We are thrilled to welcome the internationally renowned Caritas Choir, conducted by celebrated composer Paul Mealor, for a spectacular afternoon performance. The concert will also feature very special guest Bryn Terfel, one of the world’s most distinguished bass-baritones. This promises to be a truly memorable afternoon.

Capercaillie and Session A9 fiddle player, Charlie Mckerron has been playing with Marc Clement for over 20 years, and after playing with Ross Ainslie at various sessions Charlie asked him to join the group around 10 years ago. They will be joined by Cailean Mckerron (Skippinish) for this very special pre-games concert.

There could be no more fitting place to begin the Aberdeen City Music School 25th Anniversary Concert Series than Royal Deeside. Our celebrations commence with music for the Sunday morning service at Crathie Kirk, after which ACMS musicians will travel the short distance to Braemar for this special 75-minute anniversary concert at the beautiful St Margaret’s.

Can you describe an experience you've had in nature, where you were overcome with awe or wonder or, encountered the Sublime, that stays with you?

Welcome to a community-making conversation of our experiences of the Sublime in nature.

If you like, we will make an audio recording will become part of a film Sublime, featuring in the Health of the Sublime exhibition at The Barn, opening 25th September, 2026. You will have the option to opt out up to one week after the recording session.

Gathering together the crème de la crème of Scotlands Gypsy Jazz musicians, Seonaid Aitken’s Manouche Nouveau brings Jazz Manouche into 2026.

Hannah Rarity is a leading figure in the Scottish folk scene, celebrated for her exceptional voice and dynamic musical presence. Since winning the prestigious BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year award in 2018, she has consistently impressed audiences and critics alike.

Geoff Palmer has a particular love of the cello and, since moving to Aberdeenshire, has performed many well-loved cello favourites alongside contemporary works at the University of Aberdeen and venues across the city and shire. In 2023, he asked Scottish luthier Ian Greig to create a new cello for him—a true labour of love that Ian gladly undertook and completed over two years.

This unique evening features a very special collaboration between Troy MacGillivray, Janine Randall and Liz Doherty, created to mark NAFCo’s 25th anniversary and bringing together artists who have been part of the festival since its earliest days.

On their 10th anniversary tour, we welcome Sian. Inspired by the islands of Lewis, Skye, and North Uist, their sound is described as “both ancient and modern, and never less than remarkable.” - The National.

Award-winning Gaelic singer, Kim Carnie, brings her fusion of traditional Gaelic roots, and cinematic, contemporary soundscapes to Braemar.

Back by popular demand - vibrant, energetic, fourpiece band, Old Blind Dogs. Join us for a night of brilliant, foot-stomping tunes and songs.

Join Great British Bake-Off winner, Peter Sawkins, for a unique and engaging show. The youngest ever winner of Britain's biggest baking show will be joined by fellow winner and fan favourite, Rahul Mandal, to talk all things cakes, and put Rahul's baking skills to the test throughout this fun evening.

Leith-born singer-songwriter, Roseanne Reid, showcases original works from her latest album, Lawside.

Join us for A Tribute to Film, an evening with RAF Lossiemouth Voluntary Band. The Band will bring the magic of the big screen to life, with performances of some of Hollywood’s most iconic soundtracks.

Join us for a spectacular evening of jazz from the Snake Davis Trio. Featuring Snake on saxophone, Johnny Thirkell on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Mark Creswell on guitar.

We join Carmen in her boudoir, as she tells her own story in words and music. Dare you consult the cards with her? What does she think of the men in her story? Did she foresee her gruesome ending?

Join us for an afternoon of music and remembrance, as we reflect on the 80 years which have passed since the end of World War II. This one-of-a-kind concert will firstly spotlight the 1940s, the wartime communities in Aberdeen and across Britain, and the role of The Gordon Highlanders.

Paul Mealor and his Caritas Choir return to St Margaret’s, Braemar, for the traditional post-Gathering concert. A standout event in our annual programme, this special performance will showcase breathtaking choral music.

Twenty years on from winning the Danny Kyle Open Stage Award at Celtic Connections, Breabach remain securely ranked amongst Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts and at the forefront of a burgeoning traditional music scene.

Routes is a string quartet with a difference; made up of traditional folk musicians,
Routes writes and performs a combination of contemporary compositions and innovative arrangements of traditional music. The ensemble bridges the gap between classical and folk music; exploring the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities which are characteristic of a string quartet.

Heralded by BBC Music Magazine as "a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene," Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael continues to move from strength to strength and grow his reach globally with his powerfully emotive blend of jazz and folk music.

Beth Malcolm is a singer-songwriter who performs a mix of traditional, modern and her own original Scots songs. Beth spent much of her childhood in a house filled with singing, soaking up old Scots songs like a wee folky sponge. She was named Scots Singer Of The Year in 2022 and has just won it again in December 2024.

We’re delighted to welcome Paul Anderson and Shona Donaldson back to the St Margaret’s stage as part of our Amongst the Trees weekend! This much-loved duo brings together Paul’s masterful fiddle playing and Shona’s rich, heartfelt vocals in a celebration of traditional Scottish music.