Kelburn Garden Party

Kelburn Garden Party 2026

Kelburn Garden Party 2026 takes place from 2nd to 6th July near Fairlie, Ayrshire, Scotland. Set in the scenic grounds of Kelburn Castle, this five-day boutique festival combines music, art, and nature for a unique summer experience.

Music

Enjoy a diverse music lineup across multiple outdoor stages, featuring disco, folk, worldbeat, reggae, jazz, brass funk, ambient sets, and DJ dance floors.

Art & Entertainment

The festival is renowned for its colourful graffiti castle, art installations, giant sculptures, and roaming performers including stilt-walkers, fire-dancers, and juggling clowns.

Workshops & Activities

Interactive workshops offer drum circles, circus skills, collaborative murals, and sunrise yoga classes. A dedicated kids’ area provides storytelling, crafts, and gentle music for families.

Atmosphere & Setting

Set on the historic castle estate overlooking the Firth of Clyde, the festival features rolling fields, pine forests, a small loch, and peaceful gardens perfect for exploration and relaxation. The nearby seaside town of Largs adds extra charm with its friendly vibe and local ice cream.

Community

Kelburn Garden Party fosters a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere with no stage barriers, campfires, DIY art, and impromptu parades. It’s a space where families, friends, and free spirits connect and celebrate creativity together.

By car, Kelburn Castle & Estate is easiest reached via the coastal A78. From Glasgow (around 30-40 minutes) take the M8 west then A737/A78 north toward Largs and Greenock. From Edinburgh (about 1.5-2 hours) take the M8 and follow signs for the A78. The festival site is just a few minutes north of Largs, and brown tourist signs will guide you to Kelburn. Parking at the festival is limited: if you plan to bring a car or small van, be sure to purchase an advance parking pass (these often sell out quickly). Car-sharing or lifts are strongly recommended, as parking space is very limited on site. Once you turn off the main road, follow the event signs to the designated parking fields and camping areas.

Public transport options include train and bus. The closest train station is Fairlie, just over a mile from the castle grounds (about a 30-minute walk or short taxi ride). Fairlie lies on the ScotRail line between Largs and Glasgow Central, so you can catch a train to Fairlie via Paisley Gilmour Street. Largs station is another option (around 4 km away); from there you can take Stagecoach bus 585/585A or a quick taxi to Kelburn. Stagecoach buses also run locally: for example, the No. 50 (Greenock-Largs) and No. 585 (Largs-Ayr) routes stop in Fairlie. Festival organizers often arrange dedicated coach shuttles from Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding towns (see the official website for details). Always check current timetables and plan transfers - especially on weekends.

If flying in, Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is the nearest major airport (about 35-40 minutes by car). Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) is another option, roughly a 1 hour’s drive away. Both airports offer car rentals and regular coach or train connections to Glasgow city centre. From Glasgow you can continue by train or bus toward Largs. Edinburgh Airport is farther (around 2 hours by road), but has frequent flights from many cities; if you land there, take a train or coach to Glasgow or directly to Largs and then follow the routes above. In all cases, make sure to allow extra travel time for weekend traffic.

On-site camping (tents or campervans) is included in the ticket price, so make sure you have a valid camping or live-in vehicle pass. The festival provides basic facilities - toilets, showers, drinking water and food vendors - but you should plan ahead. Pack warm layers, rain gear and a strong sleeping bag, as Ayrshire weather can be unpredictable. If you prefer not to camp, nearby Largs (and the coastal towns of Greenock and Ardrossan) offer hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs; book weeks in advance. Many visitors also stay in Glasgow or Edinburgh and travel up by train or coach. Wherever you stay, check the festival's official information before travelling for any updates or shuttle schedules.