Intro/Bio
Edinburgh is bringing back their infamous 'Summer Sessions' for the 2026 Festival Season. Hosted at the Royal Highland Showgrounds near Edinburgh Airport, the event welcomes 150,000 music fans every year. Here is everything you need to know before attending Edinburgh Summer Sessions!
The Lineup
Summer Session's has one of its best line-ups yet, including Scotland's favourite pop and rock icons.
Opening the festival on the 21st of August is Scotland's very own Biffy Clyro, with support from alternative rock band Nothing But Thieves and Swim School. The trio, consisting of Simon Neil and twin brothers Ben and James Johnston have broke through the music scene with hits such as 'Bubbles' 'Many of Horrors' and 'Biblical' It is evident that Clyro are a festival fan favourite; previously headlining Reading aswell as Download Festival.
Edinburgh's brand new, one day music festival Heather on the Hill arrives on the 22nd of August and the line-up is packed. With music from Nathan Evans and The Saint Phnx Band, Brooke Combe, and a range of other artists across three stages, this is not one to miss.
The Cure: Fan favourite 'The Cure' will be returning to Scotland this Summer with iconic tunes like 'Boys Don't Cry' and 'Friday, I'm In Love'
The English band, playing the 23rd of August will have roughly a two and a half hour set, with their performance generously consisting of around 25 to 30 songs. This is the type of festival headline that only happens once.
Florence and the Machine: 24th August
Florence and the Machine, also known as Florence Welch will headline the festival for a second time on August 24th. The English indie-rock artist is back after headlining in old venue Princes Street Gardens back in 2019. To perform hits such as 'Dog Days Are Over' and 'You've Got The Love'. Welch has also been nominated for the Mercury Prize this year for her new album, 'Everybody Scream'.
Lorde 25th August
Australian artist Lorde is performing on august 25th for her very first Summer Sessions show. The singer who rose to fame at just 16 years old, has written hits such as 'Green Light', 'Ribs' and 'What Was That' and tops the bill alongside pop icons Zara Larson, Audrey Hobert and Alessi rose, for a night of songs we know and love.
Other fan favourites such as Deftones and The Prodigy will be featured on the 26th and 27th of August.
Getting Here
The most stressful part about attending the festival is the transport. Its long, awkward and the chances of getting on the wrong train are high, or maybe that's just us.
This is every mode of transport to get into Edinburgh that could make it that little bit less frustrating to get to the Royal Highland Showgrounds.
Tram: If your planning to get a tram to Edinburgh Summer Sessions, its definitely worth checking whether your stop will be affected by reduced services. Those attending from East Edinburgh, before the West End tram stop will need to plan alternative transport to reach the West End to continue with the service. Trams run every 7-10 minutes and if you can get to the west end, will probably be one of the best transports to the festival, your journey finishing at Ingliston Park and Ride.
It is a 10-15 minute walk from the tram stop, although shuttle buses can be pre-booked online to get to the festival quicker.
Train: It will seemingly be a great day for anybody getting the train to the festival. All trains are on! Your closest train station would be Edinburgh Park, you can jump on to alternative transports listed to get to the festival. We recommend the tram stop located just outside the station.
Bus: There are a range of bus services to get concert goers to the showgrounds also, predominantly from Edinburgh City Centre including coaches that can be pre-booked and the frequent Lothian Buses service, the 98 bus!
Car: If you've made the decision to drive into the festival, give yourself extra time to get in and get parked as car spaces will be minimal, as-well as busy! Car parking for one day of the festival will set you back £15!
Alternatively, if you are related to anybody that works in the aviation industry based at Edinburgh Airport, the staff car park could do you absolute wonders. Although, I fear that is a niche pick up point.
Age Restriction
We all know the Summer Sessions week comes along with it's own set of rules. Although, these are different across numerous days of the event.
Here's everything you need to know regarding age to get into each day of the Festival.
Heather on the Hill : There are no minimum age restrictions to attend. Although, anyone under 15 should be accompanied by an adult.
The Prodigy : This event will not permit anybody under 16 years of age.
Whereas, age restrictions for all other acts such as Deftones, Lorde, Biffy Clyro Florence and the Machine, are all 14+ and all under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.
What to Bring
I know every festival season, no matter what age you are, there are essentials you just cannot forget according to Summer Sessions FAQS. One of these being a powerbank.
With a packed Festival week, low power mode will not ensure you capture all your favourite concert moments, even if you are attending just one day.
Knowing fine well that the beautiful, unpredictable Scottish weather will also be in attendance, as will the man who shouts: 'CASH OR CARD?' outside the venue, bringing a £1 Tesco Poncho will also make your next festival that little bit less stressful, and 10x cheaper!
Bring a perfume/spray you do not care about loosing! Festival Staff are very specific about the perfume/spray you bring into the venue. It is in your best interest to bring one you don't mind parting with.
Feel free to bring a small A4 bag to carry all your goods when attending the festival.
Most importantly, bring your ticket and a valid photo ID. Pre log in to your ticketmaster account before entering the venue to avoid any issues getting in.
Secret Entrance?!
If you've read upto this point I might aswell give you the biggest life hack for Summer Sessions in Edinburgh; The Secret Enterance.
When attending Summer Sessions in 2025 to see Sam Fender, me and my friends found and entrance that nobody seemed to know about! Located just off the main road, on Castle Walk, if you walk straight along you'll gain access to practically skip the queue as everybody runs to the main entrance in our past experience.
After queueing with virtually no one, we got to the front barrier for the gig and were graced with Mr Fender's and Olivia Dean's presence.
Hopefully any of these points help you navigate your Summer Sessions experience, we'd love to see any photos or videos from the gig. Enjoy!
Behind the Mic
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