Shetland Folk Festival 2011

The 31st Shetland Folk Festival shall be held between Thursday 28th April and Sunday 1st May 2011. The Festival comprises of concerts throughout the isles as well as a Festival Club in Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick with both formal and informal concerts, workshops, a real ale bar, and sessions continuing into the wee hours of the morning.

The Shetland Folk Festival is a non-profit, volunteer driven organisation, dedicated to presenting the best folk music from around the globe to the local community and visitors alike.

Line-up

The Wilders, Fred Morrison Trio, Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three, Breabach, Beltaine, L'Angelus, Sver, Oonagh Derby Band, Gerry O' Connor & Gino Lupari, The Shee, Genticorum, Harald Haugaard Quartet featuring Helene Blum, Chris Newman Trio, Findlay Napier & the Bar Room Mountaineers, Scotland's Islands Project, Knerten & Co., and Statsraad Lehmkul Musicians, plus more than 50 local bands.

The festival features a Folk Club in Islesburgh Community Centre (entry limited to Season Ticket holders ONLY) with concerts, workshops, session rooms, food and bar. Previous years have also included special Outreach Concerts held on the adjacent isles of Cullivoe & Haroldswick although you are expected to arrange your transport there by ferry yourself.

Tickets

Ticket prices have not yet been confirmed and tickets go on sale on the 1st April.

Camping and other accommodation

Amongst others, there is a campsite at the Clickimin Centre in Lerwick. There are also B+B's, hotels and guesthouses.

Getting there

Ferries

There are daily flights and ferries connecting mainland UK to Shetland but booking is essential at Festival time. Northlink Ferries currently operate the overnight ferry service between Aberdeen and Shetland but early booking is probably essential especially as the first ferry before the festival starts (i.e. leaving Aberdeen on Wednesday 27th April 2011), renowned for impromptu sessions, is likely to be packed with performers.

Plane

You can also fly from Glasgow/Edinburgh and Aberdeen with British Airways to Sumburgh, Shetland's main airport. There are several flights a day.

More information will be here when available.

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