We are delighted to introduce Arrochar's first Gaelic Traditional Music Festival in 2026 which will be held at the end of October, over Oidhche Shamhna. This Festival is a celebration of Gaelic Language, Culture and Music and will also showcase local musicians, performers and artists. 

This is small, intimate festival that will be hosted at our Three Villages Hall and spilling over with sessions being held at local hotels and bars. There will be workshops and other events arranged around the weekend. We are looking to finalise a Free Festival Club for children accompanied by adults - more to follow on this. 

Oidhche Shamhna is the eve of the ancient Gaelic festival of An t-Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. That evening was seen as the boundary between our world and the spirit world. Ghosts, ghouls and fairies were believed to cross over and children would dress in costume (guising) and go from house to house singing songs or telling jokes for treats carrying turnip lanterns. We thought this would be a great time to hold our festival each year. 

Funded, sponsored & Supported by....

This event forms part of Arrochar Gaelic Language & Cultural Society's (AGLCS) "Gaelic Culture in the Community Project 2026 / 2027”. It follows a series of initiatives to develop our region into a Gaelic Community Hub. The following organisations have been key to the success of the launch of this festival.

For Lucy.... for her strength and inspiration.