A week-long celebration of fiddle music and dance set to take place in Aberdeen city and shire this summer has launched a crowdfunder appeal to support its ambitious event plans.
The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) will run from 24 – 28 June, bringing together artists, academics, musicians, enthusiasts and audiences to share ideas, research, traditions and the joy of music and dance.
The event has already secured over £430,000 of in-kind support from local businesses and organisations, however attempts to obtain public funds have proved challenging in an immensely competitive funding arena.
Organisers have therefore decided to take matters into their own hands by launching a crowdfunder, encouraging supporters to help them deliver a special programme of events to mark the 25th anniversary of NAFCo in Aberdeen, where it first started in 2001.
Laura Harrington, Festival Director, commented, “Our aim is to bring a large and varied programme to venues and community spaces around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, showcasing local, national and international artists representing music and dance traditions from Scotland, the Baltic, Scandinavia, mid Europe, Ireland, Canada and the USA. The in-kind support already committed shows how strongly valued the festival is for those in and around Aberdeen, but we do need further support to help us deliver the amazing programme which we have planned.”
The NAFCo schedule includes a variety of events, workshops and sessions bringing together renowned local and international musicians, as well as emerging performers. Audiences and enthusiasts can look forward to ceilidhs and concerts, film screenings and music sessions, festival lounge and busking trails, an international youth celebration and family-friendly events.
The crowdfunder has already received strong support, with over 80% of the £7500 target raised. Creative Scotland has committed to match fund all monies raised, if the target is met, further boosting finances available for the event.
However, organisers are appealing for continued support, as in a further act of generosity, a private donor has committed to matching the total amount, if the crowdfunding campaign reaches £10,000 by the end of a March. This would provide NAFCo organisers with a grand total of £20,000 in funds to deliver their showcase event programme.
Kirsty Clements, Festival Director, added, “Every single donation really does count, and there is a range of supporter benefits to take advantage of by making a donation through our crowdfunder campaign. This money will enable us to deliver an amazing programme of events, including outreach sessions to local schools and free family events, ensuring NAFCo remains accessible, inclusive and affordable for everyone to enjoy. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported us so far, we are extremely close to meeting our target, and hope if you haven’t yet pledged support that you will be encouraged to do so.”
To find out more and pledge your support, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/nafco2026