Tiree Music Festival Visitor Guide

The Tiree Music Festival (TMF) is a Scottish folk music event hosted annually on the Inner Hebrides island of Tiree. Since the first event took place in 2010, the TMF, founded by a member of the band Skerryvore, has developed a cult following.

A variety of music styles are played across the three days at the TMF, and facilities include food stalls, gift shops, and arts and crafts workshops.

Address:	Crossapol, Isle of Tiree, PA77 6TX
Opening Hours:	See tireemusicfestival.co.uk. The event is usually held on the 2nd weekend of July.
Admission Price:	see tireemusicfestival.co.uk/tickets/
Parking:	No public car park. Camper van parking area for ticket holders.
Contact:	office@tireemusicfestival.co.uk
Facilities:	Food and drink stalls, gift stalls, accommodation areas, toilets, paid showers

Overview

The Isle of Tiree has a reputation for being a sunny island (it’s often called ‘The Hawaii of the North’), and in summer it frequently basks under gloriously clear sunny skies. You might be surprised to learn that the island is one of the sunniest places in Britain and enjoys 1,450 to 1,500 hours of sunshine annually.

Coupled with the fact that it has mile after mile of golden beaches (you can read about them in my guide to the best beaches on Tiree) and the countryside is stunning, it has to be the most idyllic place to hold a music event in Scotland. With that in mind, TMF is here to offer holidaymakers a combination of sun, sea, music, and fun in a family-oriented event that has won a multitude of awards.

So what can you expect to find if you head to Tiree with a TMF ticket firmly clutched in hand? First of all, the location will probably astound you: it’s miles from anywhere, with the vast open expanse of Crossapol Bay to the north and the smaller but equally lovely Soroby to the south.

All around are wide-open fields awash with colour thanks to the wild grasses and flowers that bloom throughout summer, and in the middle of all this you’ll find the TMF tent dominating the landscape. Once you step through the entrance, you’ll find food stalls, drink stands, makeshift shops selling local crafts and clothes, and, of course, the sound stages.

The main stage is where you’ll hear an eclectic mix of music styles played throughout the three days of the festival, although traditional Scottish folk music is the main theme of the TMF.

Don’t be surprised when local acts get a massive roar from the crowd when they come on stage (especially Skerryvore and Tide Lines who originate from Tiree), as the island is understandably proud of its talent. Even so, there are plenty of other music styles to enjoy and previous years have seen big-name groups like The Hoosiers, The Levellers, Scouting for Girls, and The Fratellis attend.

Since starting in 2010, the festival has seen its attendance figures grow from just 600 to 2,000, with each event selling out well in advance. While these numbers might seem small they’ve been chosen with a specific purpose in mind: to keep the festival small and friendly, and the organisers have said they’ll never let the number of attendees exceed 2,000.

I think that’s a great mindset to have as it’ll ensure the TMF never loses the essence of what makes it such a special event. It’s a celebration of Scottish music played on an idyllic island, and in this instance, I reckon small really does mean better.

The Highlights

1: The TMF is known for its eclectic mix of music, showcasing a range of genres from traditional Scottish and Celtic music to pop, rock, and indie, attracting both local talents and internationally renowned artists.

2: Tiree has a small, close-knit community that welcomes festival-goers with open arms, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. The festival is not just about music; it’s a celebration of Tiree’s culture and heritage.

3: Attendees can engage in a variety of workshops and activities that reflect the island’s traditions, such as Gaelic song workshops, ceilidhs, storytelling, and local crafts, offering a genuine taste of island life.

Visiting Tips

1: For those on a budget, I wholeheartedly recommend getting a decent tent and packing a BBQ. The money you’ll save by cooking your own food can offset the cost of the tent because the on-site food stalls are a little pricey, in my opinion. You’ll find a selection of good tents in this article: The Best Tents for camping in Scotland.

2: There’s a co-op in the nearby village of Scarinish that stocks all the essentials you need (food, drink, toiletries, etc.), so there’s no need to take everything with you.

