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.

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

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

Kenny Anderson’s DIY pop alter-ego King Creosote has been a singular force in Scottish music since the mid-to-late 1990s. With well over 100 releases to his name, his songs have been covered and performed by artists including Simple Minds and Patti Smith.

Many of Anderson’s LPs, EPs and CDRs were self-released through his homegrown Fife label, Fence, alongside releases with Warner and Domino Records. His acclaimed work includes Kenny and Beth’s Musakal Boat Rides, the Mercury Prize-shortlisted collaboration with Jon Hopkins, Diamond Mine, and From Scotland With Love, the soundtrack to the award-winning film of the same name.

His latest King Creosote album, I, Des, continues his habit of revisiting fragments, lyrics and homemade recordings, weaving them into songs that explore mortality, love, rough seas, moonlit skies and the East Neuk of Fife. Co-produced with multi-instrumentalist Derek O’Neill, the record reflects Anderson’s long-standing love of collaboration, from The Fence Collective to The Burns Unit.

Whether performing in major concert halls or intimate Fife venues, King Creosote remains unmistakable: a restless, inventive songwriter with a singular voice and a catalogue of beautifully idiosyncratic songs rooted in the key of Fife.

Plus - Alex Cornish

Alex Cornish is a singer-songwriter from Dunbar in Scotland and has released nine albums to date. He also writes music to picture.

“Etheral singer songwriting” said the Telegraph and “a beautiful album that has Mercury Prize shortlist written all of it” said The Sunday Times.

His songs have featured in shows like The Big C and Private Practice and in the films 'Solstice' and 'Fireflies in the Garden'.

Schedule

18:00 - Doors open

19:00 - Alex Cornish

20:00 - King Creosote

21:45 - Show ends

Tickets: Early bird £27.50, Standard £32.50, On the door £36

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.

A chance to see some of East Lothian’s fresh young talent.

Come along to the Legion club between 12 and 4pm to enjoy performances from 8 of ELJam’s (East Lothian Youth Music Forum) most promising young acts.

• Cat & Orla

• First Strike

• Rhyan Clark

• OFF GRID

• Elsie & Erin

• Hazed

• Struan Cottee

• The Reivers

Event supported by East Lothian Youth Music Forum

Thanks to The Space for their support for this event.

Saturday 26 September 2026, Dunbar Parish Hall

The Countess of Fife is the alt-country outfit led by the unmistakable Fay Fife, best known as the iconic frontwoman of Scottish punk and post-punk favourites The Rezillos and The Revillos. Beginning life in 2016 as a songwriting project, The Countess of Fife has grown into a richly atmospheric band rooted in country, punk, gospel and vintage rock ’n’ roll.

With Fay on vocals and keys, the band brings together some of Scotland’s finest musicians, including Stuart Nisbett on guitar, Al Gare on double bass, Willy Molleson on drums and Kirsten Adamson on backing vocals and guitar. Their sound has been described as everything from “a Celtic Ronnie Spector” to an unholy meeting of The Cramps and Johnny Cash — dark, twanging, soulful and full of character.

Their debut album, Star of the Sea, released through Last Night From Glasgow, was warmly received, reaching the UK and Scottish album charts and selling out its initial vinyl runs. The band’s second album, New Phone New Car New Man, continues the story, bringing together Fay’s gritty, melodic songwriting with a cast of formidable collaborators and a sound recorded in the wilds of Scotland.

Live, The Countess of Fife are vivid, charismatic and full of swagger: a band with punk spirit, country soul and a frontwoman who knows exactly how to hold a room. Expect songs of love, survival, reinvention and restless motion, delivered with style, wit and no shortage of bite.

Martin Metcalfe (support)

Martin Metcalfe has been at the forefront of the Scottish music scene since the early 1980s, firstly through Goodbye Mr MacKenzie and latterly through The Filthy Tongues as well as a number of other bands and projects in between.

Image credit: Billy Watson

Schedule

12:00 - Doors Open

12:30 - Martin Metcalfe (support)

13:30 - The Countess of Fife

15:00 - Show ends

Tickets: Early bird £12.50, Standard £17.50, On the door £22

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.

1 - 1:30 pm  - Eileen Hunter - will kick off this year's jazz afternoon before introducing the renowned jazz and blues pianist Tim Richards.

Tim Richards (with Tom Lyne on Double Bass and Tom Bancroft on drums)

Jazz pianist and composer Tim Richards first came to national attention when he formed the modern jazz group SPIRIT LEVEL in 1979, a band that toured in almost every European country, playing alongside names such as Joe Henderson, Miles Davis, and Horace Silver.
Read more >

1:35 - 1:45 pm  - Boroughmuir High School Jazz Vocal Group
This group of nine young singers have been singing together for the last two years, and we are so pleased they are coming to perform a couple of numbers!

