Join Mark and his Ukulele Band for some familiar tunes, and maybe join in for a bit of a sing-along too!

Trad-tunes, original folk songs, lyrics about the pub, the sea, and the end of the world. You'll get all this and more from Dunbar-locals The Battery Band.

Formed out of the world-famous Volunteer Arms open folk session, expect whistles, fiddle, surprising covers, top-tier tunes and mid-tier banter all from Dunbar's newest folk collective.

Over several decades, with regular forays elsewhere throughout the UK and Europe, Malcolm has established himself as a stalwart of the Scottish music scene.

His beautiful compositions and playing appearing across multiple diverse projects - be it jazz, folk, classical, electronic, film music or theatre.

His current solo project brings these interests together in a beautiful album: https://malcolmmacfarlane.bandcamp.com/album/alone

Born in Scotland of Welsh parents, Elinor is a hybrid of two Celtic cultures. She has won the prestigious Trophée Camac de Harpe Celtique in Lorient, Brittany and the Princess Margaret of the Isles Senior Clarsach competition in Armadale Castle, Skye.

Elinor has appeared at many festivals over the years, including the World Harp Congress and Edinburgh International Harp Festival among others. She has released a CD and an EP showcasing her distinctive style and featuring her own compositions alongside sensitive arrangements of traditional pieces.

As well as a keen performer Elinor is a keen composer, she has many pieces in the ABRSM and Trinity Exam syllabus.

Fearr Marra are a covers band blending memorable melodies with toe-tapping sounds.

Featuring experienced musicians, who love engaging a crowd, we bring you energy, great tunes and a fun live event.

Roy, a Dunbar Music Festival mainstay as a solo performer, joins company with Fuel Crisis, a dynamic alternative rock band hailing from South West London to deliver an upbeat selection of psych-pop tunes demonstrating why he's been described by Marc Riley (The Fall/BBC 6Music) as "Scotland's best-kept secret".

Dunbar's very own King of the Open Mic will lead our session. Expect a wide range of local talent stepping up for a song or two, often backed by Wes' wonderful guitar.

If you've got a song to share, or just fancy a laid-back afternoon of unrehearsed delights, this is for you.

Edinburgh based five piece guitar band playing original music to your liking. Indie, power-pop, garage, blues.

The band are made up from guys hailing from Scotland, Poland and Australia which brings a diverse musical mix.

"Bringing a no-nonsense maturity to the Scottish Indie Scene."

Morag and Lewis play a rich repertoire of compositions and arrangements of traditional music from Scotland, Europe and beyond. Lewis performs with accordion, guitar and cittern and Morag plays fiddle and five-string fiddle. Their shared intuition and love of spontaneity allows them to freely move between melody, harmony and improvisation.

In addition to their work on the Scottish music scene, both musicians have performed extensively with bands playing music from the Balkans and Greece, and have pursued these musical interests in depth over the years. In one moment their music might be heard to draw deeply on their Scottish and Celtic heritage, the next to slip into a sound which is altogether eclectic. Together, they speak their music with one voice.

The pair’s debut album Auld Springs New was launched in 2024 to great acclaim, and has featured as Celtic Music Radio’s Album of the Week, the Traditional Music and Song Association's album of the month. on BBC Radio Scotland and in The Guardian.

Rab Armour is a well established Singer Songwriter with exceptional guitar skills utilising acoustic guitar open and standard tunings.

He has written material for a wide range of Lanarkshire Songwriter CDs and concerts, with several concerts and new CDs planned for 2026.

Previously he has appeared at Biggar Little Festival, Dunbar Music Festival as a solo performer and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Donaushenengen Music Festival as part of other musical projects.

Expect a chilled reflective gig with original material, innovative and stimulating material and excellent musicianship!

This guitar duo will entertain you with their sweet country blues sound and gentle harmonies.

Dunbar's weirdest and best folk-tonic fusion party band, fresh from representing Scotland at the 2025 Rudolstadt Festival and named by Vic Galloway as 'one to watch' in 2026.

Our last Dunbar gig sold out, so be sure to get down early for this!

East Lothian's 19th favourite Americana covers band, MacFunkel, took a wrong turn after Simon & Garfunkel and never looked back.

Swapping earnest folk for country twang, soulful singalongs and dancefloor fillers, they serve up murder ballads, classic anthems and just enough harmony to hold it all together.

Born in the last-chance saloons of Downtown Dunbar, the four-piece pair tight musicianship with spectacularly poor judgement.

Expect big tunes, bigger banter, and a night you'll probably remember - whether you want to or not.

East Coast Vibes play a lovely mix of traditional folk music mainly from Scottish composers.

They are part of a larger music group that practice regularly in Gullane that play for local ceilidhs, day-care centres and other events such as Burns Suppers.

