If you haven't visited the festival before, join us this September.
Every year, the festival welcomes an array of talented blues artists from all over the UK and world, creating an atmosphere that’s filled with energy and an appreciation for music. The festival takes place over three days from Friday to Sunday allowing plenty of opportunity to fall in love with Stromness, and fall in love with Orkney Blues.
Strong support from our locals and businesses has helped the festival grow, attracting the best blues musicians to share the stage with our own homegrown talent - and 2023 is no exception as we look forward to one of the most exciting festivals in it's history.
Make Orkney Blues Festival your reason to visit the Orkney Islands
Stay at the heart of the festival in one of our hotel venues or nearby in the charming town of Stromness.
Orkney Blues Festival is a great way to discover the local music scene and experience the atmosphere of a truly unique event. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, this is a festival you won’t want to miss.
The festival event offers a range of entertainment options, with lively performances, workshops, jam sessions, and more. With its stunning location right on the harbourfront, the atmosphere is truly unique - the picturesque town of Stromness is the perfect backdrop to a truly unforgettable musical journey. ​ The festival also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the Orkney Islands. From the historical and magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral in the nearby town of Kirkwall to the impressive Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, there’s plenty to do before and after the performances over the weekend. Nearer to hand take a walk out past Stromness Golf Course to Warebeth beach and take in the dramatic view across the sea to the islands of Graemsay and Hoy.
FESTIVAL WEEKEND IN STROMNESS
The weekend's festival events in Stromness usually take place during the below times;
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NOTE - The last buses from Stromness depart at 0107 hours to Kirkwall only on Fridays and Saturdays - and at 2215 hours on Sundays to Kirkwall and St Margarets Hope. For taxis after this time, we recommend booking them in advance.
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Friday 22nd September 2023
From 8pm to 1am
Saturday 23rd September 2023
From 2pm to 1am
Sunday 24th September 2023
From 2pm to 12am
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For satnav directions to local free parking follow Stromness Pierhead, KW16 3AA
Wish you were here
Public Bus Timetables
Stromness is served by the X1 Bus Service
Stagecoach Orkney
Public buses running between St Margaret's Hope, Kirkwall and Stromness.
Buses are availabe throughout the weekend, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For other public bus routes in Orkney, click the link below to visit the Stagecoach website and use their search function to find the timetable you require.
Alternatively you can call their office for more information | 01856 870555
Local Taxis
Taxi's are available throughout the weekend in Orkney, including unsociable hours. Hires should be booked in advance as they are often busy.
Craigie's Taxis Kirkwall: 01856 878787
Bob's Taxis Kirkwall: 01856 876543
Brass's Taxis Stromness: 01856 850750
Stromness Taxis: 01856 852852
Orkney Ferries (Local)
Orkney Ferries operate daily services to Orkney's inner and outer isles.
Visit the Orkney Ferries website to find timetables, fares and more information.
Alternatively you can call their office for bookings and other info | 01856 872044
Local Flights
Loganair (operating with Flybe) operate flights to some of Orkney's outer isles.
Visit the Loganair website to find timetables, fares and more information.
Alternatively you can call their office for bookings and other info | 01856 873457
NorthLink Ferries
Proud Sponsor of Orkney Blues Festival
Operates a daily passenger and car service to Orkney from Aberdeen and Scrabster (North of Scotland).
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-Scrabster to Stromness (daily service)
-Aberdeen to Kirkwall (4 sailings per week)
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Connects with most national train and bus services, and flights into Aberdeen.
Pentland Ferries
Short Sea Ferries from Gills Bay
Operates a daily passenger and car service from Gills Bay (North of Scotland) and St Margarets Hope. Connects with most national train and bus services from Inverness, and flights into Wick.
Get a return passenger fare to Orkney from as little as £28.00.
Flybe / Loganair
Flights from Scotland and UK
Operates daily flights to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, from most of Scotland's airports.
Kirkwall airport is connected with buses and taxis within Orkney.
Travel within Scotland
Buses and Trains to the Islands
CityLink Bus - Linking all of Scotland's major cities
Stagecoach Bus - Multiple national and local services around Scotland
ScotRail Train - Linking Scotland's major towns and cities by rail
Megabus - Low cost inner-city travel in Scotland