2:05 - 3:05 pm - The Kevin MacKenzie trio
(Kevin MacKenzie - guitar with Tom Lyne on double bass, Tom Bancroft on drums)

Kevin Mackenzie lives in Scotland and has built a career in Jazz, Scottish Traditional Music and as a session guitarist.
Read more >

3:35 - 4 pm - The Perla Brookes Quintet (youth ensemble)

Perla has been a featured singer with the Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra and the Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble for the last few years to great acclaim.

Read more >

Jazz pianist and composer Tim Richards first came to national attention when he formed the modern jazz group SPIRIT LEVEL in 1979, a band which toured in almost every European country, playing opposite names such as Joe Henderson, Miles Davis and Horace Silver. In 1999 the band expanded into the nine-piece GREAT SPIRIT, performing and recording with some of London’s best jazz musicians such as Pete King, Dick Pearce, Tony Kofi and Ed Jones. A few years later this transformed into the six-piece HEXTET, whose 2015 album ‘Telegraph Hill’ was described in The Observer as “A joy from beginning to end”.

Tim recently released his fourth TRIO album ‘Four Aces’, selected on the Jazzviews website as “One of the best albums of 2025”. He is also well-known as one of Britain’s most experienced jazz educators, and the author of eight books including ‘Improvising Blues Piano’, published by Schott Music in 1997 to universal acclaim. Blues is a subject close to his heart, and he has also played, toured and recorded with award-winning British blues musicians Otis Grand and Dana Gillespie and US guitarists Larry Garner and Joe Louis Walker.

“Exuberantly swinging… gospel-tinged bop, freshly served.” JAZZWISE Magazine

Tim will be accompanied by Tom Lyne on Double Bass and Tom Bancroft on drums

Tom Lyne

Tom is a leading figure on the Scottish jazz scene with an impressively diverse portfolio featuring double and electric bass, studio production and sound design, and composition and arrangement. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Lyne, who played violin at the age of three and went on to study double bass at McGill University in Montreal, has been living in Scotland since 1998.

He has played with the country’s leading jazz artists such as Dave Milligan, Brian Kellock, Tom Bancroft and Kevin MacKenzie. Lyne’s new solo album ‘Well Mixed Blue’ is a celebration of his longstanding musical partnership with pianist Dave Milligan, which is built on the strong, intuitive chemistry between the two men as well as their strengths as individuals.

Tom Bancroft

Tom Bancroft is a drummer, bodhran player, composer and educator who has played with musicians ranging from Sun Ra, Bill Wells & Martyn Bennett to Geri Allen and the Playtime collective, which has played live for 12 years in a venue in Edinburgh. Playtime also makes podcasts about the Scottish scene and streams video concerts online.

Tom composes for and leads the occasional big band Orchestra Interrupto, In Common - merging Indian and Scottish music and the group Motion and Me with his twin brother and three leading young musicians from the Scottish Scene. Tom is a jazz musician who has extensive experience of working with musicians from other traditions and cultures, including Scottish and Irish traditional music, and traditional and creative musicians from India, Ghana, Vietnam and Taiwan. 

Tom used to run the record label Caber Music,which released 40 albums of Scottish Jazz between 1999 and 2004, and now runs ABC Creative Music with his twin brother Phil, developing creative music education resources for schools. He is drum tutor at Edinburgh Napier University and plays the bodhran in a unique way!

Tom has recently finished a PhD on improvisation, creativity and pedagogy.

This performance is part of Eileen Hunter’s Jazz Afternoon at The Harbour Chapel.

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

This event will be ticketed due to limited capacity, and access control requirements to enter the Belhaven Brewery site. Ticket price will include a drink on arrival.

TIcket sales will begin early September.

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.

A jazzy, funky take on classic Brazilian rhythms, Dias combine Latin American folk talents with a tight Scottish rhythm section to produce an exciting blend, full of dance, groove and ambient sounds.

With added colour from instruments such as the berimbau, conch shell and cuica the Dias take on samba and bossa beats brings a whole new dimension to Brasilica sounds.

The Kevin MacKenzie Trio is Kevin MacKenzie - guitar with Tom Lyne on double bass, Tom Bancroft on drums

Kevin Mackenzie lives in Scotland and has built a career in Jazz, Scottish Traditional Music and as a session guitarist.

His own projects have included Kevin Mackenzie’s Vital Signs, the Kevin Mackenzie Quartet and Trio, Swirler, Trio AAB, Cool Groove,Kevin Mackenzie’s Cyber Jazz and PRIME. Some musicians that have been involved in these groups include Ari Hoenig, Julian Arguelles, Loren Stillman, Donny McCaslin, Ben Perowsky, Boris Kozlov, Martin France and many others.

