A week of workshops, concerts, sessions and masterclasses on Lerwick's beautiful historic waterfront, Folk Frenzy 2023 will be curated by renowned Shetland fiddler, Kevin Henderson and will run from Sunday 6 - Friday 11 August 2023.

Kevin draws on the rich fiddle music tradition of his native Shetland, where he learnt from the legendary Willie Hunter, and on his experience with leading folk bands including Boys of the Lough, Fiddlers Bid, Session A9 and Nordic Fiddlers Bloc to create his own expressive and adventurously individual musical style. Kevin and his team of brilliant tutors will lead participants through an intensive and immersive week culminating in a celebratory concert on the Friday evening.

Lerwick is a busy harbour town with plenty of accommodation, places to eat and some classic live music venues. We advise booking travel and accommodation well ahead of time as the summer can get busy. Find some useful links to plan your trip here

Provisional Programme

Sunday Aug 2nd

16:00 - 18:00 - Registration

18:00 - 20:00 - Welcome concert with Soup and Bannocks

20:00 - Session in the bar

Monday Aug 3rd

10:00 - 11:00 - Classes

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Classes

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 - Classes

15:30 - 16:30 - Masterclass/Workshop

19:00 - 21:00 - Shetland Showcase concert

21:00 - Session in the bar

Tuesday Aug 4th

10:00 - 11:00 - Classes

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Classes

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 - Classes

15:30 - 16:30 - Masterclass/Workshop

17:00 - Trip to Bigton (South Mainland) for a meal in the hall followed by bonfire and tunes on the beach

22:00 - Session in the bar

Wednesday Aug 4th

10:00 - 11:00 - Classes

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Classes

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 - Classes

15:30 - 16:30 - Masterclass/Workshop

19:00 - 21:00 - Open Mic night

22:00 - Session in the bar

Thursday Aug 4th

10:00 - 11:00 - Classes

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Classes

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 - Classes

15:30 - 16:30 - Masterclass/Workshop

20:00 - 22:00 - Film Screening

22:00 - Session in the bar

Friday Aug 4th

10:00 - 11:00 - Classes

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Classes

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 21:30 - Trip to Eshaness (North Mainland) followed by gig in a country hall

22:00 - Session in the bar

Saturday Aug 4th

10:00 - 11:00 - Rehearsal

11:00 - 11:30 - Break

11:30 - 12:30 - Rehearsal

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - Soundchecks

19:00 - The Big Gig

22:00 - Session in the bar