Inverness’s Eden Court Theatre confirms 70+ acts for outdoor Under Canvas festival’s return - and tickets go on sale today
More than 70 acts have already been confirmed for the return of Eden Court’s popular award-winning Under Canvas music festival - and tickets are about to go on sale.
The ever-popular summer festival, which has now been running for seven years, will return to the lawns of the Inverness theatre on July 2.
Almost two months of music are planned between July 2 and 23, culminating in a huge Final Hoolie event in front of more than 350 people inside the theatre to close this year’s programme with Scottish legends Shooglenifty.
Renowned for its buzzing, welcoming atmosphere and a standout line-up of live music, the festival has evolved since its 2018 debut into a vibrant and diverse celebration of music - blending genres alongside a core of Scottish trad and folk, making it a popular summer experience for Highlanders and tourists alike. It also boasts a range of street food and local beer, gin and whisky that are popular with Under Canvas visitors.
Tickets go on sale at midday today (Thursday, May 8).
The festival features a music from Wednesday to Sunday each week, with the first weekend set to kick off with Celtic electro tunes from Lewis band Face The West.
Other highlights include Anna Massie, Kris Drever, Iona Fyfe, Laura Wilkie, Abigail Pryde and world music DJ favourites Karawane. Trad fans are also in for a treat with a wave of fresh young talent taking to the stage – including Heron Valley, Cala and Càrnan. Mischa Macpherson and Katie Macfarlane head up a strong Gaelic presence, and audiences will be treated to new Gaelic and Doric commissions from Isla Scott and Arwin Scott as the Sgrìobh | Scrieve project returns for a second year in collaboration with Tobar an Dualchais - Kist O’ Riches.
Eden Court will also be presenting Bann: Women in Piping, an exciting new commission celebrating incredible female piping talent in partnership with Piping Live.
Silent discos are back by popular demand, with a family-friendly option during the day and a night time session for those looking to party.
Saturday, August 9 will see the return of the hugely popular Family Fun Day with Eden Court’s engagement team putting on a free programme packed with entertainment and activities for all ages.
A new multi-buy ticket offer will also enable festivalgoers to access £8 tickets when booking 3+ events together.
Sophie Weston, Eden Court’s lead programmer and producer, said: “I was lucky enough to join the Eden Court team the week Under Canvas opened last year, so I was able to experience how wonderful the festival is before programming it for 2025 – which has been a highlight of my career so far.
“It has been a real joy to discover amazing talent from all over Scotland. We have also been passionately working towards our Keychange Pledge of working towards gender equality within the line-up, as well as representing emerging artists and artists from marginalised groups. I hope you enjoy the programme as much as I've enjoyed putting it together!”
Susannah Armitage, Eden Court’s senior producer, said: “This summer’s exciting line-up features returning festival favourites like Anna Massie and Malin Lewis, plus new acts to Under Canvas such as Kathryn Joseph, Kris Drever and Chris Stout, and The Tannahill Weavers. We’ll also be showcasing some of the most exciting emerging musicians in Scotland such as Miwa Ngatho-Apthorp, RÓ and Isla Scott.”
This year’s festival is supported by local business Fraser Elite, who have come on board as Stage Sponsor for a third summer.
To explore the full line-up and book tickets, visit eden-court.co.uk/under-canvas.
