Knockengorroch Festival awarded UNESCO Sustainable Events Charter

Knockengorroch Festival, the beloved and long-running greenfield festival on the cusp of returning for its 27th edition, has been awarded a Sustainable Events Charter as part of an aim to inspire climate consciousness across Scotland. 

Running from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th May 2025, the festival is a loved cultural staple, and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Events Charter marks a collaboration between the two organisations to raise awareness for the threatened wildlife and habitats in southwest Scotland's UNESCO biosphere. 

Established in 1998, Knockengorroch has championed eco-friendly causes and initiatives since its inception, and this year announced their topical theme of ‘Survival’, highlighting their focus on the planet’s environmental crisis in the wake of the Galloway Hills’ recent wildfires. 

Festival co-founder Liz Holmes said, “The recent dramatic wildfires that have seen so much environmental destruction really highlight how we need to listen and pay attention to the condition of the environment around us. Being awarded the UNESCO Biosphere Sustainable Event Charter really chimes with our approach which is about human integration with our surroundings, not separation and disconnection. Our theme ‘Survival’ is about paying attention to what the planet is telling us and doing what we can to help. It's also about resilience and hope - and hope is one of the things that music can bring.”

Knockengorroch has additionally launched a fundraising campaign to ensure there is the ability to plan for the 2026 edition, which you can check out here. The 2025 edition features a carefully curated lineup of traditional roots and dance music from Scotland and beyond, featuring the likes of General Levy, Mungos Hi Fi, Dub Pistols, and more taking over the luscious Carsphairn Hills. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Knockengorroch 2024 / ReCompose

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