Once again, Shetland’s extraordinary musical talents have wowed the crowds in Lerwick with the annual Rising North music festival. Rising North is a festival which was created in 2024, partially inspired by the success of the Tall Ships Lerwick event. The event became a place to bring a different kind of Shetland music to the stage.
Shetland's summer music festival, Rising North, has recieved excellent reviews for the third year in a row. This year, it wasn't only local legends who took to the stage, but globally recognised bands, Pale Waves and Ash headlined the main stage.
Bands performing at Rising North May Graham
Thursday
The festivities kicked off on Thursday with bands playing all throughout the Lerwick pubs. From heavy metal headbangers to dance DJs, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Friday Night - Pale Waves
Friday night saw a mixture of Shetland bands and talent from across the seas come together to create a high-energy performance for the opening headline show. Long-time Shetland favourites The Dirty Lemons and The Poppadom Kings were standout openers on Friday while The Plonkys got the crowd dancing. Up-and-coming heavy-metal band, Essykert played to their first large crowd and received high praise for their performance. Headliners, Pale Waves, put on an outstanding show with crowds loving the performance.
Friday night vibes May Graham
Saturday Day Time
Through the day on Saturday, nine local bands played in 30 minute blocks across two stages to create an unforgettable family-friendly music experience. Folk of all ages could go from headbanging in one room, to country singing in another. Saturday daytime bands included No Sweat, Ten Tonne Dozer, Marackled, Quorum, Distinctly Mediocre, Rack & Ruin, Katanes, Big Time Quell and Joking Aside.
Saturday Night - Ash
Saturday night brought local favourites to the stage to support Irish Rock group, Ash, who have had 18 top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart. Support from the familiar faces of The Revellers and First Foot Soldiers had the crowd jumping while the Black 8s and Chugg raised the energy. Ash lived up to all expectations and put on a show that wowed the crowds. Their support of local artists over the weekend seriously impressed party goers as well.
Saturday night rockin'
Sunday
Sunday rounded the weekend off with a relaxed afternoon of listening to music at Shetland’s art centre, Mareel. From early afternoon to late evening, the venue was a hub for music lovers to come and go while enjoying the free event. There was so much happening over the weekend, from all-ages gigs to electric afterparties.
The party continues May Graham
“For me, the beauty of the Rising North Festival is seeing it through the eyes of an audience member during many of the Clickimin performances and getting the feedback from the attendees. Feeling the joy of the crowd and seeing the eyes of a performer is incredible. The sense of pride in the Shetland music community that comes from being a committee member and seeing your dream become a successful event that is supported so well by so many is the best.”
