This August 2026, the Arran International Festival returns for its third year, and we’d love you to be part of it.

Set in the midst of the outstanding natural beauty of the Isle of Arran, the festival brings together diverse and exceptional international musicians with outstanding local artists in a variety of concerts and events celebrating music, creativity and human connection.

This year’s festival is our most international yet, welcoming artists from nine different countries. Among them are the outstanding young Ukrainian bandura player Mariia Petrovska, the Polish international violinist Magdalena Filipczak, and exceptional young musicians from Germany, continuing the cultural exchange that has become such an important part of the festival. They’ll be joined by some of Arran’s own outstanding artists, including Findlay Napier, Gillian Frame, and talented young musicians from the Arran Music School.

Our biggest community project to date will see the pupils of Kilmory Primary School compose and perform A Song for Arran, a brand-new work created with our Composer-in-Residence, Electra Perivolaris. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to develop their own ideas, creativity and voices alongside professional musicians.

There is plenty more to enjoy throughout the festival week, from concerts and storytelling to talks and community events, all taking place in villages across the island.

Our theme this year is Belonging Without Borders. It reflects what the festival has become: a place where local communities, visitors and artists from around the world can come together to share music, creative expression and friendship.

The Arran International Festival is organised by the Arran International Festival Trust, and every donation helps us continue building a festival that celebrates human connection, creativity and expression.

Your support enables us to bring diverse and exceptional artists to Arran, create opportunities for young people, commission new work and connect the island to cultures around the world.

Thank you for helping us build our future and please do come and visit. Whoever you are and wherever you hail from, you can be sure of a warm welcome!