Trad, rock and reels: A weekend of musical magic in Carradale

“We’re delighted to play a part in helping the Carradale Music Festival go ahead this year,” said an SSEN spokesperson, describing the festival as a “major social and economic asset” for the area.

The festivities opened Friday evening on the Kilkerran Single Malt Main Stage inside Carradale Village Hall. 

Western Isles trad band Culla kicked things off, followed by the Calum Campbell Band, with Campbell bringing his full band to Carradale for the first time. 

Local favourites The Democrats then set the stage for Argyll’s own Rhuvaal, who closed the opening night with a powerful folk-trad set.

As the sun broke through on Saturday afternoon, the music expanded to the AM Transport Outside Stage. 

Kintyre Schools Pipe Band delivered a stirring opening, followed by sets from the Alan Hasson Band, Glasgow singer-songwriter Maria McAveety, and a high-octane closing performance by festival stalwarts Chunks.

Inside the hall, the Main Stage maintained a stellar momentum, with local duo Arran and Archie McAllister combining world-class fiddling with rising-star guitar work, while the legendary Gunna Sound kept the energy high with decades of ceilidh experience. 

They were followed by the all-female powerhouse The Laurettes, who thrilled the crowd with their signature feel-good anthems. 

Making their highly anticipated Carradale Music Festival debut, the Hebridean band The Tumbling Souls provided a weekend highlight with their unique Americana-Scots fusion. 

Finally, Glasgow-based bagpipe pop sensations Rollin Drones brought the festival to a roaring crescendo, closing out the night with their trademark energy.

Organisers thanked all involved in making this year’s event another success, including their sponsors: Kilkerran Single Malt, AM Transport, SSEN, Mowi Scotland, Beinn an Tuirc Distillers, L Black & Co, Ashbank Hotel, and Kintyre Glamping Pods.

“That’s another year of Carradale Music Festival done and dusted,” said a festival spokesperson. “You continue to amaze us every year and Carradale Music Festival 2026 has been no different! Thank you to you all.”