Inverness festivals to look forward to this summer

What’s hot this summer? Festivals & events 2023

Here at the Kingsmills, we’re looking forward to summer and all the great festivals that are planned. From music and sport to art and more. Whatever you’re into, there’s an event for you coming up soon! So, let’s take a look at some of the top festivals and events planned for summer 2023 …

The Gathering Festival

27 May 2023

This traditional and folk music festival takes place at Northern Meeting Park, Inverness in May. Featuring artists such as Tide Lines and Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and serving up local craft food and drink. The Gathering Festival is a fun-filled event for the whole family, which celebrates Scottish music and culture.

National Whisky Festival

1 July 2023

The National Whisky Festival of Scotland is a touring festival which celebrates Scotland’s national drink. It arrives in Inverness on 1st July, where it will be held at Eden Court. With over 200 whiskies available to sample, plus a programme of food, drink and music events, this is a must for all whisky lovers!

Inverness Highland Games

15 July 2023

The Inverness Highland Games, is a celebration of traditional Scottish sports events. It has been taking place at Northern Meeting Park since 1822. Expect activities such as piping competitions, Highland dancing, a mass Highland fling, strongest man and woman, haggis hurling, tossing the caber and stonemason’s stone.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

27 – 29 July 2023

Held on the Belladrum Estate, the Tartan Heart Festival is a family-friendly art and music festival and always a favourite event in the Inverness summer calendar. Known for attracting a wide range of musical talent. Big acts this year include Bastille, Travis, Sigrid, Peat & Diesel, Sam Ryder, also KT Tunstall and many more!

Black Isle Show

3 August 2023

The Black Isle Show is an agricultural show, based at the Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord, around a 20-minute drive from Inverness. What’s more, it is the largest event of its kind in the north of Scotland. Attractions include livestock exhibits, horse jumping, sheep shearing competitions, dog agility demonstrations, vintage tractors, monster trucks, street performances and family entertainment.

Nairn Book and Arts Festival

31 August – 3 September 2023

Finally, as the end of summer draws near, we have the Nairn Book and Arts Festival. A celebration of literature, art, music, drama and film. Hosted in Nairn, a picturesque seaside town just 30 minutes’ drive from Inverness. Featuring events such as author talks and readings, live music, drama and dance, film and visual arts exhibitions and creative workshops.

Are you looking to escape to the Inverness and the Highlands this summer? Then why not make the Kingsmills Hotel your next destination! A perfect base for visiting these great summer festivals. So, indulge in your own little slice of luxury and book one of our special offers today!