THE Isles of Scilly Museum and Cultural Centre, working alongside the Isles of Scilly Folk Club, and have announced their programme for the 2026 Scilly Folk Festival.

The 2026 folk festival runs from May 21 to 26 with events across the islands and highlights including a barnstorming night at the Old Town Inn with the Dartmoor Pixie Band, timeless storytelling from the trio Windjammer, Dartmoor traditions from Moor Music and folk legend Seth Lakeman live in the parish church on St Mary’s.

The festival began in 2013, kick started by St Agnes based musician Piers Lewin and Nick Lishman and driven by a passion for bringing live music to the islands and creating a unique event in a stunning setting.

Angela Jenkins, the festival’s chair, said: “The festival started out working on a very limited budget but selling it as a very unique place to come and perform especially with the boating to the off islands. Every band that ever comes wants to come back!

“So many people now book their holidays around the festival. We love it when visitors come along for the first time, then return to all the events as it was so much better than expected. New musicians arrive each year as strangers and leave as great friends. I just love it all . You can’t beat live music.”

This year’s festival kicks off with a Welcome Session on Thursday, May 21 at the Scillonian Club at 8pm and there are sessions on St Agnes on Saturday, May 23, Tresco on Sunday, May 24 and St Martins on Monday, May 25 - as well as a full programme of evening performances featuring Moor Music, Windjammer and Seth Lakeman.

Full listings can be found here: www.iosmuseumandculturalcentre.org/arts-events