Kevin released ‘Another New Horizon’ in 2004 that featured some of Scotland’s leading Folk and Jazz talents. The CD received a good response from reviewers including CD of the week in the Guardian and CD of the Month in the Observer.  

He teaches guitar privately as well as being a regular tutor at the Tolbooth in Stirling is part of the faculty at the Royal Conservatoire Jazz department and the Traditional Music department.

“an international-class jazz player” The Herald

"a conspicuously inventive soloist." the Scotsman

“Mackenzie demonstrates a composer's ear and vision that equals his improvising skills” The Guardian

“..an excellent example of what's going on north of the border” The Observer

“a perfect contribution that completes an urbane study in measured jazz improv.” Garry Booth BBC Music Magazine

This performance is part of Eileen Hunter’s Jazz Afternoon at The Harbour Chapel.

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.

Perla has been a featured singer with the Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra and the Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble for the last few years to great acclaim, performing many times at the Usher Hall and the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

We are delighted to welcome her here to the Harbour Chapel with her band before she begins her studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) on the jazz course.

She will be performing with fellow members of the jazz orchestra - Alfie Primrose on piano, Jacob Swaffer on saxophone, Luca Colagiacoma on double bass and Carrick Lindsay on drums.

This performance is part of Eileen Hunter’s Jazz Afternoon at The Harbour Chapel.

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.

Dougie is the songwriter and leader of “Dougie Burns & The Cadillacs” and has toured with Seasick Steve as well as supporting many artists including Albert Lee, Iain McNabb, Nine Below Zero, Dona Oxford and many others.

Dougie hosts a very successful  monthly acoustic music gathering in Inverness which he has been running for over 10 years. This acoustic music gathering attracts guests locally and from all over the world.

Dougie is accompanied by the lead guitarist from the Cadillacs Sye Murray. Sye is an accomplished slide guitar and Dobro player. He has played with several North East Scotland bands such as , The Binsness Blues Boys, Mamas Brand New Bag and The Buck Band to name a few. Lovers of Blues and Rock n Roll shouldn’t miss this session

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.

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.

Saturday 26 September 2026, Dunbar Parish Hall

Known for her fearless storytelling, raw emotional depth, and unflinching honesty, Kathryn Joseph has made a lasting mark on contemporary music. A relentless pursuit of truth runs through each of her albums, from the devastating beauty of bones you have thrown me and blood i’ve spilled (2015), which won the Scottish Album of the Year Award, to the grief-stricken intensity of from when i wake the want is (2018), and the haunting for you who are the wronged (2022), a powerful reckoning with abuse in all its forms.

Kathryn’s most recent album WE WERE MADE PREY was released onRock Action Records. Recorded in the remote Black Bay Studio on the Isle of Lewis, the album explores the collision of want and loss, self-fulfillment and shame, embracing a newfound intensity—bigger, angrier, and full of want.

Joining forces with Lomond Campbell, Kathryn’s delicate yet visceral sound continues to evolve, seamlessly blending intimate, unfiltered lyrics with rich, atmospheric layers of piano, keyboards, and electronic elements. Their long-standing collaboration has been instrumental in pushing her music into darker, more experimental territory, amplifying the raw emotional power at its core.

Reflecting on the album’s transformation in the studio, she says, “The songs were angry, but in a small way. Until Lomond added all this beautiful noise, and suddenly they were angry in a much bigger way, in an exciting way, and so full of want.”

Image credit: Marilena Vlachopoulou

Plus - Lomond Campbell

Lomond Campbell is a Scottish musician, producer, composer and artist whose work moves between songcraft, electronics, invention and visual art. Based at his Highland studio, The Lengths, he creates music using modular synths, piano, voice and self-built instruments, bringing a distinctive experimental edge to everything he does.

A long-time collaborator of Kathryn Joseph, Lomond produced her acclaimed albums for you who are the wronged and WE WERE MADE PREY, helping shape the darker, more electronic textures of her recent work. His live performances are intimate, inventive and quietly immersive.

Schedule

18:00 - Doors open

19:00 - Lomond Campbell (support)

20:00 - Kathryn Joseph & Lomond Campbell

21:45 - Show ends

Tickets: Early bird £27.50, Standard £32.50, On the door £36

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.

The Quiet Fire (Duo) - Cameron Wynn and Colm Charles Gray bring the stripped-back heart of The Quiet Fire to Dunbar Music Festival for their debut appearance.

