Speyfest brings the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music to Moray each July.

The festival was founded by James M Alexander in 1995. Having played with the Fochabers Fiddlers and a number of Scottish trad bands, James realised what a spectacular setting Fochabers would be for a summer event showcasing traditional music, dance and crafts.

The festival was founded on the premise that it would give keen young musicians a chance to  meet and learn from the best known musicians on the scene while they were in town.

With help from the local Fochabers Gala Committee, some fellow musicians, the local headteacher and pupils of Milne’s High School and many others, Speyfest became a reality.

Over the last 25 years, it has grown from a local event with one small tent holding around 300 people, to a 1500-capacity tented village welcoming visitors and families of all ages, from pre-school children to senior citizens.

In July 2022, we’ll celebrate our 25th anniversary after the pandemic put paid to our plans for the festival in 2020 and 2021.