This summer, Fèis Thatha (Gaelic for Tay Festival) is offering a brand-new opportunity for kids aged 8 plus to get involved in traditional music and culture in Breadalbane Community Campus, Aberfeldy!
From Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th August between 10am and 3pm, Fèis Thatha an t-Samhraidh (Fèis Thatha’s Summer Festival) will give kids an immersive experience of the traditional arts in a fun, informal setting.
Taught by professional tutors, participants can choose from a range of subjects including fiddle, guitar, percussion, clarsach, step-dance, Gaelic drama and song, aimed at all levels of experience from total beginners upwards. There will be extra activities on offer each day such as shinty, ceilidh dancing and Gaelic games, as well as a family ceilidh and a concert from the fantastic tutors in the evenings.
You don’t need to speak Gaelic, play an instrument or know about traditional music to enjoy this three-day festival. It is the perfect place for young people to dip their toe into the world of Scotland’s traditional arts and learn about our rich cultural heritage, all while having some fun with friends, old and new!
Tickets for three days of professional tuition are £75 for one child, £50 for a second child and £37 for any subsequent children in the same family with funded places available.
Fèis an t-Samhraidh 2026 Information
Workshops in traditional instruments, song, dance and drama for kids aged 8+. Registration starts from 9.30am on Monday 10th August and Fèis an t-Samhraidh proper begins from 10am each day and will finish at 3pm. Participants must bring a packed lunch.
Participants choose from two of the below options, instruments will be supplied if required:
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Fidheall | Fiddle (beginner & intermediate)
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Giotàr | Guitar (beginner & intermediate)
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Faram | Percussion (beginner & intermediate)
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Clàrsach | Harp (beginner & intermediate)
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Fìdeag | Whistle (beginner)
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Dannsa ceum | Step-dance (all levels)
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Òrain Ghàidhlig | Gaelic song (all levels)
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Dràma Gàidhlig | Gaelic drama (all levels)
Participants are required to pick two back up options in case of timetable clashes and class sizes. We will do our best to put participants in their first choices wherever possible.
After lunch each day, there will be an extra activity such as shinty, ceilidh dancing and Gaelic games. Participants will be able to choose this at the time.
Ìrean | Levels:
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Beginner: you have never tried this before and would like to learn the basics
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Intermediate: you have a good grasp of the basics and can play/accompany/sing a few pieces at a steady pace
Cosg | Cost:
£75 (first child), £50 (second child of same family), £37 (subsequent children of same family)
Ticket includes free entry to the tutor concert and ceilidh in the Town Hall on Monday and Tuesday evenings respectively.
We are committed to making traditional music accessible to all, to eliminate barriers to participation. We have a number of concessionary places available to participants who require support and may also be able to offer help towards transport costs . If you would like to talk in confidence about this or support for learners with disabilities or specific access requirements for your child, please contact us at feisthatha@gmail.com or let us know in the booking form.
All of our tutors are experienced, professional musicians, skilled in working with young people. We also have a pool of supervisors and volunteers who help our events run smoothly. Young people are supervised at all times and we work in accordance with Child Protection and Health & Safety Guidelines. Our staff are all members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme administered by Disclosure Scotland.
GDPR/Data Protection - Information is stored securely and used only for the purposes of running the event and that data will be securely destroyed in line with Fèis data retention policies.
Cuirm-chiùil an Luchd-òide | Tutor Concert
Aberfeldy Town Hall
Diluain 10 An Lùnastal | Monday 10 August
6.30pm to 8.30pm
£10 for adults; £5 for under 18s; Free for under 5s
Join us for an evening of music from the amazing Fèis Thatha tutors including including Calum Stewart, Sophie Stephenson, Holli Scott, Will Goan, Emma Wright and Grace Morton!
