The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival is back for 2026: here’s how you can get involved

Registration for events for the 2026 Festival and applications to exhibit at one of the two Festival Art Exhibitions are now open.  

Those interested in volunteering at the Festival, and those with a space – indoor or outdoor - that could be used during the Festival are also being invited to get in touch. 

The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival is an annual community-led celebration of the incredible natural and cultural heritage of the Outer Hebrides. This year the main festival will run from the 20^th to the 27^th of June 2026 and will be followed by a Fringe Festival running throughout July.    

Each year, local groups and individuals put on a diverse programme of events spanning the length of the archipelago, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to explore, experience and (re)connect with the incredible wildlife of the Outer Hebrides. 

Past festivals have included: guided walks (offered in English and Gaelic); boat tours; snorkel, surf and SUP safaris; shorewatches; creative workshops; citizen science training; art exhibitions; wildlife photography workshops; panel discussions, and more. 

Locals are being asked to help make this year’s festival the best yet, by hosting an event or offering an event venue, applying to exhibit their work in one of the two Festival Art Exhibitions (one exhibition in North Uist, the other in Lewis), or volunteering during the Festival.  

Festival Coordinator, Sharon MacPherson, said: “This wonderful community-led event is chance for us all to celebrate the richness of life here – the wildlife, landscapes and culture. It's also an opportunity to highlight how vulnerable these systems are, and how important it is that we work together to protect and care for them.   

As in previous years, the 2026 festival hopes to offer a vibrant programme of events, and we warmly invite individuals, community groups and local businesses to get involved by hosting an event or activity of their own! We are also inviting those with a space - indoor or outdoor - who would be happy to offer it for use during the festival to get in touch." 

Katy Malone, who both attended and hosted events during last year’s festival, said: “I went on two of the wildlife walks on Barra last year and both were amazing, unforgettable experiences. It was brilliant to learn about the culture and wildlife from knowledgeable people who live and work on the islands. There were so many events on offer, I found it difficult to decide what to do!" 

Lewis-based artist, Holly Nash, said: “The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Art Exhibition is close to my heart because it promotes the beauty and wonder in the abundant nature of our stunning islands. Anything which draws attention to our natural environment feels so important particularly with the threat of climate change and the impact of humans on delicate ecosystems. Making nature-focused art can help challenge the ways we might take wildlife for granted and focus communities to do more to protect it. It was my first ever exhibition as an artist a couple of years ago and I'm so grateful for that opportunity.” 

Those interested in getting involved in the 2026 Festival can find more information on the Festival website: https://www.outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk/get-involved, or get in touch via email: sharon.macpherson@bumblebeeconservation.org  

The deadline for registering to get involved in this year's festival is midnight on 6 April 2026.