Achi news desk-
The festival is teaming up with EventScotland to provide a digital ticket for people who can’t come in person.
After the 40th anniversary event in 2023, the folk festival smashed all previous sales records in triumphant style with more than 8,500 tickets sold for the four-day event.
The success was recognized when the Orkney Folk Festival won Event of the Year at the MG Alba Scottish Traditional Music Awards in December 2023.
This year, they aim to do the same, and after the popularity of streamed events post-pandemic, the digital ticket will return for a third year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Orkney Folk Festival 2024.
When is the festival?
The 41st Orkney Folk Festival takes place between 23 and 26 May 2024, offering concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, sessions, workshops and more.
While the festival center is in Stromness, audiences will also have the opportunity to experience Orkney hospitality at events in Birsay, Finstown, Harray, Kirkwall, Orphir, Sanday, Sandwick, Holm and Stenness.
What is the digital ticket and what does it include?
The digital pass will allow people to stream three events from this year’s program at no cost.
Music lovers can watch one evening event a day online between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 May.
The events available to view through the gap will continue to be a surprise until the start of the live stream each night. Virtual audience members will be able to watch one of the concerts starting at 7.30 pm on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May, then one of the three farewell concerts starting at 6.30 pm on Sunday 26 May .
All video streams will remain online for 24 hours, allowing time to catch up for those unable to watch the events as they happen.
Orkney Folk Festival Producer, Craig Corse, said: “We’re delighted to be offering a digital ticket once again to Orkney Folk Festival this year – free of charge.
“Like many, we were led towards streaming to stay connected during the pandemic, yet keeping a digital offering makes the event much more accessible and inclusive for audiences around the world.
“We appreciate that with the best will in the world, people who live far from Orkney may not be able to attend every year. For those who are new to the festival, a taster may be needed before crossing oceans to be with us face to face for the first time – and we really hope that watching in real time will whet the appetite to do the journey
“Much closer to home, there are a number of reasons why sitting in a concert for a few hours is not possible, regardless of how accessible a venue is, and so we are very pleased to extend a warm festival once again. everyone welcome.”
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What is the line-up?
Festival organizers have highlighted some of the headline acts in their line-up including The East Pointers, and Orcadian Kris Drever will join long-time musical collaborators Michael McGoldrick and John McCusker, combining the talents of three heavyweights in the UK folk scene.
The festival will also feature legendary Irish musicians, MáirtÃn O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, and Seamie O’Dowd.
But there are too many performers to name, so the festival organizers have put together a program full of the acts, the times, and the workshops that are held over the whole weekend.
But for a quick glance, check out the line below.
How do I get tickets?
The free digital pass is available for pre-order on the Orkney Folk Festival website: https://tickets.orkneyfolkfestival.com/digitalpass. After ordering, virtual audience members will receive a confirmation email containing a link to view the live stream each night.
Every night between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 May 2024, virtual attendees can use the link to log in and view that day’s live streaming event. The recording will be available for 24 hours, giving people time to catch up if they can’t watch it live.
There are also more than 2,400 personal tickets still available for events taking place across Orkney between 23 and 26 May 2024. Live availability can be found online at https://orkneyfolkfestival.com/tickets.