Blending two distinctive voices in close harmony, the duo perform a carefully chosen mix of original songs, traditional folk material and well-loved covers, drawing from Irish, British and American folk, Americana and country traditions.

Colm’s rhythmic acoustic guitar provides the foundation for Cameron’s expressive lead guitar and harmonica, with lively instrumental breaks woven throughout.

Expect songs with stories and soul, warm harmonies, and an intimate sound that feels both familiar and fresh.

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.

"This Place You Call Your Home”, the new album from Scottish roots folk/Americana trio Paper Sparrows, is out now on Folksville Records. The follow up to 2023 debut “Hiding Away From the Light” retains the ‘rich songwriting craft’ (Shindig! Magazine) and distinctive twin-acoustic guitar style that won them plaudits on the folk festival circuit (“Highly recommended” - Celtic Connections Festival).

The new album captures their close-knit sound as road-worn live performers, but is also elevated by cameos from fiddle player Pepita Emmerichs (Oh Pep!, Rain of Animals, Wayward Jane) and Graham Coe (Jellyman’s Daughter). The album firmly captures on record the three-part vocal harmony sound that has become so popular in their live sets, adding a delicate power to the quieter moments on the album and an uplifting joy to the singalong choruses.

Their 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).

Lead single ‘Wait For Me’ sends a simple message of truth and compassion in the face of hardship and struggle and has proved to be memorable with audiences and a catalyst for communal singing. The follow up, title track “This Place You Call Your Home” shows you the climate crisis through the medium of a breakup letter from planet Earth to humanity. Album opener “Everybody Wants To Be Your Friend” is a cynical but witty toe-tapper about the pitfalls of insincerity, that the band have wryly described as a ‘ragtime Bond theme’.

The band have travelled far and wide, taking in the world famous Cambridge Folk Festival and Celtic Connections as well as Folk East, Ely Folk Festival, Glasgow Americana, Edinburgh Fringe and the Assembly Festival to name but a few. They’ve also opened for The Unthanks, The Shee, Often Herd and Seth Lakeman this summer as well as collaborating with Kris Drever, Katherine Priddy and Rod Clements through their live music club.

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 outfit Sarah/Shaun have wooed hearts and wowed critics with a steady run of EPs: It’s True What They Say? (April '24), Someone’s Ghost (April '25) and In Silence Love Speaks Loudest (Jan '26), the latter completing the triptych which is altogether titled Visit Through The Heavy Static.

These releases (each featuring four songs: 12 in total) have garnered a sizeable list of plaudits/support from some very established names: David Holmes, Youth, Nemone and Don Letts at BBC 6Music, Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart and Nicola Meighan 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.

“For a band that’s relatively unknown, they hold the crowd throughout, evoking contrasting comparisons with Goldfrapp and Beach House” - Snack Mag (reviewing Fringe By The Sea live show, Aug ‘26)

"The Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra of synthesized dream-pop... like a space-chartered St. Etienne" - Monolith Cocktail

"A mellow musical light in the darkness. Terrific woozy dream pop" - Ian Rankin

Featured in Vic Galloway's 25 Scottish Artists To Watch in 2026 (BBC Radio Scotland website)

"F*cking lush" - Nadine Shah

"Beautiful sound" - Iain Cook (Chvrches)

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.

East Lothian Youth Music Forum (ELJam) presents 3 of the best youth acts for your listening delights.

24KMaxxy is an up and coming song writer, rapper and singer who already has his own originals streaming on major platforms.

Black Diamonds are ELJam’s Battle of the Bands prize winners for 2026.

Lizzie & The Underground Lizzard Colony are a newly formed band from Dunbar Grammar school made up of extremely talented musicians that have been on the Dunbar scene for a number of years and are sure to bring excitement and energy to the stage.

Event supported by East Lothian Youth Music Forum

Thanks to The Space for their support for this event.

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.

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!

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”. 

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.

Join some of the best ELJam acoustic acts for a chilled out Sunday afternoon session at the Dolphin hotel.

This is a chance to relax and unwind at the end of a busy festival. Come and support these rising stars as they play a more intimate open mic style gig.

• Cat & Orla

• Anwen & ELyn

• Charlie Dawson

• Jessica Magpie

• Lizzie

Event supported by East Lothian Youth Music Forum

Thanks to The Space for their support for this event.

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.

Fresh from a packed summer of music and beer festival events, this imaginative four-piece will be sprinkling their own brand of Bluegrass dust on classic tunes by artists such as Doctor Dre, Britney Spears and Panjabi MC.

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.

Join Euan, Iain and Andrew for an evening of stories and dancing.

A traditional ceilidh with plenty of craic. Sing and clap along, or test your feet with a dance or two.

A session for the whole family to dance the night away. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

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

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!