Aboyne & Deeside Festival

Lucas Macías conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in a vibrant celebration of wind virtuosity, featuring acclaimed clarinet and bassoon soloists in a programme of Rossini, Weber, Stamitz and Mendelssohn. Blending dazzling solo performances with the warmth and energy of one of Scotland's finest orchestras, this concert offers an inspiring evening of classical music for seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike.

Master luthier Ian Greig and cellist Geoff Palmer share the remarkable story of creating a new cello from raw timber to finished instrument. Through photographs, discussion and live performance, discover the craftsmanship behind the instrument before hearing it played in music spanning the 18th to 21st centuries. Pianist Imogene Newland joins Geoff Palmer for a programme including works by Bach, Brahms and Soltan.

Royal Deeside's annual art exhibition, now in its 22nd year, featuring the artwork of around 40 professional artists from across the North East. The exhibition includes original paintings, photography, drawings, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture.

Open daily in The Victory Hall, 10am-5pm, between July 11th and August 1st. Free entry.

Inspired by Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem, this atmospheric recital explores themes of light, reflection and renewal through music from Ireland, France and Scotland. Organist Colin Stuart joins flautist Margaret Preston for an evocative programme where the warmth of flute, organ and piano brings memory, friendship and melody vividly to life.

This fun, active session is perfect for children wanting to learn the basics of the exciting sport of pickleball. Our friendly instructor(s) will teach the fundamentals of the game, including how to hold the bat, hit the ball, serve, volley, and score points, using engaging games. Whether your child is new to sports or is already a budding athlete, this provides a fantastic introduction to one...

Olga Wojtas is an unconventional and witty writer of postmodern crime fiction whose surrealist humour has been compared to the likes of PG Wodehouse, Jasper Fforde and the Marx Brothers. A journalist for more than 30 years, Olga was Scottish editor of the Times Higher Education Supplement before she began adding creative writing to her portfolio. She won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award...

Alex Fordham, Peter Lowit and Steve Garrett return to the festival with their popular trio. The group combines the duos of Songstring and The Boys from Aboyne to bring stunning emotional vocals, lyrical double bass and melodic guitar. The trio premiered in Aboyne in February 2025 and is built on a foundation of successful solo and duo recordings and appearances at the Aboyne and Deeside...

St Thomas’ Augmented Choir, comprised of singers from around Deeside and beyond, conducted by Lucy Bailey, will lead hymn-singing for everyone and sing short choral items. There will also be readings and solos. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to this evening, from any church or none. Admission is free, but there will be a voluntary collection.

Unleash your child’s creativity at the Festival with this event! Join us for a unique, hands-on activity where children can connect with nature and unleash their inner artist. We'll provide a variety of collected branches, colorful yarn, ribbons, and natural decorations. Children will learn the simple yet satisfying technique of weaving, transforming a simple branch into a beautiful, personalized piece of hanging art.

Lunch from Goa with The Spice Route Cookery School (£12, booking required)

Autumn's Turning – Seasonal Yoga Practice (£10, booking required)

Tarland Lego Club Minifigure Trail (Free)

Workshop with Ellie Beaton (£10, booking required)

The festival draws to a close with Ellie Beaton in Conversation and Performance, hosted by broadcaster Frieda Morrison, bringing an inspiring end to a weekend celebrating food, music, community and the traditions of the North East.

Michael Pedersen is a prize-winning Scottish author, the former Writer in Residence at Edinburgh University, and Edinburgh’s Makar/Poet Laureate. He writes fiction (Muckle Flugga), non-fiction (Boy Friends) and poetry (The Cat Prince) and has won a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship and the Books Are My Bag Readers’ Award; as well as being shortlisted for the Forward Poetry Prizes.

Food lovers can enjoy an authentic Goan lunch from The Spice Route Cookery School, while those keen to learn something new can choose from a foraging walk with medical herbalist Natasha Lloyd, an Introduction to Scything for Conservation, or a vocal workshop with BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Ellie Beaton.

The ever-popular Old Blind Dogs are back and playing Tornaveen. The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90s. Four musicians, from very different musical backgrounds, came together to create a full-time professional touring band.

Scots Sunday Service (Free)

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Following last year's hugely successful Festival appearance, In Transit return with an energetic mix of rock, blues, soul, new wave and a touch of jazz. Formed in 2012, the band has built a loyal local following with their lively performances and infectious enthusiasm. Bring your own bottle and enjoy an entertaining evening of music spanning decades of classic favourites.