Scottish beachfront festival Tiree Music Festival (TMF) has announced the first acts for its 2025 lineup, with Scottish talent in the form of local heroes Skipinnish and multi-award-winning songstress Julie Fowlis topping the bill.
The Inner Hebridean event will showcase just what put Tiree on the musical map and how the tiny island punches above its weight when it comes to producing world-class traditional music talent, as it rolls out the red carpet for a host of sensational homegrown acts celebrating significant milestones.
Skipinnish will be getting the Big Top bouncing with their iconic sound, magically blending nostalgia and innovation, as they celebrate 25 years of enthralling music, while Trail West will reflect on 15 years of sharing the best in West Coast traditions with loyal audiences.
Tiree legends Skerryvore – who are named after a lighthouse on the island – will celebrate 20 years at the forefront of Scotland’s music scene with their fourteenth performance at their home festival.
Elsewhere, Julie Fowlis has gained fans worldwide for her mesmerising vocals and her TMF 2025 performance sees her play at the festival for the first time in more than a decade. Forever recognised as the voice of Disney Pixar’s Brave theme song, Julie is deeply influenced by the Hebrides and has graced stages around the world, sharing her appreciation for Highland culture and Gaelic language.
Female indie folk fusion duo The Laurettes are also set to return to TMF, having won over Tiree crowds with their infectious energy and interactive sets since first playing a surprise set at the festival in 2019.
Genre-bending trio Talisk bring their impressive live show to the island, while Canadian folk duo Cassie & Maggie and dynamic folk four-piece Astro Bloc each make their TMF debut.
TMF legends Gunna Sound will have audiences ceilidh dancing across the weekend and Highland Celtic rockers Torridon also join this year’s line up. Emerging singer songwriter Kirsteen Harvey, who has racked up millions of views on social media for her sweet vocals and heartfelt folk-influenced sound, is also set to play, with even more acts to be announced later in the year.
A true island adventure to one of the most remote festival locations in the world, a trip to TMF is positively unique, with the majority of attendees making the journey via a four-hour CalMac ferry crossing from Oban. There are foot passenger tickets only available for sailings around the festival weekend and just 200 TMF 2025 festival and camping tickets remain.
Limited to a capacity of just 2,100, the boutique in-demand event located in what is often dubbed ‘the Hawaii of the North’ was named Small Event of the Year 2024 and is on course for its 14 consecutive sell out.
Daniel Gillespie, Artistic Director for Tiree Music Festival, said: “We cannot emphasise enough what a unique festival TMF is and what a special place, deeply rooted in music, Tiree is. We have always said TMF isn’t just a music festival – it’s a true island adventure, and that rings true to this day. Those who make the epic journey to TMF are embarking on an escape into culture, community and nature. Staging a festival here is an incredible feat of determination, creativity and passion, and we are incredibly proud of the team of staff and volunteers that manage to deliver that year after year.
“We are always proud to bring world-class talent to the island and this year we are also reflecting the legacy of music and performance on Tiree with many acts celebrating landmark milestones, while also still committing to providing a stage for exciting emerging artists. This is just the beginning of our plans, with lots more to be announced as we countdown to TMF – there are limited festival tickets and ferry foot passenger tickets available for anyone else who would like to experience the spirit of our festival this year.”
Julie Fowlis said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to the gorgeous island of Tiree, and most especially to TMF. It’s such a brilliant festival – full of welcome, community spirit and great energy! There are deep roots of music and Gaelic in Tiree, and you can feel it the moment you step ashore. We can’t wait!”
Tiree Music Festival boasts three stages – The Big Top, the outdoor Elevate Stage and The Wee Top acoustic tent – who each year play host to around 30 Scottish and international artists spanning roots, Celtic, folk, acoustic and pop music.
Alongside the star-studded musical line-up, festival-goers can expect immersive art installations, a fringe programme focusing on wellness and family fun, pop-up performances, and an artist meet-and-greet zone.
Blessed with turquoise seas, white sands and single track roads lined with wild flowers, Tiree is a breathtaking festival location. TMF is characterised by its intimate feel, friendly atmosphere, community spirit and appreciation for Scottish music, culture and landscape, and has contributed a significant £9.4 million to the island economy over its 12 editions.
TMF 2025 takes place on the Isle of Tiree between Friday 11 – Sunday 13 July 2025.
