An outdoor festival on one of Scotland’s islands has created a significant economic boost for the local community and surrounding area. The 2024 Tiree Music Festival (TMF) has been estimated to have generated a £1.3m economic impact for the Inner Hebridean island. Over the 13 years since its inception, the festival has contributed approximately £9.4m to the island’s economy.
The event, which celebrates Scottish music, culture, and outdoor activities on Tiree’s white-sand shores, attracted 24,000 attendees in 2024. Analysis of the festival revealed that nearly a fifth of the visitors came from other parts of the UK, Europe, and beyond, highlighting its growing popularity on an international scale.
Attendees of the festival overwhelmingly rated their experience as ‘excellent,’ with 80% giving it the highest rating in a post-event survey. As a result of its success, TMF has been nominated for Festival of the Year 2024 at the Scottish Live Music Awards and Small Event of the Year at the National Outdoor Events Association Awards 2024.
Looking ahead to the summer of 2025, the organizers of TMF have announced that the festival will take place from July 11th to 13th. Tickets will go on sale exclusively to their mailing list on November 29th. The festival will feature two stages, The Big Top and Elevate Stage, as well as an acoustic tent known as The Wee Top, showcasing a variety of Scottish and international artists across different music genres.
In addition to the musical performances, visitors can expect new art installations, beach yoga sessions, and a broader fringe program focusing on wellness and family-friendly activities. The organizers are committed to reducing the festival’s carbon footprint and promoting quality Scottish food and drink.
With a limited capacity of 2,100 attendees, each festival has sold out in the past. Daniel Gillespie, Artistic Director for Tiree Music Festival, expressed pride in the festival’s economic impact and international reputation. He emphasized the team’s dedication to delivering a memorable experience for all attendees and expressed gratitude for the festival’s nominations for national awards in 2024.
Looking forward to 2025, Gillespie mentioned the team’s plans to build on the festival’s success and create new ways to bring joy to festival-goers and create lasting memories. As TMF continues to grow in popularity and economic significance, it remains a highlight of the Scottish festival calendar, attracting visitors from near and far to experience the unique charm of Tiree and its vibrant music scene.
