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Article published 13/05/2025

The countdown is officially on for The Gathering Festival, returning to its home at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness on Saturday 24 May 2025.

Now firmly established as a must-attend date on Scotland’s cultural calendar, this one-day festival brings together the very best of Scottish and Highland music, craft, food and drink, and community spirit in a spectacular setting on the banks of the River Ness.

The Gathering will mark the first event at the Northern Meeting Park after it closed for extensive renovations at the end of 2023.

Whether you're a local, a returning fan, or a visitor looking to experience a taste of the Highlands at their very best, The Gathering 2025 is not to be missed. 

A festival-goer enjoying the Gathering 2024. © Paul Campbell

The 2025 music lineup is stronger than ever, blending tradition with modern flair. Festivalgoers can look forward to electric live sets from some of the finest traditional musicians in Scotland across the festival’s two stages, including:

  • the multi-award winning Celtic band Skipinnish
  • the global phenomenon Red Hot Chilli Pipers
  • one of the Highlands most-loved Scottish folk rock bands Torridon
  • the award-winning all female ensemble Kinnaris Quintet
  • MG alba Scots Trad Music winner Calum Macphail
  • former BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year award winners, Claire Haistings (2015) & Ruairidh Greay (2024)

While music fills the air, the festival’s craft food and drink offering will be a feast for the senses.

Expect the finest produce from across the Highlands and Islands, where everything is sourced with care and bursting with Scottish flavour, including:

  • artisanal spirits and organic craft beer from Black Isle Brewery
  • Scottish Cider from Thistly Cross
  • gourmet Highland fare from the Highlands best street food traders

Families and visitors of all ages can also enjoy craft stalls, come try traditional music sessions, mini Highland games, and much more in a fun, safe, and welcoming atmosphere.

We are proud to support The Gathering Festival as part of EventScotland’s National Events Funding Programme.

It’s a vibrant festival where community and celebration come together and connect through Scottish music and Highland culture.

It’s great to see so many award-winning acts and well-known bands form the line up for this year’s festival.

Local and further afield music fans will be in for a real treat.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

Each year, we try to raise the bar, and 2025 is shaping up to be our biggest and best Gathering yet.

From legendary names to new rising stars, and the unbeatable quality of our local food and drink partners, we’re proud to put the Highlands on the festival map.

Claire Clark, The Gathering Festival

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