Aberdeen's North Atlantic Fiddle Convention Nominated for National Award
The Elphinstone Institute's NAFCo festival recognised for its significant cultural and economic impact following its 25th anniversary celebration.
By Alasdair Buchan
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a fiddle on a table with sheet music.
The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo), hosted in Aberdeen, has received a nomination for Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026, following its successful 25th anniversary celebration.
The festival, founded by the Elphinstone Institute at the University of Aberdeen, is in the running for the prestigious award after its 25th anniversary convention, held from 24 to 28 June, brought thousands of musicians, dancers, and visitors to Aberdeen and the north east, generating an estimated economic impact of almost £1 million.
NAFCo 2026, which also included a year of teaser events and outreach sessions in schools, is internationally renowned for its celebration of traditional music, dance, and culture. The convention brought together world-class musicians, dancers, academics, and enthusiasts, delivering 157 events across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
A highlight of the festival was the Big NAFCo Gathering at Union Terrace Gardens, where over 400 people participated in music, dance, and a large-scale Orcadian Strip the Willow. The event also focused on nurturing the next generation of traditional musicians through its International Youth Celebration.
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"We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for Event of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Celebrating NAFCo’s 25th anniversary in Aberdeen, the city where it all began, was a truly special occasion. It was wonderful to see so many people embrace the convention, with thousands joining us across five fantastic days filled with music, dance, culture, friendship and a real sense of community. To now be shortlisted alongside amazing events in the traditional music scene is a real honour and a wonderful way to round off an unforgettable year."
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"What really stood out was the incredible sense of community. Musicians, dancers, audiences, volunteers, young people and visitors from around the world all played a part in creating the atmosphere and energy that made the event so special. This nomination belongs to everyone who helped make it happen, including our artists, volunteers, partners, funders, sponsors and the communities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who supported us. We are immensely proud of what we achieved together and hope everyone who was part of it feels they can share in this nomination."
NAFCo uniquely combines a major traditional music festival with an international academic conference, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. The convention, traditionally alternating between Aberdeen and international host destinations, is already planning its next chapter, with the 2028 gathering confirmed.
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards celebrate Scotland’s traditional music community. Public voting is open until 15 November, with winners announced at a ceremony on Saturday 5 December at the Lagoon Centre in Paisley.
