NATHAN EVANS & THE SAINT PHNX BAND LAUNCH THEIR OWN ONE DAY FAMILY FESTIVAL
HEATHER ON THE HILL: A BRAND NEW FAMILY FESTIVAL COMING TO THE ROYAL HIGHLAND CENTRE THIS SUMMER
WITH CIAN DUCROT, ELLA HENDERSON, SKERRYVORE, BROOKE COMBE, NATI. AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
SIGN UP NOW for pre-sale from 10am Wednesday 26th November
General sale from 10am Friday 28th November
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August 2026. The festival has been created by Nathan Evans & The Saint Phnx Band and has been designed as a festival for all the family, promising a lively mix of music and all-day entertainment for audiences aged 5 and over.
The first wave of artists for the festival are Cian Ducrot, the Irish singer-songwriter whose deeply personal pop has taken him to international success. Also performing is Ella Henderson, one of the UK’s most recognisable vocal talents. Scottish favourites Skerryvore bring their celebrated blend of contemporary trad, folk and rock plus Edinburgh’s own Brooke Combe returns to a hometown stage following a rapid ascent, and completing the musical lineup is rising pop artist NATI. More artists will be announced in the coming months, adding further depth to a diverse and uplifting programme.
Heather On The Hill festival is the latest pinnacle for the alchemic collaboration between Nathan Evans & The Saint Phnx Band – brothers Stevie and Alan Jukes – who found a songwriting seam of gold on hits like Heather on The Hill, Highland Girl and Flowers In The Water, bringing fresh energy to Scottish folk music and propelling Nathan’s ‘1994’ album to Scottish Number 1. This year’s viral smash Arabella was the first single under their combined banner and the formidable folk-pop team will release their new album Angels’ Share on January 16th.
Now, after landmark shows at Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT and a sold-out-in-minutes OVO Hydro arena show, they’ll headline and curate their own family festival to match the spirit of Heather On The Hill: big songs, big heart and a brilliant, feel-good atmosphere.
“Everything that’s happened for me in the last 5 years has led to this point and to have our own festival named after Heather On The Hill is perfect,” says Nathan. “That song is the reason me, Stevie and Alan are in this position, playing Scottish folk-pop music we love for whole families of fans. Who’d have thought, when I uploaded it to tiktok on the window-ledge at my old house, it would lead to this?”
“To be here announcing our own festival is totally mind-blowing to say the least,” says Stevie. “Since Nathan invited us to write with him then perform the songs live, the whole thing’s snowballed into an avalanche. We’re all family people, married with kids and it’s been our mission to create shows that everyone can come to, for us all to celebrate music together. I think people are going to love it.”
“We had all individually had the ambition to do our own festival one day,” says Alan, “so it was a ‘eureka’ moment when this opportunity came up. It’ll be a day out for the whole family to experience great live music, and hopefully inspire the next generation to pick up an instrument. We’re three ordinary lads who’ve had a dream and made it come true thanks to Scotland getting behind us.”
Fans who pre-order Nathan Evans & The Saint Phnx Band’s new album Angels’ Share at https://NExSP.lnk.to/
Alongside the live music, Heather On The Hill offers a full day out for families. Young festivalgoers can enjoy face painting, immersive story sessions, arts and crafts, workshops, kids yoga, messy play, a music and singing tent, lively funfair attractions and a cast of roaming entertainers who will bring the site to life from start to finish. Adults and children alike can explore the festival’s market, celebrating local artists, crafters and small creative businesses with unique items available to browse and buy. The festival will also feature a wide range of delicious food and drink options, offering plenty of family favourites and local treats to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day.
Heather On The Hill is set to become a highlight of the Scottish summer, offering the magic of a full festival experience in a relaxed, friendly and family-first environment. Tickets, including limited number of specially-priced general admission kids tickets for those 13 and under, go on sale from 10am on Friday 28th November 2025 via www.smmrsessions.com.