Excitement is building across Perth and Kinross as preparations for the 2026 Heartland Festival in Pitlochry reveal a major highlight: Scottish pop superstar Marti Pellow is set to headline the newly introduced Friday night slot. This announcement marks a significant evolution for the festival, which will, for the first time, span three days of exceptional Scottish music and culture, commencing on June 26.
The inclusion of Marti Pellow, widely recognised as the charismatic voice behind Wet Wet Wet, has generated considerable buzz throughout the region. His performance promises to be a powerful draw, offering attendees a journey through his illustrious career and the hits that captivated a generation of British pop fans. Pellow’s distinctive vocal style and stage presence are sure to create an unforgettable evening, making this a highly anticipated event for music enthusiasts from Perth, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, and surrounding areas who appreciate top-tier musical talent.
Since its inception in 2024, Heartland Festival has rapidly established itself as a premier cultural event, quickly growing to become Scotland’s third-largest music festival. This impressive trajectory underscores its commitment to providing a dynamic platform for both seasoned performers and emerging artists. Beyond the captivating entertainment, the festival plays a crucial role in bolstering the local economy of Pitlochry and wider Perthshire. Recent figures from the 2025 event showcased its substantial impact, with 16,000 attendees generating over £2 million in economic benefit for local businesses, accommodation providers, and the hospitality sector.
While Pellow’s Friday night slot is a headline-grabber, the entire weekend line-up promises a rich and diverse musical feast. Traditional Scottish folk-rock stalwarts Skipinnish are confirmed to headline on Saturday, bringing their energetic sound to the Highland stage. Sunday will see the popular Celtic fusion band Peat & Diesel close the festival, ensuring a vibrant mix of contemporary and traditional Scottish music across all three days. The extended format allows for an even broader celebration of Scotland’s rich musical heritage, inviting deeper engagement with both the performances and the stunning natural beauty of the region.
The festival continues its dedication to supporting homegrown talent, with several Scottish artists slated to perform alongside the main acts. Fife-based singer Cammy Barnes will provide support for Marti Pellow on Friday, bringing his unique flair to the Pitlochry audience. Joining them will be promising emerging artists Billy Reekie and Katie Nicoll, showcasing the vibrant future of Scottish music. A particular highlight for local residents will be the performance of Perth’s very own band, The Crom, offering them a fantastic opportunity to perform on a significant national stage and further cementing the festival’s ties to the Perthshire music community.
Pitlochry, nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Tay Forest Park and along the banks of the River Tummel, offers an enchanting backdrop for the Heartland Festival. Its reputation as a picturesque Highland town complements the festival experience, transforming it into a cherished cultural escape. For those travelling from Perth and other parts of Central Scotland, Pitlochry is easily accessible, adding to the overall convenience and enjoyment of the event. The festival’s continued success in attracting a large audience to this beautiful part of Perthshire during a key period is a testament to its appeal and its growing importance in regional tourism.
Tickets for the individual Friday night concert are now available, priced at £39 for adults and £19 for young people aged 13-17, with free entry for children under 13. Weekend passes, providing access to all the diverse acts on Saturday and Sunday, can also be purchased through the official Heartland Festival website. With additional confirmed performers including punk rock veterans The Skids and indie-rock favourites Starsailor, alongside the vibrant sounds of Torridon, the 2026 Heartland Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable event, catering to a wide array of musical tastes and solidifying Pitlochry’s status as a premier cultural hub within Perthshire.
The expanded Heartland Festival, with its star-studded line-up and focus on Scottish talent, is poised to deliver an unparalleled cultural experience, reinforcing its positive impact on tourism and the economic prosperity of the Perth and Kinross community for years to come.
The inclusion of Marti Pellow, widely recognised as the charismatic voice behind Wet Wet Wet, has generated considerable buzz throughout the region. His performance promises to be a powerful draw, offering attendees a journey through his illustrious career and the hits that captivated a generation of British pop fans. Pellow’s distinctive vocal style and stage presence are sure to create an unforgettable evening, making this a highly anticipated event for music enthusiasts from Perth, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, and surrounding areas who appreciate top-tier musical talent.
Since its inception in 2024, Heartland Festival has rapidly established itself as a premier cultural event, quickly growing to become Scotland’s third-largest music festival. This impressive trajectory underscores its commitment to providing a dynamic platform for both seasoned performers and emerging artists. Beyond the captivating entertainment, the festival plays a crucial role in bolstering the local economy of Pitlochry and wider Perthshire. Recent figures from the 2025 event showcased its substantial impact, with 16,000 attendees generating over £2 million in economic benefit for local businesses, accommodation providers, and the hospitality sector.
While Pellow’s Friday night slot is a headline-grabber, the entire weekend line-up promises a rich and diverse musical feast. Traditional Scottish folk-rock stalwarts Skipinnish are confirmed to headline on Saturday, bringing their energetic sound to the Highland stage. Sunday will see the popular Celtic fusion band Peat & Diesel close the festival, ensuring a vibrant mix of contemporary and traditional Scottish music across all three days. The extended format allows for an even broader celebration of Scotland’s rich musical heritage, inviting deeper engagement with both the performances and the stunning natural beauty of the region.
The festival continues its dedication to supporting homegrown talent, with several Scottish artists slated to perform alongside the main acts. Fife-based singer Cammy Barnes will provide support for Marti Pellow on Friday, bringing his unique flair to the Pitlochry audience. Joining them will be promising emerging artists Billy Reekie and Katie Nicoll, showcasing the vibrant future of Scottish music. A particular highlight for local residents will be the performance of Perth’s very own band, The Crom, offering them a fantastic opportunity to perform on a significant national stage and further cementing the festival’s ties to the Perthshire music community.
Pitlochry, nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Tay Forest Park and along the banks of the River Tummel, offers an enchanting backdrop for the Heartland Festival. Its reputation as a picturesque Highland town complements the festival experience, transforming it into a cherished cultural escape. For those travelling from Perth and other parts of Central Scotland, Pitlochry is easily accessible, adding to the overall convenience and enjoyment of the event. The festival’s continued success in attracting a large audience to this beautiful part of Perthshire during a key period is a testament to its appeal and its growing importance in regional tourism.
Tickets for the individual Friday night concert are now available, priced at £39 for adults and £19 for young people aged 13-17, with free entry for children under 13. Weekend passes, providing access to all the diverse acts on Saturday and Sunday, can also be purchased through the official Heartland Festival website. With additional confirmed performers including punk rock veterans The Skids and indie-rock favourites Starsailor, alongside the vibrant sounds of Torridon, the 2026 Heartland Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable event, catering to a wide array of musical tastes and solidifying Pitlochry’s status as a premier cultural hub within Perthshire.
The expanded Heartland Festival, with its star-studded line-up and focus on Scottish talent, is poised to deliver an unparalleled cultural experience, reinforcing its positive impact on tourism and the economic prosperity of the Perth and Kinross community for years to come.