HADDSTOCK 2026 MUSIC
To help you plan your festival, we’ve put together a wee bit of info about all the music listings for Saturday and Sunday. We’ve decided to list them chronologically.
Youth Music at Haddstock
Sun 24th May: Battle of the Bands | Sat 30th: music at various venues
We provide a valuable platform for young players and find that each year the response increases. We’ll be hosting Battle of the Bands again, in partnership with ELJam, the week before the main festival. On Haddstock weekend you can find the acoustic cafe at Jabberwocky, showcasing young soloists and small groups; Goats’ Toes will busk on Court Street; and Knox Jazz Band and Woodwind Warriors will perform in the St Mary’s Pleasance Walled Garden.
Mike Kearney – Falko – Sat, 11am
Pianist and vocalist Mike Kearney brings authentic New Orleans spirit to Falko, blending traditional jazz, blues, ragtime, and boogie-woogie with his distinctive style. His performances echo the lively streets of 1920s Storyville, with Dr. John–inspired takes on favourite Laurel Canyon songs from the 60s and 70s, capturing the warmth, joy and irresistible charm of early jazz.
www.mikekearneymusic.com
Merry Ukes – by the fountain, Place d’Aubigny – Sat, 11am
Formed in May 2023 Merry Ukes is a friendly ukulele band based in Macmerry. We meet every Thursday evening during winter months and every fortnight during summer in Macmerry Miners Club from 7.30 till 9.30. We welcome beginners to more advanced players.
See Merry Ukes on Facebook
Alan Gray – The Victoria downstairs – Sat, 12pm
Alan Gray is an independent singer-songwriter based in Dunbar. He produces and releases his own music, blending elements of alternative, indie, punk and DIY folk with reflective and socially informed lyrics. His work explores personal and cultural themes with a raw, authentic voice that reflects life. alangray.bandcamp.com
The Waxing Quarter – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 12pm
Kicking off a stellar lineup at the Railway are The Waxing Quarter, making their hotly-anticipated, historic live debut no less! Expect tracks from last year’s self-titled debut album which weaves timeless and elegant songwriting, nuanced with a modern and atmospheric aesthetic that will keep you guessing. thewaxingquarter.com
The Midnight Jam – The Waterside Bistro – Sat, 12pm
The Midnight Jam are an East Lothian trio delivering crowd-pleasing classics and modern hits across the decades. From Abba to Sam Fender, their lively, feel-good sets get audiences singing and dancing. Perfect for parties, pubs and events, they bring energy, variety and great live music wherever they play. @wearethemidnightjam
Nicola Christina – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 12pm
Nicola Christina, a singer all her life, began writing, singing her own music 14 years ago, releasing tracks Solo also as Duo Cry Alex with Ronnie Elliot and working alongside Lead Guitarist Jim Wilkie in band Luxors Ghost, Nicola now sings at many local community groups in East Lothian. @nicolachristinamusic
Sandie Wyles & Dave Wilkinson – The Victoria downstairs – Sat, 12.40pm
Sandie Wyles & Dave Wilkinson are an Americana duo performing original songs alongside the favourites that first sparked their partnership. Their close harmonies and stripped back delivery carry a lonesome edge, giving their music an honest, lived in feel that connects directly with listeners. www.sandiewyles.com
Phil Hardie – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 12.40pm
Phil Hardie is a singer songwriter with rock & folk influences. Drawing on artists like Dylan & Nick Drake as well as Bon Iver & Ray LaMontane. His acoustic guitar accompanies a rich powerful voice with a massive vocal range. His songs explore Scottish folk tales as well as modern life. philhardie.bandcamp.com
Henry the Navigator – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 1pm
Henry the Navigator confesses to playing obscure stuff by obscure folk or obscure stuff by famous folk. Either way, it’s obscure, but fun and a bit dangerous. Bring sailing shoes…
soundcloud.com/henry-the-navigator
Chris Reeve – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 1.20pm
Chris Reeve tightly crafts songs that have a 70s pop leaning. There’s a lively wit in the mix, some classic balladry to the storytelling and a cartload of playful character sketches. Chris’s debut album ‘Gift Of Sorts’ was released through Stereogram Recordings, in conjunction with Last Night From Glasgow, on April 11th 2025. He was formerly the guitarist and principal songwriter for Scottish psych-folk band The Eastern Swell.
