Tarbert festivals – welcoming you back in 2022!

Festival fever has returned to Tarbert with the unveiling of several events celebrating sailing, food, music, cycling and literature taking place in 2022.

The village welcomes back Scotland’s premier annual yachting regattas, Scottish Series, from June 3 – 6. Following a temporary move to the Clyde in 2021, Scottish Series organisers are looking forward to returning to the event’s ‘spiritual home’ on Loch Fyne.

Scottish Series has a stellar history when it comes to competing on the water, welcoming multi-classes, international yachts, short course and passage racing – on some of the best sailing waters in the world. Competition is fierce but off the water you can expect a great atmosphere and good craic with crew and spectators returning year after year.

This year sailors can expect even better facilities at the Scottish Series’ home marina Tarbert Harbour. Investment in a new facilities building, which was officially opened in 2021, include toilets and showers as well as a laundry with washing machines and tumble driers.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events, the Seafood Festival, is also returning. This familyfriendly favourite will take place from July 2 – 3 and will welcome back all the elements which make it a highlight of the summer.

There will be the chance to sample and buy seafood from some of the stalls lining the harbour on Seafood Festival Saturday. Or why not take part in the famous Seafood Festival parade which heralds the arrival of the Seafood Queen and her princesses led by Mid Argyll Pipe Band? You can also look forward to live music and family activities all afternoon.

Beer on the Pier returns on Seafood Festival Sunday afternoon, which is the perfect time to get the party started again while meeting up with friends and enjoying some great music.

No summer would be complete without a visit to Tarbert Fair from July 28 – 30. Tarbert Fair has been held since 1705 and is one of the oldest fairs in the Highlands. Originally a cattle fair, nowadays it’s about live music, amusements and fairground rides.

You can then get on your bike in August as the Kilberry Loop Sportive gets back in the saddle on Saturday August 6. Now in its fifth year, the sportive starts and ends at The Gather, and is open to cyclists of all abilities. In 2021 the event included a new category for e-bikes which recognised their growing popularity for people who want to take up cycling and who wish to be part of this fun event.

The route itself is testing but the rewards are many, with breathtaking scenery at every turn and for those riders cycling in company and making the most of this enjoyable day, photo opportunities are endless with the perfect view around every corner. And for those cyclists who want to challenge themselves, the route is exciting enough to get the adrenaline flowing.

If you’re a lover of live music then make sure you’ve got September 16 – 18 on your calendar as Tarbert Music Festival tunes up for a weekend of great live music held throughout the village.

Traditionally the last festival of summer, Tarbert has been home to its music festival for more than 30 years and it is one of the longestrunning music festivals in Argyll. This laid-back festival always has something new to offer and attracts visitors back year after year.

As well as performances from local bands, impromptu sessions are also encouraged attracting musicians from far and wide.

One of the highlights of the autumn calendar is Tarbert Book Festival which is being held on Saturday November 26 this year. This event will immerse you in stories. Go to a book reading where you will meet authors and find out more about their inspiration for characters, location and plot twists.

Tarbert Book Festival is geared for both adults and children alike with events running throughout the weekend across various venues.

Round off the year back in Tarbert as Tarbert’s Winter Fair opens its doors offering crafts, cards and Christmas gifts. Younger visitors can also visit Santa in his Grotto before gathering round the Christmas tree in the heart of the village to watch the switching on of the village lights.

Tarbert loves festivals and we can’t wait to share them with you.