield and a world of folk music and classic works are also on offer this year.
Be it the Orkney or Shetland Folk Festival or a fitting tribute to a former AC/DC frontman, we’ve taken a look at 17 festivals taking place across Scotland throughout the year which may pique your interest before rolling the dice for a Glastonbury ticket.
Many of the events in question still have tickets, either for the festival itself or for shows during a festival’s programme; visit either Ticketmaster or the festival websites themselves for more information, line-ups currently announced and grabbing tickets before it’s too late.
So without further ado, here’s what caught our eye taking place in Scotland in 2025.
13. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (July 11-20, 2025)
Scotland’s premier jazz and blues festival, held in the historic city of Edinburgh, has previously featured acts like Van Morrison, Courtney Pine, and Jools Holland. The festival celebrates a wide variety of jazz and blues, from contemporary to classic sounds. | Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
14. HebCelt (July 1-19, 2025)
HebCelt in Stornoway is celebrated for its fusion of Celtic, folk, and world music. Artists like The Proclaimers, Lau, and Clannad have performed here, creating a truly international celebration of music on the Isle of Lewis. | Colin Cameron
15. Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (July 31-August 2, 2025)
Belladrum is one of Scotland’s biggest and most eclectic festivals, with a line-up that spans folk, rock, and indie music. Previous headliners include Primal Scream and Franz Ferdinand, attracting a broad crowd of music lovers from all over the UK. | Provided
16. Mokfest 2025 (August 20-24, 2025)
This festival celebrates the arts and music of the stunning Kintyre Peninsula, offering a blend of traditional Scottish and contemporary music. Previous performances have included Tannahill Weavers and The Hothouse Flowers, making it a beloved event in Scotland’s cultural calendar. | Provided