Unst’s annual festival ready to return after two cancellations

UNSTFEST is the latest community event to signal its intention to return this year as Covid restrictions ease.

The event will take place across the island from 11 to 17 July.

More details about the events will be released in due course.

The last Unstfest, which offers a programme of family-friendly events, took place back in 2019 before the pandemic hit.

Unstfest chair Karis Burns said it should be a big boost for the northerly island.

“I’m really pleased to see the return of Unstfest and looking forward to getting new events out on the program and seeing the tourists and Shetlanders making the journey up to Unst for the summer,” she said.

“I know a lot of Shetland families come up in their campervans just for Unstfest.

“It caters for all ages as well so there’s a huge appeal for everyone to join in.”

It comes after the Cunningsburgh Show announced it will return in August after similarly cancelling twice.

Meanwhile at the end of next month Shetland Folk Festival will finally get the chance to celebrate its 40th anniversary – although some modifications are in place.