Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Orkney Live Wire?
Orkney Live Wire is a group of music enthusiasts who aim to promote and support live music in and around the county.
Orkney Live Wire was rallied together in the summer of 2014 by Kristian Cooper to organise Orkney's first Rock Festival, held in early Sept 2014- the festival was a massive success, showcasing local artists and visiting acts from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Shetland, and inspired the organisers to continue in their promotion of live music throughout the Orkney Islands.
As well as the Festival, Orkney Live Wire promotes gigs throughout the year, notably on County Show night, at Halloween, the New Year, and other times the fancy takes us. Keep an eye on our News and Events pages for what is coming up.
- What and when is the Orkney Rock Festival?
The Orkney Rock Festival started in 2014 and has taken place annually since then on the Fri/Sat/Sun around the first weekend in September. The 2018 Festival ran from 30th August - 2nd September.
The festival consists of multiple bands playing in free pub gigs in Kirkwall, plus the ticketed all day Main Event showcasing the visiting bands. The pub gigs feature primarily local bands. In 2018 there were 50 performances from 30 acts.
The Rock Festival depends on its patrons to exist, so please buy tickets for the Main Event, raffle tickets, or contribute to the collection buckets.
- What other events does Orkney Live Wire promote?
Orkney Live Wire promotes seasonal gigs plus gigs as fundraisers for the Rock Festival throughout the year, e.g. with visiting bands such as Metaltech and Skinny Molly. Check out our Events page to see what is coming up.
Our aim is to encourage live music so we are keen to help events to happen, and have a PA for hire. Get in touch with ideas.
- I'd like to play in Orkney/at the Rock Festival- what should I do?
At various points in the year we have a call for bands, and even an application form! However, if you are interested, don't hestitate to get in touch through our Contact Us page, or though our social media pages with links in the topbar of this site.
- Where is Orkney?
It's the centre of the universe if you live here.
If you don't, this page may help: http://www.orkney.com/about/where-is-orkney
- How do I get to Orkney?
By ferry from Aberdeen, Lerwick or Caithness (Scrabster or Gills Bay), or by plane from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness. Check the links below for prices and times:
Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen, Lerwick and Scrabster
Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay
More general information about bus and rail travel to ports or airports can be found here, along with information about travel within Orkney: http://www.orkney.com/about/getting-to-orkney
