Islay whisky festival Fèis Ìle is returning for 2024 on 24 May–1 June, and tickets are now on sale to the general public.

Celebrating the whisky of Islay, Fèis Ìle brings together the island’s distilleries. Each day of the festival, the featured Islay distilleries will open their doors to guests, for tours, tastings, talks, and more.

The festival will launch on Friday 24 May with a parade through Port Ellen and displays from circus performers, setting the tone for an exciting whisky-filled festival.

Festival timetable and highlights

Saturday 25 May
Featured: Lagavulin, Islay Rum, and Islay Whisky Vault
Event highlight: Lagavulin holds The Manager's Big Challenge with distillery manager Jordan Paisley, full of interactive quizzes and games in Warehouse 3.

Sunday 26 May
Featured: Bruichladdich
Event highlight: Islay Sea Adventures Crew will run a Fèis Ìle special of their coastline tour, for a chance to see the island from the sea.

Monday 27 May
Featured: Caol Ila, Islay Gin, and Islay Ales
Event highlight: Hear from Eva Cumming, Caol Ila’s new distillery manager, in conversation with industry veteran Colin Dunn. Attendees will also try a few of Caol Ila’s drams, including the latest Fèis Ìle bottling and an unreleased selection by Cumming.

Tuesday 28 May
Featured: Laphroaig, Port Ellen, Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle
Event highlight: The annual Folk Night, hosted at Ardbeg Distillery, will be an evening of local music, with special guests expected.

Wednesday 29 May
Featured: Bowmore, Ardnahoe
Event highlight: The Illicit Distillers Experience is a hands-on opportunity to learn about illicit distillers and recreate their spirits.

Thursday 30 May
Featured: Kilchoman, Islay Whisky Academy
Event highlight: If you’re prepared for the unknown join the Mystery Bus Tour. A three-course meal and dram is included, but the rest is secret for now.

Friday 31 May
Featured: Bunnahabhain, Jura
Event highlight: Hosted by Ella Edgar's Highland Dancers, the Clootie Dumpling Ceilidh is a family-friendly event for all ages.

Saturday 1 June
Featured: Ardbeg
Event highlight: Closing out the festival is Beat the Drum — The Runrig Experience, a tribute to Scottish folk band Runrig who themselves played at the festival 33 years ago.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit feisile.co.uk.