Water Sound Festival

The UK’s newest and most northerly bluegrass and roots festival!
Water Sound Bluegrass & Roots Festival
Burray, Orkney Islands
22 – 24 August 2025
The Often Herd
Andy Taylor
Auskerry
The Often Herd
 

The first Water Sound Festival will be run from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August 2025 on Burray, one of the Orkney Islands.

It will bring together bluegrass and related styles such as country, Americana, gospel, Scots/Irish trad and western swing. 

Main performances will be held in a large marquee with bar sited in Burray village. In addition to the main marquee we will have jamming in Burray Hall and there will be a range of food and camping available for tents and motorhomes.

It is important to us that we are an inclusive festival and we will be sharing the festival experience with our wider community through outreach concerts in local schools and supported accommodation. 

Fundraising Concert

Country Music Live Jukebox concert

June 7, 2025 – Stromness Town Hall

We can’t wait to bring everyone together for a brilliant weekend of incredible music and fun on our beautiful island. The weekend will have plenty of opportunities for catching up with old friends, making new ones and jamming. You can expect a warm welcome! 


Line Up

We have confirmed the following artists, more will be announced soon:


Festival Info

The festival will bring both Orkney residents and visitors together to celebrate and showcase the best of what bluegrass and roots music has to offer.

Read more Festival Info

What’s On

The event will include fantastic live performances from an international lineup of artists alongside outstanding musical talent from Orkney and unique musical experiences!

Read more What’s On

Workshops

There will be opportunities for those attending the festival to learn from our amazing artists at a range of workshops for a small additional cost.

Read more Workshops