Please note that volunteer accommodation on North Ronaldsay has now reached max capacity.
You can still visit us as a day-tripper, or put your name on the waitlist at the Bird Observatory (enquiries@nrbo.org.uk). Please do not book any transport to the island without somewhere to stay.
What's On // SheepFest'23
Find out what's on, where and when at our Summer Programme
(* all workshops and events are free unless stated. We recommend bringing cash to paid events)
Rebuilding Schedule
Daily, weekdays
Our weekly rebuilding schedule consist of two daily sessions, each consisting of 3hrs, with a 2hr lunch-break to explore the island.
You'll know when the session is done by the ringing of the beloved SheepFest bell!
Wednesday 26th July
Welcome Evening
8pm, Bird Observatory Bar
Come and celebrate the first day of rebuilding at SheepFest'23!
A friendly, everybody-welcome wind down after Day One. Have a chat with your fellow volunteers and find out more about the wonderful island of North Ronaldsay.
Thursday 27th July
Felting Workshop
8pm, Community Centre
Join island resident and native-wool artist Helen Galland of Woolly-Wally fame at our hugely popular Weaving workshop, and learn how to weave using North Ronaldsay wool. Fun for everyone.
Friday 28th July
Dance practice
8pm, Bird Observatory Bar.
New to Scottish dancing? Get your ceilidh dance moves down at this practice session before tomorrow evening's big dance!
Already a pro? Share your tips and dancing tricks :)
Saturday 29th July
Football match -
Residents vs Visitors
Kick-off 2:30pm, The Links.
It doesn't get more competitive than this much-loved and highly-anticipated yearly football match.
They've played in beautiful sun, they've played through torrential downpours. They've won, they've lost, and last year they drew... who will be triumphant in 2023?
Saturday 29th July
North Ronaldsay Trust BBQ
Immediately after the football match, The Links
CASH REQUIRED
Whether you're a player or a spectator, support the island's charitable trust with a well-earned burger and ice-cream post-match (we can confirm that a soggy burger in the rain tastes just as good, but here's hoping for sunshine!)
Saturday 29th July
Island Dance
8pm, Community Centre
CASH REQUIRED - £5 ENTRY (FOR OVER 16YRS), PLUS CASH BAR
It's not just a highlight of SheepFest but of our whole year! Join in the revelry with volunteers, residents, and native and visiting musicians.
Will you make it to midnight and Auld Lang Syne?
Sunday 30th July
Umami Tasting Talk
8pm, Bird Observatory Bar
Join island chef Louise (of the fabulous Lighthouse Cafe) as she takes us on an umami taste journey, including native North Ronaldsay mutton - world-renowned and highly sought-after for its unique and gamey flavour. Vegetarian options available.
Monday 31st July
Felting Workshop
8pm, Community Centre
Join artist Helen Galland (from our favourite crafting store Woolly Wally) as she teaches the beautiful art of felting, using native North Ronaldsay fleece. You can even take your creation home as a souvenir!
Tuesday 1st August
Wild Card evening
8pm, TBC
As many of our volunteers will attest from over the years, sometimes the magic appears from not knowing what's coming next! And sometimes it's as much a surprise to us as it is to you :)
What we can guarantee, is that a great time will be had by all.
Wednesday 2nd August
Quiz & End of Festival Party
8pm, Bird Observatory Bar
The end of SheepFest is always bittersweet - joints are aching and hands are rough, but the soul feels alive with the warmth of a job well done.
To keep spirits up, grab some pals and form a team for our annual Quiz (prizes to be won), followed by music and tales of a fantastic week, shared between old and new friends.