“warm, jazzy and gently psychedelic confections” [The List]. @chrisreevemusicscotland
Ruari McGrath – The Victoria downstairs – Sat, 1.30pm
Ruari McGrath is influenced by singer-songwriters such as Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. Ruari’s sound is full of lush acoustic textures and surreal, poetic lyrics. He is working on his second album and continuing to perform, with recent shows including a support slot at Tunnels, opening for RURA.
Biphonix – Tyneside – Sat, 1.30pm
Male and female guitar duo who have been playing the local circuit for 4 years blending a mix of covers and original songs!
Automatic Writer – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 2pm
Automatic Writer blends Britpop hooks with tight harmonies. Drawing comparisons to R.E.M. and Teenage Fanclub, their sound balances driving rhythms with introspective, story driven lyrics. This timeless approach continues with their fourth EP, Weight, which is set for release very soon.
@automaticwritermusic
Bonnie Jean – Memorial Park – Sat, 2pm
Bonnie Jean is an Australian/Scottish songwriter delivering soulful indie folk rock with raw honesty. A guitarist with 20+ years’ experience, her powerful vocals and lyrical depth create a compelling live presence. Bonnie will be playing a mix of original songs from her upcoming album, plus a few covers.
Chris Yendell – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 2pm
Chris Yendell is a Singer-Songwriter whose raw and immediately engaging vocals sit above intricate and full-bodied guitar work. His contemporary indie-folk sound has been honed over the past 10 years including with previous band Evering, who received coverage by BBC Introducing and XFM.
U3A Folk Group – St Mary’s Pleasance – Sat, 2pm
One of u3a’s 40 interest groups, our 100+ repertoire ranges from old folk songs to modern popular ones. We have met twice monthly (except summer) since 2008; half of us sing, the rest sing and play either guitar, mandolin, ukulele, tambourine or bodhran.
Meantime – The Victoria downstairs – Sat, 2.20pm
Meantime are an acoustic trio from Edinburgh and Northumberland, playing originals and folk inspired tunes with a nod to Americana. Be moved, be soothed by haunting vocals, fiddle and guitar and double bass, and listen out for a new twist on a couple of old favourites.
Steve Kinghorn – Memorial Park – Sat, 2.40pm
Steve Kinghorn played in bands at Knox Academy over 30 years ago. He now plays melodic covers from across the decades, from Bowie, Dylan and the Beatles to Crowded House, Radiohead and Ocean Colour Scene. He’s looking forward to playing some covers in the park.
@stevekinghorn
Lyndsey & Lou – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 2.45pm
Lyndsey & Lou are a duo reimagining funk and pop with a stripped-back energy. With powerful vocals and dynamic, rhythm-driven guitar, they transform familiar hits into groove-led sets with an acoustic twist.
@eastcoastbeats
Giving Down the Banks – The Waterside Bistro – Sat, 3pm
Giving Down the Banks are an Edinburgh-based folk duo, playing a mix of traditional and folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, England, and from across the Atlantic, with rich harmonies and their own unique interpretation on bodhran and guitar, delving deep into the archives for lesser-known songs.
@givingdownthebanks
Operation Wolf – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 3pm
Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Depeche Mode, Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers, Operation Wolf crafts immersive, rhythm-driven tracks that balance emotional depth with danceable energy. Their music reflects the complexity of everyday life and the joy of creative escape, with a sound that’s cinematic, textured, and fresh.
instagram.com/operationwolfband
The Battery Band – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 3pm
Trad-tunes, original folk songs, lyrics about the pub, the sea, and the end of the world. You’ll get all this and more from Dunbar-locals The Battery Band. Formed out of the world-famous Volunteer Arms open folk session, expect whistles, fiddle, surprising covers, top-tier tunes and mid-tier banter all from Dunbar’s newest folk collective.
Oshu – Memorial Park – Sat, 3.20pm
Joshua, performing under the solo act name of Oshu, has been playing music for years and has started his own solo adventure making alternative and noise rock music. He has a single releasing in April of this year, you can follow him on instagram
@oshu.offical
Sally Thomas and Judy Barker – The Victoria downstairs – Sat, 3.20pm
Sally Thomas and Judy Barker play traditional and contemporary folk music and songs with Scottish smallpipes and English concertina. Telling stories through music and song while maintaining the integrity and essence of traditional music. “…reminding us that folk songs were (and still are) about real life.” [Three Weeks Edinburgh Fringe Review, 2025].
Strange Valentine – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 3.30pm
From the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders come Strange Valentine. A guitar slinging acoustic duo who can veer from serious to soul searching to silly, all in the space of one triu
mphant set.
