Major Events & Annual Festivals

Angus hosts a lively annual calendar of festivals, events, and great family days out...

 

Angus has a spectacular and varied natural environment perfect for an action-filled holiday or outing. Each year, the county offers a visitors an array of major festivals and events, including a walking festival, golf tournaments and bike races.

If you're on a family holiday or day out, there are all types of events from sea festivals to craft fairs for all the family to enjoy. In short, such is the diversity of events and festivals on offer in Angus that everyone should find some activity or event they would like to attend and take part in.

The list below highlights just some of the major annual events & festivals that take place in Angus each year. To see a full list of events, visit our What's On section. 

  

Tartan Day is a celebration of Scotland - its people, its heritage, its history, its culture and its amazing legacy to the world. From Saturday 31st March to Sunday 8th April 2012, unite with us in a week of very special events commemorating the very best of Scotland and the Scots, home and away. Find out more about Tartan Day.

 

The Angus Glens Walking Festival - Thursday 31st May to Sunday 3rd June 2012 is a 4-day event that takes place at the end of May and in the first week of June. The Festival offers a varied programme of walks and evening entertainment to suit all ages and abilities. It has attracted hundreds of walkers to Angus, walking everywhere from the heights of the Glens to the gentle rambles by shore and cliffs. Dates for 2012! The 2012 event will be the tenth Festival, and will run from Thursday 31 May to Sunday 3 June 2012. View a short film of the event.

 

The Scottish Transport Extravaganza is hosted by the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club at Glamis Castle in July each year. A magnificent celebration of things mechanical and roadworthy, the weekend is a must for lovers of classic, vintage, and veteran vehicles of every sort. Suitable for the whole family, with craft and food stalls, and set in the glorious surroundings of the grounds at Glamis. Dates for 2012: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July 2012.

 

The Arbroath Seafront Spectacular, now in its eight year of running, is a must for all the family. Thousands turn out each year for a changing annual programme and some very exciting displays. Date for 2012: The date for the 2012 event will be announced shortly, but will most likely be the second last Saturday in July. Watch the TV advert for the 2009 event.

 

Celebrate the primeval and powerful sounds of African drumming music and arts in the very heart of tranquil Glenisla. The 5-day African Village Drumming Festival features world class African teachers, daily workshops, evening performances, kids' art tent and African/Veggie food. Dates for 2012: 31st July to 4th August 2012.

 

Arbroath SeaFest is an annual festival of the Sea held in August along Arbroath's seafront, charming harbour and new marina. It celebrates the town's maritime heritage,including the famous Arbroath Smokie, which now has the same protected status as Parma Ham and Champagne. Check out a brief film clip of the 2008 Sea Fest, and the TV advert for the 2009 event. Dates for 2012: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th August 2012.

 

The Bell Rock Blues Festival is held every year in August in various venues in Arbroath. The 2010 event brought together 26 different style Blues bands to Arbroath, who played in 11 different venues over the 2 days. Check out the TV advert for the 2009 event. Dates for 2012: The dates for the 2012 event will be announced shortly.

 

A wide range of outdoor, wildlife and environmental events make up the year-long Angus Ranger Events Programme. Events for both children and adults are based around the Rangers Centres in Monikie, Crombie and Forfar Loch Country Parks, Montrose Basin and the Angus Glens.

 

There are various golf events taking place across Angus throughout the year. Check out our advice on visiting the Carnoustie Championship Course, and visiting, staying and playing golf at any time in the county. For more information visit www.carnoustiecountry.com.

 

Highland Games and Country Shows are held throughout the summer in Angus at a wide range of locations including Glamis Castle, Cortachy, Glenisla,and Montrose. There's a full line-up of events with traditional favourites including agricultural shows and competitions,heavies tossing the Caber, track events, Tug-of War and plenty of piping and highland dancing.


There is a wide variety of annual Transport Events throughout Angus, such as the Caledonian Steam Railway seasonal events, which include Murder on the Brechin Express, Days out with Thomas the Tank Engine, and the Christmas Santa Specials.

 

Download the Winter in Angus guide - your guide to what's on in Angus from October to March 2012.