Lone Bear (Brazil) revives the Early Blues and Country Ragtime music on his old resonator guitar, blues harp and kazoo.

His repertoire includes classics ranging from the '20s to the '60s as well as his own compositions, which showcase his unique fingerpicking and bottleneck slide technique.

Met.Office have been playing Cool Jazz for 3 years.

Based near The Borders, we have played at the last 3 Berwick and Horncliffe Festivals.

This will be our third appearance at the Dunbar festival.

Dunbar favourites Rollin’ Sky are back to play a mix of Americana, Rock ’n’ Roll, Blues, Folk and some original songs too.

Inspired by a range of genres, Nico draws on the musical styles he loves most, bringing his own original twist to established favourites. The blues, which have always fascinated him, go hand in hand with rock, pop and folk. His original compositions and innovative arrangements will surprise listeners with interwoven, overlying melodies, made possible by the combination of fingerpicking and flat picking techniques.

A classically trained and highly regarded acoustic guitar player for over 15 years, in 2016 Nico G chose to embark on a new challenge and began his current solo project, creating and sharing his unique finger-picking playing style with audiences worldwide.

After the release of a first album, recorded in collaboration with Italian guitarist Paolo Loveri in 2015, Nico G released his debut solo Acoustic Guitar EP in 2016, followed by The Road Book EP in 2018. Since this time Nico has played extensively throughout Europe and in Scotland, winning a ‘Danny’ at the Danny Kyle Open Stage Competition at Celtic Connections in January 2020.

Dundee based Andrew is a singer and guitarist focused on an honest performance.

Each set is built round strong vocals, a well-worn acoustic guitar, and a direct connection with the audience

Jack is a Dunbar-based solo performer, playing upbeat songs and classics - an act that will have a crowd singing and dancing along.

The Spoken Bond - A father/daughter duo featuring the amazing Heather on guitar, vocals and keyboard supported by dad on guitar and adding extra vocals.

The music choice is varied and consists of music loved by both of them.

Blues Matters Magazine wrote in 2025:

"The Best Dressed Blues Band is in increasing demand at festivals.
Their sound - a potent mix of blistering lead guitar, soulful slide, and wailing harmonica - channels the raw, unpolished energy of early electric blues."

Isaac Charlton is a Yorkshire born songwriter living on the East Coast of Scotland.

Completely self taught, he's played the Guitar and written songs since the age of 14.

Dealing with themes of anxiety, love loss and alienation, he's found his place in not knowing his place.

Barnstorm is a local 4-piece Folk band from Dunbar.

We have been performing for over 10 years in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Berwick and enjoy nothing more than performing in front of a lively foot-tapping audience.

A four piece band rock band from East Lothian and Edinburgh, Fired! are not your usual covers outfit.

Who else would mix ZZ Top, Steely Dan and Georgie Fame with Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder and the Monkees??

Bring your dancing shoes, put your beers down for a bit, and boogie on down with Fired!

Cairnsie (Melissa & Graham Cairns) are delighted to be back at DMF.

Ear catching blend of daughter & dad harmonies coupled with guitar, mandolin & banjo playing a surprising blend of original songs and eclectic covers from their wide array of influences across alt-acoustic, folk and country.

Come and have some craic with Cairnsie.

GOGS sing well known Folk, Sea songs & Shanties and Americana in three part harmony.

They love the audience to participate and sing along.

Firefly Fortyfive have performed in and around Dunbar for about fifteen years, sometimes as a full band, sometimes a stripped back trio.

They play their own mellow, modern folk and often borrow the songs of artists such as Sandy Denny, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, Tim Buckley, Gene Clark and CSNY... sometimes even a hint of Jethro Tull.

Terence hails from the central belts Falkirk but has made his home within the magic and beauty of Scotland's east coast.

Raised on the classics of the 60s and 70s and later finding a deep love for the roots of folk, country and blues he has nurtured a simplistic and raw sound comprising all the hardships and beauty that the trials and tribulations of life provides.

Formed in 2020, Jody & The Jerms have played 122 shows and festivals across the UK and Europe, with 4 album releases along the way.

Helped by much radio play from the likes of Frank Skinner (Absolute), Janice Long (BBC Wales), John Kennedy (Radio X) and Amy Lame and Mark Radcliffe on BBC 6 Music, the band can pull a crowd wherever they play. Live, the sextet are as comfortable on the big stages like Boardmasters Festival (2025), as they are at sold out grassroots venue shows at The Jericho Tavern, Oxford, or Star & Garter in Manchester.

The Waxing Quarter mine the depths of human emotion to find enlightenment, optimism and closure.

Thematically, the music draws inspiration from the world it inhabits, and the people (including ghosts) caught up in its orbit.

