Traditional fiddlers are among the better-known of the Shetland musicians. Other fiddle groups, mainly of young folk, have now joined the ranks of the better known names. The annual Shetland Folk Festival, usually held the last weekend of April, attracts musicians from throughout Britain and further afield to appear in a variety of venues in the isles.
Performers strive to create a lively, folk-spirited atmosphere and dancing is always encouraged.
The Festival Club is at the Islesburgh Community Centre in Lerwick, where bands gather and play in informal groups, often late into the spring night. Again, performers are from all areas of the UK and most events are a balanced mixture of local and visiting talent. A grand dance is held during the festival, where around 12 bands play to a large crowd. Several districts in the isles have their own accordion and fiddle clubs and visiting musicians are more than welcome to join any meeting or the informal music sessions held in pubs and clubs. The younger generation of musicians who have emerged in Shetland in recent years have been influenced not only by their own cultural roots and visiting musicians but also by the media.