Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 03/10/2024

Organisers of Oban Winter Festival have announced an exciting, brand-new Finale Concert on Saturday 24 November. It will bring this year’s ten-day programme of events and activities to a close.

The Oban Winter Festival will take place from 15-24 November, with the Finale Concert hosting a star-studded line-up of some of the very biggest and best names from the world of traditional music.

In an incredible evening of entertainment, the concert will feature highly acclaimed and award-winning artists including Karen Matheson, Dougie MacLean, Donald Shaw, Duncan Chisholm, Kim Carnie, Ewen Henderson, Hannah Fisher, Sorren MacLean, and musically curated by Gary Innes.

The Finale Concert joins an exciting programme of events and activities for all ages.

Dragon installation looking over the pond. Credit: Sheila McIntyre

 

Programme of events

  • Winter Woods

    Light up the dark nights and experience an evening that will enchant and amaze. This special night-time event is the opportunity to embrace the magic of Glencruitten Woods with spectacular illuminations and music.

    With the theme for 2024 being Oceans and Seas running alongside the upcycling theme, come and wonder at the installations, which have been built by the local community.

    You can also visit the forest food court, taking part in free children’s crafts and face painting in the marquee or enjoy something warming or bubbly.

    The Winter Woods events will take place on 15-17 November and 22-24 November.

  • Local craft markets

    Oban becomes a thriving hub for a spot of retail therapy with craft fairs and markets galore in unique venues across the town centre.

    As the wares and produce of local artisans and food producers line the many stalls, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a stocking filler or two and chat to the region’s crafters and makers.

    The town is listed in the UK top 10 for Christmas Markets and Time Out Magazine’s 10 most festive Christmas towns in the UK.

    The local crafts markets will be open on 16, 23 and 24 November.

  • Christmas Lights Switch On

    Join the parade from The Corran Halls as it makes its way through the street to wait for the Christmas light switch on. Enjoy the entertainment and excitement as you wait for the countdown to light up the town.

    The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on 23 November.

  • Haggis & Whisky Festival

    Hosted by Oban Distillery, butchers from across Scotland travel to Oban to compete in The Golden Haggis Award and People’s Choice Award.

    The OHS Pipe Band will pipe the judges followed by last years’ winner, butchers, cooks, and the public into the distillery to start the competition.

    Judges will then carefully mark each entry while the public also blind taste all the entries and vote for their favourite. New for 2024 is the bespoke Scottish Craft Market in the Old Filling Room.

    The Haggis & Whisky Festival will take place on 24 November.

Tickets for Finale Concert are £25 or £20 for 65+ and are available online or in person at Alba Albany Street, Oban.

Secure your spot at obanwinterfestival.com

Background of Oban Winter Festival

Established in 2011 and now in its 14th year, the Oban Winter Festival has become a long-established and beloved tradition.

It unites both the local community and welcoming visitors keen to experience winter blues-beating festivities and Scottish hospitality at its finest.

The festival, which is delivered by a local group of volunteers, works closely with local businesses, charities, and schools to put together a programme of events showcasing the unique spirit of the popular coastal town to visitors and locals alike.

Details on further events and activities planned for this festival, including tickets for Winter Woods, will be announced in due course.

Find out more at obanwinterfestival.com

We are delighted to have the Finale Concert as part of this year’s Oban Winter Festival, bringing the curtain down on a fantastic ten days of events and activities.

Now in its 14th year, the Oban Winter Festival is a chance to experience a warm welcome, winter blues-beating festivities and Scottish hospitality at its finest.

It offers something for all ages and is a chance to see why the West of Scotland really is the best.

Make 2024 the year you experience the Oban Winter Festival.

The volunteer organisers of the Oban Winter Festival

Scotland is the perfect stage for events with our atmospheric crowds, iconic venues, and picture-perfect backdrops, ensuring an exciting calendar of year-round events and festivals to experience.

We are proud to be continuing our support of this year’s Oban Winter Festival through our National Events Programme.

Designed and delivered by the community, the ten-day programme of events and festivals, including the brand-new finale concert, offers both locals and visitors range of memorable experiences to come and enjoy.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

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