The result is an epic and unforgettable journey into the joy and pain of love, heartbreak and healing; the loss of what we never really had; the dream of what could have been; the acceptance and celebration of what is and what could still be - if we want it enough.

Roots folk/Americana trio Paper Sparrows are described as "highly recommended" by the international festival Celtic Connections, and as "folk legends" by the Assembly Festival following their debut album, to which "the epithet ‘debut album’ belies the depth of skill and experience hidden behind the members of the band" (RnR Magazine).

The band represented Scotland at the last Cambridge Folk Festival, having been hand picked by the programming manager for the Scottish Music Strand. Other highlights from the band's festival circuit experience include Celtic Connections; Folk East; Ely Folk Festival; Glasgow Americana; Fringe Festival; Assembly Festival - amongst others - as well as Scottish and English tours.

The band's sound centres on their distinctive twin-acoustic guitar style, finger-picking, harmonies and double bass. Arrangements draw upon British and American 60s folk-revivalists (Dylan, Donovan, Jansch, Drever, Milk Carton Kids, Rawlings). This summer (June/July 2026) sees the release of the follow up to debut album "Hiding Away From The Light" (Folksville Records).

Inspired by a range of genres, Nico draws on the musical styles he loves most, bringing his own original twist to established favourites. The blues, which have always fascinated him, go hand in hand with rock, pop and folk. His original compositions and innovative arrangements will surprise listeners with interwoven, overlying melodies, made possible by the combination of fingerpicking and flat picking techniques.

A classically trained and highly regarded acoustic guitar player for over 15 years, in 2016 Nico G chose to embark on a new challenge and began his current solo project, creating and sharing his unique finger-picking playing style with audiences worldwide. After the release of a first album, recorded in collaboration with Italian guitarist Paolo Loveri in 2015, Nico G released his debut solo Acoustic Guitar EP in 2016, followed by The Road Book EP in 2018. Since this time Nico has played extensively throughout Europe and in Scotland, winning a ‘Danny’ at the Danny Kyle Open Stage Competition at Celtic Connections in January 2020.

Vibrant Rebels are a high-energy genre-fusion band blending ska, funk, hip-hop and pop into an infectious live experience.

Fronted by a dynamic rapper/vocalist and soulful female singer, the band is driven by deep rhythmic bass, tight grooves, and bold brass lines.

Their uplifting sound is impactful and fills dance-floors. Built for festival crowds, Vibrant Rebels bring colour, movement, and undeniable vibes to every stage they hit.

Alan Gray is an independent singer-songwriter and musician based in Dunbar. He produces and releases his own music, blending elements of alternative, indie, punk and DIY folk with reflective and often socially informed lyrics.

His work tends to explore personal and cultural themes with a raw, authentic voice that reflects life in Scotland and beyond.

He has supported acts such as Idlewild, Fatherson and New Model Army.

Popular tunes that will have you tapping your feet, singing along and dancing.

Cover songs from The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and ABBA, all the way to Sam Fender and George Esra.

Future Player are an alternative rock 6-piece band. Based in East Lothian and Edinburgh, they write and perform original songs drawing on a wide range of musical influences.

The band consists of Callum Maguire (vocals), Murray Briggs (drums), Jon Thompson (bass guitar), Nick Aldridge (piano) and Neil Gill and Jon Welsh (guitars).

Edinburgh’s husband-and-wife dream pop duo, Sarah/Shaun, alias Sarah and Shaun McLachlan wooed hearts and wowed critics with debut EP It’s True What They Say? last year plus follow-up EP Someone’s Ghost in April of this year. In Silence Love Speaks Loudest completes a triptych of EPs (titled Visit Through The Heavy Static) released by the band, who expect to release a full album late '26.

The first two EPs garnered a sizeable list of plaudits from some very established names: David Holmes, Youth, Nemone at BBC 6Music, Sean Johnston, Vic Galloway & Roddy Hart at BBC Radio Scotland, The Skinny, The List, The Scotsman, Jim Sclavunos (Bad Seeds), Simone Butler (Primal Scream), the Monolith Cocktail & Ban Ban Ton Ton blogs, the Ravechild podcast and more.

They’ve played gigs supporting French legends Air, Glaswegian 80s pop legends The Bluebells (who invited Sarah/Shaun to join them on a string of Scottish tour dates in 2024), Glasgow's huge Glasvegas, a slew of venues across Glasgow and Edinburgh, not to mention the festivals: Kelburn Garden Party, Fringe By The Sea, Kendall Calling, Dunbar Music Festival, Hidden Door.

Cecily’s melodic vocals deliver rock, pop and country covers in a way you have never heard before, often creating haunting earworms from well known arrangements.

Dunbar's regular meet up of traditional musicians come together for an extended session especially for the Festival.

