The Girvan Folk Festival takes place annually over the May Day holiday weekend in Girvan, South Ayrshire, celebrating decades of traditional music, song and dance. Founded in 1975, it’s one of Scotland’s longest‑running gatherings of folk and traditional musicians, attracting performers and fans from across the UK. The festival programme includes concerts, informal sessions, workshops, competitions, storytelling and exhibitions, creating a lively mix of formal and community‑driven events. Activities also engage families and visitors of all ages in the folk arts, offering a welcoming, participatory experience rooted in local culture and musical heritage.