Sian to headline new all-ages traditional music weekend in Paisley

Fèis Phàislig, the much-loved Renfrewshire arts charity, has announced the launch of a brand new event in its calendar, the May Fèis Weekend.

Running from Friday 8th – Sunday 10th May 2026, this three-day celebration marks the first time in the organisation’s history that its traditional music and Gaelic arts activities will be opened up to adults, as well as young people.

The weekend promises a vibrant mix of live performances and concerts, educational workshops and informal music sessions, with people of all ages invited to get to grips with traditional music and Gaelic song and develop their skills.

The May Fèis Weekend forms a core part of the organisation’s 10-year anniversary programme. The milestone year has also seen a sell-out all-star show at Paisley Town Hall and the launch of the charity’s own commemorative tartan to mark a decade of cultural pride.

Year-round, the charity also delivers a week-long Fèis in July, weekly music lessons, a youth Gaelic choir and a Cèilidh Trail performance project. The organisation now reaches over 15,000 people annually and this latest addition to the programme is set to engage hundreds more.

The newly refurbished Paisley Arts Centre will take centre stage over the weekend, welcoming a Saturday night headline performance from award-winning Gaelic vocal harmony trio Sian.

Comprising three of today’s most exquisitely gifted Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – Sian are known for their boldly imaginative harmony work and deep feeling for tradition, creating a sound described as “both ancient and modern”.

Their stunning concert will follow a full day of free intergenerational instrumental and singing workshops, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to advanced players. Tutors for the weekend include Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop and fiddle player and singer Chloë Bryce.

Friday evening will see a relaxed, family-friendly ceilidh at Re:Hope Church, which includes an open floor segment encouraging attendees to share their favourite tunes, songs and stories. The weekend will draw to a close on Sunday with free, drop-in song and instrumental sessions delivered in partnership with Blend Coffee Lounge.

With the support of The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the May Fèis Weekend daytime workshops will be free to attend, while concerts and ceilidhs will operate on a pay-what-you-can model, ensuring the entire weekend is open to everyone.

Grant McFarlane, Director of Fèis Phàislig, said “Music instruction is the backbone of our Scottish cultural ecosystem, allowing us to nurture new talent and share the joy of music making with so many.

“The new May Fèis Weekend will place Gaelic music, song and culture firmly at the heart of the community and is another landmark moment for us as we celebrate a decade of cultural impact in Paisley. For the first time, we are opening our doors to all ages, creating a truly intergenerational space where anyone can enjoy Gaelic music and culture. Whether you’re 85 or 5, there’s a place for you here.

“It’s fantastic to deliver a programme that is not only accessible and inclusive, but that celebrates the grassroots investment in music tuition that has driven Fèis Phàislig forward over the last ten years.”

Eilidh Cormack of Sian said: “We are delighted to be part of Fèis Phàislig’s 10-year anniversary celebrations and the launch of their May Fèis weekend. Having all come through the Fèisean movement ourselves, we understand the huge importance and impact of these organisations and we would not be where we are today without the work that co-ordinators, tutors and volunteers do to inspire and engage children across Scotland with traditional music. We look forward to helping pay that forward to the next generation in Paisley in May.”[1] 

Since its launch in 2015, Fèis Phàislig (/feːʃ faːʃlɪgʲ/, pronounced faysh fash-lick) has grown from a single summer event into one of Scotland’s largest Fèis programmes, providing professional and accessible tuition in traditional music and song.

May Fèis Weekend takes place from Friday 8 – Sunday 10 May 2026 at Paisley Arts Centre and Re:Hope Church.

To secure a place for the free workshops or to purchase pay-what-you-can tickets for the weekend events, visit www.feisphaislig.com.