UPDATE at 3pm on 1/3/26 - We are now FULL for the 2026 Festival.
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Thank you so much for the positive response to this year's festival. It's amazing to receive so much interest in helping to restore the Sheep Dyke.
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We have now opened a Waitlist on the website and would encourage you to fill this in if you are interested. Last year this was a successful method of us contacting people later in the year when spaces became available.
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The Sign Up Form remains open for those who have already got a confirmed accommodation booking. Please complete this as soon as possible.
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North Ronaldsay is a wonderful island to visit at any time of year and so please don't let this stop you coming to explore at another time.
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For all general Sheep Fest enquiries please email us directly at hello@nrsheepfestival.com
Thanks again, the SheepFest Team
SheepFest Online 2021
Explore and enjoy our online selection of
short films, workshops and events
Short film
Introducing SheepFest Online 2021, and the history of the North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival
Kate Traill Price
SheepFest Committee,
Online and Website
A North Ronaldsay sheep keeper of Milton Keynes
Live event - (also online)
What's different about managing the rare breed outside the island - and what's the same? Assistant Sheepkeeper Robert talks us through.
Robert Brewis
SheepFest Committee,
Treasurer
When
Wednesday 28 July, 8pm
Where
Bird Observatory, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along or stream online
Rivlins Workshop
Live workshop - North Ronaldsay
Try your hand at making your own rivlins, either with traditional skins or felt.
Fiona Sanderson, Neil Leask
Artist and Metal Worker,
Guest Speaker
When
Saturday 31 July, 12pm - 4pm
Where
Community Centre, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along and try your hand at making your own rivlin! FREE
Live music
Live event - North Ronaldsay / online
Get your toes tapping to the fabulous sounds of Orkney musicians Karen Tweed, Dawn Johnston and Fionn McArthur.
Karen Tweed, Fionn McArthur, Dawn Johnston
Guest Musicians
When
Tuesday 3 August, 8pm
Where
Live music session
Bird Observatory, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along or stream online.
Download your PDF sheet music to play along at home
SheepFest Quiz
Live event - North Ronaldsay / online
Our traditional end-of-year Quiz gets digital, with teams competing online and in the island. All welcome.
JD Price
Guest Quiz Master
When
Friday 6 August, 8pm
Where
Bird Observatory, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along or Zoom into the quiz.
All welcome - in teams or solo. FREE TO ENTER. Zoom details here
(Re)Building the SheepDyke
Video
Time-lapse footage shows the process and progress of re-building the island's ancient sheepdyke.
James Wilson
SheepFest Committee,
Merchandise
Wildlife on North Ronaldsay
Short film
A look at the island's flora, fauna, birdlife and natural habitats.
Sara Macias Rodriguez
SheepFest Committee,
Admin
Interview with an Islander
Short film
North Ronaldsay resident and sheepkeeper Sinclair Scott gives us a firsthand account on the history of the sheepdyke and the historic island 'toonships'.
Sara Macias Rodriguez, Heather Woodbridge
SheepFest Committee,
Admin and Festival Director
The lives of North Ronaldsay's shells
Short Film
A look at the island's shells and their nautical inhabitants.
James Wilson
SheepFest Committee,
Merchandise
Weaving Workshop
Workshop - North Ronaldsay / online
Learn to weave your own North Ronaldsay yarn coaster!
Helen Galland
Wooly Wally
When
Tuesday 27 July, 10am - 1pm
Where
Community Centre, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along or stream online.
(You can purchase your own weaving kit on the day, which contains enough native yarn, card loom and weaving sticks to make two coasters)
From Sheepskin to Shoe - a Story of Rivlins
Live event - North Ronaldsay/online
Talk and demonstration about 'Rivlins' - the traditional North Ronaldsay footwear made of sheepskin.
Fiona Sanderson
Artist and Metal Worker,
Guest Speaker
When
Friday 30 July, 8pm
Where
Bird Observatory, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along or watch online from 8pm on Friday 31st
Short Film
A look at seven of our most common island seaweeds and tangles - the main food of the native sheep.
Alexandra Wright
SheepFest Committee,
Secretary
Knitting Workshop - Knit your own Stan Stane scarf!
Workshop - North Ronaldsay / online
Knit along using our SheepFest exclusive 'Stan Stane' (Standing Stone) pattern.
Sam Bullen
Artist
When
Thursday 5 August, 9am - 12pm
Where
Community Centre, North Ronaldsay
How
Come along or stream online.
(Buy your own exclusive Stan Stane knitting kit on the day)
We hope you enjoy our online offering for 2021 - and hope to see you in person next year! - SheepFest Committee
This year's SheepFest is dedicated to the memory of Dr Kevin Woodbridge.
A familiar face both on and off the sheepdyke, Kevin was instrumental in the success of our first ever Sheep Festival, and worked tirelessly to guide our team of volunteers throughout the years.
We won't forget his generosity and support.