Burray, Orkney Islands
22 – 24 August 2025
We’re thrilled to share something special to get you in the mood for the Water Sound Festival weekend. Douglas Montgomery, renowned fiddler and founding member of The Chair, has put together a handpicked playlist featuring some of the brilliant music you’ll be hearing across the festival. It offers a flavour of the incredible range of artists taking part – and gives you a chance to discover new favourites before you hear them live.
Exciting news, festival friends! Day tickets for Water Sound Bluegrass & Roots Festival 2025 are officially on sale. Whether you can only make it for one unforgettable day or want to spread the love across the weekend, this gives you ultimate flexibility to experience the best of what Burray has to offer.
Festival Dates: Friday, 22 – Sunday, 24 August 2025
We’re thrilled to reveal the full weekend schedule of the inaugural Water Sound Bluegrass & Roots Festival.
This three-day celebration promises a vibrant mix of bluegrass, Americana, folk, country, Scots/Irish fiddle, western swing, and acoustic blues, bringing together both international and local artists.
A huge moment for our new festival. Weekend, camping and workshop tickets for the first Water Sound Bluegrass and Roots Festival went on sale today!
We can’t wait and are delighted with the fantastic lineup of artists for our first festival.
Taking place at the Holm Community Hall, we organised an evening of bingo and bluegrass music for our next fundraiser! All those attending not only had a chance to show off their skill with a dabber but also to enjoy some classic bluegrass tunes from local duo, Marram Grass.
Brian and Douglas invited Pete from the festival committee to come in to the BBC Radio Orkney studio to play some banjo and talk about the festival. The studio was standing room only with the boys from Stoatfinger there as well as the Hot Club of Orkney and Dick Leven on mandolin. A fantastic hour of fun and great music.
Photo: Stoatfinger and Pete in the BBC Radio Orkney studio (L-R James Groat, Antony Hodgson, Dan Rhodes, Pete McAndrew)
Some amazing tunes, including some Flatt and Scruggs and a big shout out for Water Sound Festival on BBC Radio Orkney from Saltfish Sessions with Douglas Montgomery and Brian Cromarty. Thanks guys!
Another absolutely brilliant night of music, this time at the Burray Hall for the Burray Boxing Day Bash! A happy crowd eased themselves into Betwixmas with a huge roster of great musicians. Funds raised for the festival from the raffle but more importantly, an awesome night of boxing day fun was had!
Water Sound Festival fund raising concert held at King St. Halls in Kirkwall. Featuring a fantastic lineup of musical acts playing a diverse range of musical styles, from bluegrass through jazz, acoustic music and klezmer. Graham Rorie did a great job as MC for the night and all came away with a warm glow from a brilliant night.
We are delighted that following discussion with Burray Community Association and a vote of committee members, the Water Sound Festival Committee have formally been incorporated as a sub-group of the Burray Community Association. This means that the festival will be delivered through the Burray Community Association in collaboration with Orkney Music and Culture. A milestone for the festival.