@strangevalentineband
Wesley Bradd – Memorial Park – Sat, 3.50pm
Wesley Bradd is a local musician who performs solo, supporting bands and has been a valuable asset to several bands with his ability to improvise and rise to any tune with his eclectic knowledge of music. Recently he has expanded into using his abilities to bring music, song and fun into care settings whilst also tutoring school students. Wes is also well-known for facilitating open mic sessions.
Under-volt – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 4pm
A progressive, bluesy, grunge duo formed in 2020 by Jed Potts and Vini Bonnar, their second album will be out in late 2026. “heads down, no nonsense, guitar ‘n’ drums rifferama” [Blues Enthused] “Combining a deep prog-like instinct and stoner rock vibe…as the pair carved out a fine array of delectable sounds” [Metal Mole]
www.under-volt.com
Sunroses – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 4pm
Sunroses are a music duo based in Edinburgh who play originals and classic covers including Valerie, Running Up That Hill and Make You Feel My Love. Their stage presence and talent are sure to make this a set you will thank yourself for having gone to.
Two Tone Dog – Tyneside – Sat, 4pm
Two Tone Dog is independent Scottish musician, singer/songwriter and recording artist George Neill. With diverse musical tastes and influences developed over his career, his songs cross multiple styles including alt-rock, alternative folk and indie-folk, but are always strongly melody-driven. They’re regularly featured on Spotify and Amazing Radio playlists, and on iHeart Radio.
twotonedog.co.uk
Keith McInally – The Victoria upstairs – Sat, 4pm
Keith McInally is a singer-songwriter from North Berwick with a high profile on listening platforms, known for his ability to write songs with memorable melodies and hooks that stick in the listener’s head for a long time after the song has ended. Keith will perform as part of the NB songwriter showcase as well as this solo set.
@keithmcinallymusic
Ravaged Hearts – The Waterside Bistro – Sat, 4pm
Ravaged Hearts bring us country, blues and soul. Take a trip down the Americana highway, from the days of Delta Blues, through old-time Country to retro pop, backed by Eck’s badass guitar and Anna’s slinky swing fiddle and accordion, all done with haunting harmonies, in their own inimitable style.
Ravaged Hearts on YouTube
mylittlebrother – The Victoria downstairs – Sat, 4.20pm
mylittlebrother’s music brings together a distinctive blend of pop, rock and psychedelia. Usually a five-piece, this stripped down performance at Haddstock will be an intimate solo acoustic set from lead singer and songwriter Will Harris.
“There’s something happening in The Lake District that is very special” [Louder Than War]
@mylittlebrother
Macfunkel – The Railway downstairs – Sat, 4.30pm
The front line of Dunbar based Americana band MacFunkel – expect stripped down versions of classics by Lucinda Williams, Bruce Springsteen and others.
@macfunkel
Jack Rowberry – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 5pm
Jack Rowberry’s lifelong passion for music fuels every performance. A seasoned musician with a deep love for storytelling, he creates a powerful connection with audiences through his heartfelt songwriting and captivating live shows. Since launching his career in 2017, Rowberry has earned coveted support slots with iconic acts such as Ocean Colour Scene, Starsailor, and Razorlight.
@jackrowberrymusic
Fair Weather Son – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 5pm
Fair Weather Son is a singer songwriter who blends the quirky alt country sounds of Wilco with the huge soundscapes of Grandaddy, Weezer and Pulp. Expect charm and feelings as he performs with a full band. “Brilliant” [Iain Anderson – BBC Radio Scotland]. “Timeless Americana and New Wave with Elvis Costello Vibes” [Jim Gellatly – Amazing Radio].
@fairweathersonuk
Steven McDonald – The Victoria upstairs – Sat, 5pm
Steven McDonald is a local singer and songwriter. He has recently released his debut solo album “Songs About Love” on vinyl/cd/download. His most recent single, ‘Bad Decision’ was recently described as “a wonderful blend of 60’s and modern pop” [Talent is Timeless].
Wave Of The Flood – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 6pm
Wave Of The Flood is the musical moniker of Scottish singer-songwriter Lindsay Strachan, crafting emotionally rich contemporary folk. A local of North Berwick, her work blends poetic storytelling with intimate, acoustic textures, often reflecting East Lothian’s landscape. Joined live by guitar and double bass, this is sure to be a captivating live performance. @waveoftheflood
Future Player – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 6pm
Future Player are an alternative rock 6-piece band. Based in East Lothian and Edinburgh, they write and perform original songs drawing on a wide range of musical influences. The band consists of Callum Maguire (vocals), Murray Briggs (drums), Jon Thompson (bass guitar), Nick Aldridge (piano) and Neil Gill and Jon Welsh (guitars).