Expect an array of mainly Scots and Irish tunes, with a hint of bluegrass and occasional folk song, from an eclectic range of musicians ably led by Barry Stalker.

If you're a traditional music player, bring your instrument and join in. Or just enjoy a drink or two and some fabulous music.

Dunbar Sings was established in 2008 by the inspirational Karen Deitz as a community choir and remains open to everyone in Dunbar and the surrounding area.

The group continue to sing folk, pop, Scottish, world music and much more with our wonderful current leader Polly Phillips.

Dunbar Sings have received several awards for our contribution to the community, including performing and fundraising in a variety of settings. The choir has worked closely with a number of well-respected choir leaders.

They are best known for their enthusiasm and heart.

Midnight Wild is an alt-folk duo, known for their "wonderful musicianship, great songwriting and gorgeous harmonies".

Comprising Douglas and Sarah, Midnight Wild crafts music that resonates with deep emotion, rich storytelling, and a warm, organic sound.  

They have now released their debut EP, “One More Thing” which has received airplay on Heartland FM, Camglen Radio, Stirling Community Radio and Celtic Music Radio.

Graeme Taite of Americana UK noted its “exquisite harmonies”, calling it “hauntingly atmospheric”. 

Hailing from East Lothian and Edinburgh, Aberlady Sessions are a 7-piece covers band playing all the big party tunes from the 70s and 80s through to current day bangers.

Definitely not to be missed!

Andrew has a passion for Scottish songs plays a wide range of traditional, and more modern folk music, accompanied by guitar and bodhran.

He's been a favourite of the Festival for years, performing in the past as part of the duo Johnstone and Gordon.

Tasmanian-born and now based in the North East, UK, Gambles is fast establishing himself as a formidable presence in the alt-rock scene, proving it every time he takes the stage.

Alternative rock artist and multi-instrumentalist Tim Gambles takes his inspiration from the contradictions of modern society. His music draws on influences from both the natural world and the industrial world, and how those two exist in conjunction. Both negative and positive aspects are touched upon in Gambles’ songwriting.

He’s able to convert any innocent bystander into a fan of his multifaceted sound. Which he did when supporting Vigilantes at Little Buildings in Newcastle, Sofar Sounds Newcastle, and supporting Juliet's Not Dead and Jamie Lee Harrison at The Cluny.

Born from a twenty-year musical partnership between frontman Callum Stewart and bassist Heather McKay, this Scottish quartet - rounded out by powerhouse drummer Hannah McKay and guitar wizard Phil Hopwood.

They deliver a high-octane blast of red-hot rockabilly, rock n' roll, country and surf. With a sharp 1950s aesthetic and authentic vintage gear, they've earned a reputation for sold-out shows and being "the best night out in the country."

Grab your dancing shoes; Peachy Keen and the Midnight Creepers will handle the rest.

Dunbar Voices Youth Choir – Roots and Wings

Dunbar Voices is delighted to be returning to Dunbar Music Festival with an uplifting selection of songs themed around Roots and Wings. We will explore ideas of freedom, diversity and hope, and showcase the energy, versatility and spirit of our young singers through a variety of musical styles.

Now in its 10th year, Dunbar Voices offers high-quality singing opportunities for children and young people from Primary 1 through to high school and beyond. Our four progressive groups, Little Voices, Junior Choir, Senior Choir and the Vocal Ensemble, provide a clear pathway for young people to develop their voices, musicianship and confidence.

Through expert vocal coaching and Kodály-based musicianship training, singers build listening, sight-singing and performance skills in a fun and welcoming environment. We sing everything from classical and folk music to musical theatre, pop and jazz. Alongside our in-house concerts and community events, our choirs have appeared at the Lammermuir Festival, Dunbar Music Festival and Edinburgh International Festival.

A high energy rock and blues band with bite, delivering popular covers and original songs.

Made up of a collective of local musicians who love performing live.

The 3 Mighty Joes create a uniquely full and original sound, utilising acoustic guitars, drums, very strong vocals and harmonies, alongside bespoke effect pedals.

They are well known for eclectic cover versions of many classics and have now incorporated their own songs into the mix.

The last few years they have played a wide range of festivals at home - Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Biggar Little Festival, and have played at 2 music festivals in the Black Forest Germany (2023, 2025), and have been invited back for July 2026.

Three Field Lines is a duo featuring Andrew J Brooks (bass saxophone, field recordings, effects) and Simon Holmes (euphonium, vocals, effects).

Their fully improvised performances blend live instruments with urban and natural field recordings, using reactive listening and electronic processing to create a unique, immersive soundscape each time.

Psychedelic jazz-rock meets the blues. Led by saxophonist Steve Kettley, OCH re-work the music of Captain Beefheart for the 21st Century.