Julian Marley & The Uprising
Chali 2na (live band) – Vieux Farka Touré
This summer, Eden Festival returns to Dumfries & Galloway with a line-up that’s equal parts global, grassroots and completely unmissable. With 250+ acts across 10 stages, Eden 2026 brings together reggae, hip-hop, desert blues, nu-jazz, Scottish trad, sound system culture and late-night dancefloors- all in one weekend.
Friday gets underway on the Great Mountain Stage with Glasgow’s Kai Reesu, a groove-
heavy nu-jazz outfit fusing hip-hop, neo-soul, psychedelic rock and old skool fusion. Fresh
from winning Scottish Album of the Year 2026 for their debut Kompromat Vol. I, they set the tone with bold musicianship and serious energy. Later, Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet bring a thrilling blend of swampy jazz, raucous brass, fractured funk, blues balladry and folk- rooted texture – held together by deep groove and fronted by Connolly’s indomitable voice, equal parts fierce, tender and fearless. The night then moves into deeper territory with Raz & Afla, whose Afro-electronic sound is packed with rhythm, soul and movement, before Valtos presents High Water Mark closes Friday with euphoric lift and full-throttle festival momentum. High Water Mark is the new DJ/live hybrid project from Skye favourites Valtos, blending driving electronic beats with soaring fiddle melodies and bringing their Gaelic roots straight to the dancefloor.
Saturday on the Great Mountain Stage is packed with big sets and late-night energy. She
Drew The Gun bring their fearless blend of electronic edge, spoken word fire and hook-
heavy intensity, before Chali 2na arrives for a full live band set. A founding member of hip-
hop legends Jurassic 5, Chali 2na is widely recognised as one of the genre’s most distinctive and best loved voices – a true fan favourite with decades of boundary-crossing
collaborations behind him and no signs of slowing down. Julian Marley & The Uprising then take the headline slot, bringing the spirit of the Marley legacy to Eden with a set of timeless roots reggae – uplifting, conscious, and built for a huge Saturday night singalong. Fresh from winning the GRAMMY Award for Best Reggae Album for Colors of Royal, Julian arrives at Eden as one of the leading voices in contemporary reggae. The Great Mountain Stage then hands over to Eva Lazarus Sound System to close the night with bass pressure, vocals and a proper late-night rinse-out.
Sunday balances heart, heritage and something truly special. Niamh Corkey opens the day with a distinctive contemporary folk-jazz sound, weaving Scottish and Irish roots with jazz melody and harmony. Later, Scottish songwriting icon Dougie MacLean brings songs that feel stitched into the national fabric, before the weekend moves into deeper territory with Vieux Farka Touré, often hailed as “the Hendrix of the Sahara,” delivering his breathtaking desert blues guitar mastery. Modern trad favourites Gnoss then close the Great Mountain Stage with a set built on outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair.
Beyond the main stage, Eden’s character comes alive in the corners.
Rabbie’s Tavern is the home for all things folk, trad, roots, country and bluegrass, with a
touch of rock & roll spirit. Featuring standout Scottish acts including Malin Lewis, Tarran,
The Campbell Boys and Darach.
Ghillie Dhu Dance Emporium is the festival’s main dance tent, housed in a big top and
hosting a broad scope of dance and electronic genres. Across the weekend it welcomes
takeovers from Rumble in the Jungle and Femme45, bringing high-impact selections and
proper all-night atmosphere.
And for reggae and dance lovers, the Boardwalk Stage delivers the sunshine-and-subweight soundtrack – with a DJ set from An Dannsa Dub, alongside sets from Friendly Fire Band, Owancemus and Tomlin Mystic, plus King Zepha, Lioness Power, Freedom Masses in Dub ft. Alexis, Breakfake and Felixculpah.
More stages, splits, timings and announcements to follow, but Eden 2026 is already shaping up to be something special.
‘Eden might not be the biggest festival, but it’s certainly the happiest. 5/5’ – Daily Record
‘Not many festivals can throw the party of the year, every year.
All that’s missing is a Disco ball for a moon’ – Sunday Mail
Hannah Gould (Eden Festival director):
Eden Festival is a volunteer-run celebration of music, creativity, and community, set in the
heart of nature. Built on collective effort and an independent spirit, the festival brings people together for an immersive experience that goes far beyond the main stages.
We’re incredibly excited and proud of this year’s line-up, which reflects Eden’s commitment
to championing both emerging and established artists across a diverse range of sounds and styles.
In the current climate, small and independent festivals face increasing pressures across the live music industry. Eden Festival exists because of the dedication of its volunteers and the continued support of its audience. Buying a ticket isn’t just access to a weekend of music — it’s a direct way to support grassroots culture and help ensure community-led festivals can continue to thrive.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back — see you all in the garden.
For all the latest updates visit:
www.edenfestival.co.uk Twitter: @TheEdenFestival Tik Tok: @edenfestival
www.facebook.com/theedenfestival
