Showtime! Showcasing the very best of Scotland this Summer
Show season is upon us, and it’s always an exciting time for our local towns and villages to show the world our fantastic culture, heritage and unrivalled community spirit. With Highland Games, musical celebrations, agricultural shows, maritime marvels and culinary flavours, Banffshire’s Summer Calendar is jam-packed with memorable days out, so why not schedule your holiday to make the most of these spectacular summer events!
Cornhill Games - 7th June 2025
Cornhill Highland Games - Saturday 7th June 2025
Experience the authentic Scottish tradition at the Cornhill Highland Games, returning on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the nearby village of Cornhill. As a proud member of the Scottish Highland Games Association, this vibrant event showcases classic competitions like caber tossing, hammer throwing, and tug-of-war, alongside the iconic Knock Hill Race and a 10K road race. The day kicks off with Highland dancing and continues with children's races, local pipe bands, and a variety of food stalls and refreshments. With free parking and a warm community spirit, the Cornhill Highland Games offer an unforgettable celebration of Scottish heritage for all ages.
Turriff Garden Show - 13th and 14th June
Home – North Scotland Garden Show - North Scotland Garden Show
Discover the first North Scotland Garden Show, blooming at Turriff Showground on June 13th –14th. This vibrant two-day event celebrates gardening, sustainability, and outdoor living, with stunning show gardens, expert talks, and hands-on workshops. Explore a diverse market of plant retailers, artisan foods and eco-friendly products. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy nature, this family-friendly day out offers inspiration for all. Tickets are available online, with free entry for children under 12.
Portsoy Boat Festival - 27th - 29th June
Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
Set sail for the 32nd Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, from June 27th - 29th. This beloved annual event celebrates the northeast’s rich maritime heritage with a flotilla of historic boats anchoring in the town’s 17th-century harbour. The festivities kick off on Friday evening with the Big Gig on the Back Green, headlined by award-winning folk band Mànran . Over the weekend, enjoy live music, traditional dance, coastal craft demonstrations, and a food fayre featuring fresh seafood, local whisky, and handmade goods
Speyfest - 25th - 27th July 2025
Experience the magic of Speyfest, Scotland’s premier celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music! Speyfest is an annual Scottish music and cultural festival held in Fochabers, Moray, celebrating the rich traditions of Celtic and folk music. Established in 1995, the event brings together renowned musicians, emerging artists, and enthusiastic audiences for a weekend of live performances, workshops, and community spirit. Set against the scenic River Spey, Speyfest offers a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary sounds, making it a highlight on the Scottish summer festival calendar.
Turriff Show – 3rd & 4th August
Over 25’000 people descend on the beautiful farming town of Turriff to enjoy Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural event, but there’s a lot more to the show than just farming, with over 300 exhibitors showcasing the finest food and drink, crafts, clothes, cars, flowers, carnival rides and so much more!
My favourite thing to do at the show (apart from bumping into many old friends) is spending an afternoon in the grandstand, watching the various entertainers, processions and fantastic animal displays. It’s a great family day out, and there really is something for everyone to enjoy. The show has also been attended by a number of royals, including the late Queen Elizabeth and more recently Princess Anne, the Princess Royal (who know’s who will visit this year..?)
Keith Country Show – 9th & 10th August
Keith Country Show (keithshow.org.uk)
Celebrating it’s 151st year, Keith Show actually has ties dating back to the Simmereve Fayre back in the 1700’s!
Showcasing some of the best of Scotland’s agricultural livestock and produce, the show is also well known for it’s terrific entertainment, highland dancing, vintage car displays and well received parades.
Well known as “Scotland’s First Toun”. Keith in itself is a beautiful town, with several independent shops, restaurants and places to go, the town proudly boats the worlds only kiltmaking school and is a very important stop along the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail, with Scotland’s oldest working distillery, the Strathisla, nearby.
Lonach Highland Games – 23rd August
For over 200 years, the Lonach Highland Games have been celebrating and preserving Scotland’s traditions and heritage, originally founded to lift public spirits after the devastating post-Culloden Battle era.
Featuring a seven mile march from the immaculately kilted Lonach Highlanders, the event is a brilliant day celebrating Scotland’s traditional sports, music, dancing and entertainment. A true testament to sportsmanship, why not let the community of Lonach welcome you into their hearts and enjoy a fabulous day out of community spirit and good old family fun!