Wednesday 30 September 2026
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UnstFest on the up

Locals and visitors alike enjoying the bingo at the Baltasound Hall.

A TOTAL of 6,000 people attended events at this year’s UnstFest as the northern isle enjoyed the knock-on effect of being featured on a popular BBC Two TV series.

Visitor numbers were up by 38 per cent on last year, with Unst’s recent starring role on An Island Parish credited with enticing more folk to head up north.

Organisers said that people travelled from the mainland UK and further afield to attend UnstFest, which ran from 16-24 July.

Among the 76 events on offer were cooking demonstrations, a half marathon, a sand castle competition and an Island Parish mystery tour.

The event, now in its ninth year, received funding from Shetland Arts and the Unst Community Council.

UnstFest treasurer Pat Burns said UnstFest is the “highlight” of the year, adding that it can only take place with support of the public, donations and funding.

 

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