3: Take your wellies in addition to flip-flops, or you’ll find yourself picking mud out from between your toes if it rains, which I’m telling you from first-hand experience!

Tourist Information

The Tiree Music Festival is very family-friendly so you’ll find plenty of activities for children as well as adults. While the main attraction is (obviously) the music, there are side activities that will keep youngsters entertained throughout the day, and in previous years, the event has staged fire performances, arts and crafts workshops, and even classes on how to perform a flashmob routine.

The music performances run throughout the day, with the bigger names coming on in the evening, but there’s a great atmosphere whatever time it is. Although alcohol is permitted, you’re not allowed to take your own booze into the enclosure, and there’s a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour which is carefully policed by the small army of volunteers that help run the event.

Camping is encouraged, though, and the campsite is a sea of brightly coloured tents, with everyone actively trying to make friends with the people around them. Barbecues are welcome in the tent village, but there are lots of food vendors in the main enclosure, so you won’t have to cook if you don’t want to.

If you’ve had a few beers, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of toilet cubicles available, and they’re kept fairly clean which is helped no end by the fact that the number of people attending the festival is quite small. There are also shower cubicles if you don’t fancy spending three days covered in beer, sweat, and who knows what else.

Travel

You have a couple of options to get to the Tiree Music Festival, but the most popular is to take the CalMac ferry from Oban. The ferry journey takes around four hours, and there are normally two sailings each day, but check the CalMac website for updated details. Due to the number of foot passengers there are sometimes additional ferry services added to the timetable, so again, check the website for details.

If you’d rather fly into Tiree airport you’ll find that Loganair operates a regular service direct from Glasgow that takes around 40 minutes, but be aware that the aircraft is small and you’ll need to make your booking well in advance to guarantee a seat. You can also fly direct from Oban with Hebridean Air which runs scheduled flights on Mondays and Wednesdays, or you can charter your own flight with them.

Once you’re on the island you can hire a car (if you haven’t brought your own), but to be honest, the best way to see Tiree is to either walk or cycle. Luckily, there are a couple of options to hire a bike, but I recommend taking a look at Tiree Fitness, which rents out electric bikes so you can explore the island easily.

Accommodation

A quick word of warning here. Tiree is a small island with limited accommodation, so if you think you’re going to get a last-minute hotel room in the summer, forget it. That being said, there are several options for camping, so it doesn’t have to cost much to spend a few days on the island while you’re enjoying the festival.

The most basic option is to do what festival-crazed teenagers have been doing for years, which is pack your own tent. The TMF campsite is located next to the festival arena and has toilet and shower facilities along with fresh water supplies, and it’s reasonably priced. I suggest checking the TMF website for an updated list of prices, but expect to pay around £80 for a pitch.

Alternatively, you can bring a camper van with you and park it on a pitch with an electric hookup, or you can push the boat out and book a glamping tent in a secluded location overlooking the sea near the main area.

These tents are very impressive and come with lights, bedding, toilets, and showers, and they’re already set up for you, but they also come at a price – around £400 for 4 people.

Things to Do

Experience Live Music Performances: The Tiree Music Festival is a haven for music lovers. With a lineup featuring some of the biggest names in Scottish music, you can enjoy a variety of genres, from folk to rock to traditional Gaelic tunes.

Participate in Workshops: The festival offers a range of interactive workshops, from Gaelic singing to traditional instruments. Learn new skills and meet like-minded people at events that are suitable for all ages.

Indulge in Local Cuisine: Scottish food and drink is a major highlight of the Tiree Music Festival. Local vendors set up stalls offering delicious traditional dishes as well as Scottish-made beers and spirits (I recommend trying a Tiree gin cocktail or two!). The TMF is a culinary adventure that shouldn’t be missed.

Explore the Beautiful Island: Tiree, known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’, is an island of stunning natural beauty. During the festival, you can take time to explore its white sandy beaches and swim in its crystal-clear waters.

Enjoy the Nightlife: The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. The festival site becomes a hub of activity at night with a bustling beer tent, impromptu jam sessions, and late-night DJ sets. Dance the night away under the stars and fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves.

Frequently Asked Questions

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