The 32nd Viljandi Folk Music Festival Announces First Artists of the Main Programme
From July 24–27, 2025, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival will transform the historic Estonian town of Viljandi into a vibrant celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music.
This four-day festival at the end of July attracts more than 20 000 visitors every year. With over 75 concerts and a wide additional programme, the festival is one of the largest of its kind in the Baltic and Nordic countries.
This year's theme, Off the Ground!, reflects the energy and freedom of dance, while also honoring the resilience of musical traditions from communities forced to seek refuge away from their homelands.
Exciting International Artists
The first international artists include Ímar from Ireland and Scotland and the Džambo Aguševi Orchestra from North Macedonia.
Ímar is a globally acclaimed Celtic folk quintet whose electrifying performances and virtuosity have won them international awards, including the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. Their repertoire blends traditional Irish heritage with dynamic, modern energy. Festival director Ando Kiviberg says, “Having Ímar join our festival is a dream come true. Their music is an exhilarating journey that will captivate every listener.”
Džambo Aguševi Orchestra is celebrated as one of the most innovative brass bands in the Balkans, redefining the genre with their fusion of Balkan, Turkish, and Romani influences. Known for their award-winning album Brasses for the Masses, their lively performances promise to ignite the Viljandi audience.
Celebrating Estonia's Finest
The festival proudly welcomes Trad.Attack!, Estonia’s groundbreaking folk band, whose energetic performances have earned over 30 national music awards. Joining them will be an exciting collaboration between Estonian duo Cätlin and Marko Mägi and Scottish musicians Finlay MacDonald and Ali Hutton. This unique quartet combines ancient instruments like the Estonian bagpipe and jaw harp with contemporary improvisations and Scottish traditions.
Tickets
Festival passes go on sale December 1 at 10:00 AM (GMT+2).
This year's theme, Off the Ground!, reflects the energy and freedom of dance, while also honoring the resilience of musical traditions from communities forced to seek refuge away from their homelands.
Exciting International Artists
The first international artists include Ímar from Ireland and Scotland and the Džambo Aguševi Orchestra from North Macedonia.
Ímar is a globally acclaimed Celtic folk quintet whose electrifying performances and virtuosity have won them international awards, including the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. Their repertoire blends traditional Irish heritage with dynamic, modern energy. Festival director Ando Kiviberg says, “Having Ímar join our festival is a dream come true. Their music is an exhilarating journey that will captivate every listener.”
Džambo Aguševi Orchestra is celebrated as one of the most innovative brass bands in the Balkans, redefining the genre with their fusion of Balkan, Turkish, and Romani influences. Known for their award-winning album Brasses for the Masses, their lively performances promise to ignite the Viljandi audience.
Celebrating Estonia's Finest
The festival proudly welcomes Trad.Attack!, Estonia’s groundbreaking folk band, whose energetic performances have earned over 30 national music awards. Joining them will be an exciting collaboration between Estonian duo Cätlin and Marko Mägi and Scottish musicians Finlay MacDonald and Ali Hutton. This unique quartet combines ancient instruments like the Estonian bagpipe and jaw harp with contemporary improvisations and Scottish traditions.
Tickets
Festival passes go on sale December 1 at 10:00 AM (GMT+2).