Sir Tom Watton – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 7pm
A storyteller, singer-songwriter and entertainer; Tom writes and shares modern folk stories and songs based on his life and experiences. Tom has appeared on Scotland’s most prestigious stages at festivals, concert halls and village greens. With a unique guitar style and eloquently emotive lyrics Tom will take you through his semi autobiographical world.
@sirtomwatton
Pocket Collective – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 7pm
Pocket Collective are friends first, band mates second and this dynamic shines through. Whether they’re channelling B.B. or Etta; or cutting loose on one of their own contemporary blues compositions, Pocket Collective spread that joy. Resultingly, they have quickly become regulars in the Blues Clubs and music bars of the Central Belt of Scotland.
Devils in Skirts – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 8pm
Devils in Skirts are an original rap rock band who are hard to place and even harder to forget. We play loud and fast, blurring the lines between genres to produce a sound that is uniquely our own. In a world of “swiftys” and “beleibers”, we are The Devils.
www.hayleegdevilsinskirts.co.uk
Fabletown – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 8pm
Fabletown is a six-piece band from Edinburgh and the Lothians, blending americana, blues, pop and indie influences into a rich, multi-instrument transatlantic sound. Known for three-part harmonies and vivid storytelling, their songs explore love, loss and adventure with foot-stomping energy, dark ballads and a distinctive style. @fabletownband
The Wispz – The Haddy Tap – Sat, 9pm
The Wispz are a four-piece band weaving Celtic roots with country soul, rich harmonies, and a touch of magic. Gritty electric guitar cuts through warm, drifting melodies, blending folk, rock, and country into stories of travel, love, wild hearts, stardust, and a little fire in every note.
The Last Fight – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 9pm
The Last Fight are a Fife-based rock band delivering high-energy original music with big riffs, anthemic choruses, and a raw live edge. Known for their powerful performances and crowd-driven sets, they bring a mix of grit and melody that leaves a lasting impact wherever they play.
@thelastfightmusic
MB3 – The Mercat – Sat, 9pm
MB3 are a fantastic three-piece acoustic band bringing you an amazing mix of classic covers from across the decades. From timeless favourites to feel-good singalongs, Mb3 deliver great tunes, great harmonies, and the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday night at the pub.
Jazz House Party – The Railway upstairs – Sat, 10pm
Jazz House Party is led by Adam “King of Keys” Usmani and Nuna Mutikani on bass, blending virtuosic live improvisation with house, funk, and soulful grooves. Using live looping and a DJ-style flow, the project creates a seamless late-night club experience rooted in jazz tradition.
@jazzhouseprty
SUNDAY 31 MAY
Conjunto Malecon – The Victoria upstairs – SUNDAY, 2pm
Conjunto Malecon are a Scotland-based musical collective united by a shared passion for traditional Cuban music. The five-piece ensemble brings together musicians of diverse nationalities, blending their unique backgrounds into a singular, authentic interpretation of one of the most influential musical styles to emerge from the late 19th century.
@conjuntomalecon
Cairnsie – Tyneside Tavern – SUNDAY, 2pm
Cairnsie are Melissa & Graham Cairns. Ear-catching blend of daughter & dad harmonies coupled with guitar, mandolin & banjo playing a surprising blend of original songs and eclectic covers from their wide array of influences across alt-acoustic, folk and country, all with a Scottish tinge.
@cairnsiemusic
Barnstorm – The Railway upstairs – SUNDAY, 3.30pm
Barnstorm is a 4 piece folk band from Dunbar who have been together playing and performing various gigs in East Lothian, Edinburgh and Berwick for over 10 years. Their style is traditional folk/ Scottish and American folk music alongside original songs. They have a great band dynamic and love nothing more than performing in front of a lively audience.
The Scavengers – The Railway upstairs – SUNDAY, 4.30pm
The four Scavengers met at Haddington Folk Club and it quickly became apparent that Jack, George and Jeff were rockers at heart! They began to play together, initially at the folk club and more recently at local community based venues. Anne (Jack’s wife) is a recent addition to the band.
Nama Kuma – The Victoria upstairs – SUNDAY, 5pm
Nama Kuma play jazz and neosoul, drawing influence from multiple genres and mixing it in to their own kaleidoscope of sound. Their music leaps between dreamy jazz, downtempo lofi and high-energy dance, with lush chords and sparkling vocals. @namakumaband