North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) 2026

Aim

To raise additional support for the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) happening in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire from 24th-28th June '26

North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) is the only event in the world that brings together a music festival and an academic conference dedicated to the fiddle and dance traditions of the countries surrounding the North Atlantic.

It is a unique space where artists, academics, musicians, enthusiasts and audiences come together to share ideas, research, traditions and—most importantly—the joy of music and dance.

From the 24th – 28th of June 2026, NAFCo will return home to Aberdeen, in the North-East of Scotland for its 25th anniversary. Our aim is to bring a large and varied programme to venues and community spaces around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, showcasing local, national and international artists representing music and dance traditions from Scotland to the Baltic, throughout Scandinavia and down the continent to Spain, and from Ireland to Canada and the USA. Why not watch our super duper NAFCo promo video here.

The beauty of NAFCo is the variety and accessibility of the events — emerging performers will share the stage with internationally renowned artists; workshops will range from absolute beginner to advanced masterclasses; and there will be an extensive programme of free events for all ages. Expect ceilidhs and concerts, film screenings and music sessions, festival lounge and busking trails, an international youth celebration, family-friendly events, and so much more.

The line up will feature fabulous Scottish and international artists, bringing back people that have been involved since the inception of NAFCo in 2001 and also plenty of emerging talent showcased too.

Like many cultural organisations, we have spent a huge amount of time and energy applying for public funding. Unfortunately, this has become increasingly difficult to secure, with funding bodies oversubscribed and competition fiercer than ever. We’ve faced a number of setbacks along the way from public funding bodies.

So now, we’re thinking differently and taking matters into our own hands.

With your support, no matter how big or small, NAFCo will go ahead, and the North East will get the celebration it deserves to mark the 25th Anniversary. We already have over £430,000 in confirmed in-kind support from local businesses and organisations, which shows just how strongly the festival is valued. 

Following the incredible success of the Tall Ships Races, and the way Aberdeen and the surrounding areas came together, we’re excited to invite you to be part of something special once again - whether you’re a fiddle player, a dancer, an enthusiast, or someone that wants to be part of something amazing and bring communities together. We. Can. Do. It! 

We are incredibly grateful to Creative Scotland for match funding our Crowdfunder - we need to make our goal of £7500 to be successful in receiving this so every single donation really does count!  Thank you so much in advance.

Please take a look at our fantastic range of exclusive Crowdfunder rewards and consider how you can help us make NAFCo 2026 a huge success. All rewards are limited in availability, and every penny raised goes directly to delivering NAFCo 2026.

With your support, you’ll be helping us to:

• Deliver outreach events in communities and schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
• Increase opportunities for young people to participate, free of charge
• Create an expanded programme of evening concerts, workshops, family-friendly and free events
• Present the very best local, national and international fiddle and dance talent, alongside platforms for emerging artists
• Keep ticket prices affordable and offer a wide programme of free activity
• Ensure NAFCo remains an accessible, inclusive festival for all

Together, we can make sure NAFCo is a success and celebrate the success together as a stronger community!

There are also a range of additional tiered sponsorship opportunities for organisations and businesses who may wish to support NAFCo as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement activity. If you would like further information about these opportunities, please contact Laura and Kirsty at [email protected].

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention/ 

Website - https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com/index.asp 

How exactly does the crowdfunding work?

If you are new to Crowdfunder, here’s how it works. If you pledge money to us, and if enough of you do the same within the time limit, we will reach our target. At the end of our campaign your pledges will be debited from your account, we will receive the funds, NAFCo 2026 will be full speed ahead, and you get to collect your unique rewards. 

In the very highly unlikely event NAFCo 2026 is cancelled, it is our duty to refund your pledge, meaning it's a risk-free win-win for you.

We are so excited about celebrating the 25th Anniversary of NAFCo in June 2026 - thank you so much for helping us to bring it back to home to Aberdeen!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made