Perthshire music festivals

Perthshire has long been at the heart of the country’s music. It was here that traditional Scottish fiddle music first took root and today the region is home to an eclectic music scene of every possible genre.

In July, Perthshire hosts T in the Park, Scotland’s largest music festival, which always boasts a dazzling line-up of top rock and indie acts and attracts sell-out crowds every year. Join thousands of music fans from across the UK in Balado Park for an unforgettable three days of fantastic music performed across seven stages.

In autumn you can hear local and international musicians perform in inspiring settings across the region at the Perthshire Amber Festival. Founded by acclaimed singer-songwriter Dougie McLean in 2005, this unique festival has featured venues as diverse as the splendid Blair Castle and a recreated Iron-Age crannog on the banks of Loch Tay. 

One of the region’s oldest festivals is the Perth Festival of the Arts, an 11 day musical extravaganza that in recent years has seen appearances by big name artists including Van Morrison, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Bryn Terfel, and Nicola Benedetti.

Another highlight in Perthshire’s musical calendar is the Guildtown Bluegrass Music Festival. For the last 25 years, this idyllic village has showcased top country music bands from across the UK, Europe and the United States, and continues to draw a growing audience.

Enjoy an evening’s entertainment at Perth Theatre, one of Scotland’s oldest and most successful repertory theatres. The beautiful Edwardian auditorium seats 450 spectators and is a popular stop for touring artists. The Studio theatre hosts more intimate gigs and you can usually catch singer-songwriters, comedians, and jazz and folks acts performing at Redrooms, the theatre’s stylish café and bar.

Another of the city’s impressive venues is the modern Perth Concert Hall. This beautifully designed building with its glass-fronted foyer and copper-domed roof offers a year-round programme of music concerts, dance and comedy.

Whatever your preference, you’ll find plenty of venues and festivals in Perthshire that cater to a diverse array of musical tastes.