8-10 May 2026
Join us for three magical days of traditional folk music, community celebrations, and unforgettable performances in the picturesque village of Moniaive.
Experience incredible performances from renowned folk artists and emerging talents across multiple stages.
Set in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, Moniaive offers stunning scenery and warm Scottish hospitality.
A true community festival featuring local talent, family activities, craft fairs, and village celebrations.
The MFF committee wishes to say a massive thank you to everyone who made this year’s festival a success. It was, perhaps, the best festival yet!
It was wonderful to welcome young and old from far and wide, festival regulars and new faces, to enjoy new venues, new festival field events and a fine range of musical acts.
It is always a challenge for a group of volunteers to plan and manage a festival in a small rural community and we thank all attendees for their part in making the weekend a success. We also thank all the community groups and businesses who contributed and the local residents for their support and understanding across the weekend.
The continuing success of the festival relies on your generous donations and if you haven’t managed to donate yet, you still can! Just click here. We are already planning next year’s event so please do fill in this feedback form and let us know your thoughts on how the festival was for you and what we can do to improve things.
See you next year for the best festival yet!
The Moniaive Folk Festival Committee
News and announcements from the festival team.
17 April 2026
Please don’t light fires on the ground in the campsite – this is part of a working family farm during the rest of the year. Barbecues are fine, as long as they are raised off the ground.
Catering will be on offer at the George, from Piccola Italia, at Jade’s pop up café in the Institute and you can buy supplies from Watson’s shop. Keep an eye out for breakfast rolls being sold by Moniaive Primary Parent Council on Saturday and Sunday in the camping field.
If you need first aid, please come to the Festival information stand at the back of the George.
16 April 2026
Did you know the festival was a response to the foot and mouth crisis of 2001? The folk festival played a key role in helping the village recover, keeping businesses open and attracting new people who wanted to come and live in the village. Special acknowledgement to Hugh Taylor and Sue Grant who played a big role in establishing this event. The festival is really important for our rural village economy so please make use of our local businesses and donate to the festival!
15 April 2026
Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a lead and may not be permitted in all venues. Please bring plentiful poo bags and clear up after your canine.
Donations: there are no ticket sales — the festival operates on a suggested donation basis for camping and performances. It's not a free festival though, and donations are completely essential to ensure it can continue.
on the High Street
Garden marquee
We're delighted to revisit our partnership with Up Yer Airts - who once again are programming the daytime acts at the George.
back again at the George
Fri & Sat: Afternoons
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Friday & Saturday: Fri 4-7pm Sat 12-4pm
High Street
Saturday: 16:00 - 16:30
St Ninian's Church
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 - 15:00
Camping field
Saturday & Sunday: All day
Glencairn Memorial Institute
Friday & Saturday: Fri 7 - 12 & Sat 4 - 12
The George
All weekend: Afternoon & Evening
Can I get in for free? We'd prefer you didn't! We want our festival to get better every year. For that to happen we need you to contribute donations. You can use cash or card to make a donation. Donation points will be clearly marked. There will also be volunteers with yellow donation buckets walking around collecting donations for the festival.
Can I bring my dog? Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times and cleaned up after. You may be the best dog owner in the world, but plenty of folk don't like dogs running wild so please, keep them on a lead. Keep in mind that not all indoor venues will allow dogs
Can I play my own music and instruments? Of course! But no amplified or loud music on the campsite after midnight please.
Is there an open stage? Yes, there will be an open stage in the Glencairn Memorial Institute this year. This will be run on a first come first served basis and limited to one slot per person/act to allow as many people the opportunity to play as possible.
Is there an ATM in the village? No. The nearest ATM is in Thornhill which is approximately 9 miles from Moniaive.
Where can I get fuel? In the village, Dalwhat Garage sells fuel. They're open Mon–Fri from 7:30am–6pm. Closed on Saturday & Sunday.
Are caravans and camper vans allowed? Yes, but please try to keep to the top end of the field. If you are arriving on Friday, please avoid doing so between 3–4pm as the village gets busy with school traffic. Our streets are small and congestion doesn't take long to build up!
Can I just camp? Yes, and please donate accordingly.
What facilities are there in the camping field? There will be toilets, hand sanitising points, cold water supply & black water disposal.
Moniaive is located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
By Car: Accessible from A76 and A702
Parking: Car parks throughout the village
Public Transport: Limited bus services