Pitlochry’s Out in the Hills festival is back from 28 to 31 January 2027, bringing theatre, music, talks and workshops to Perthshire. The programme pairs familiar names, including Armistead Maupin and Val McDermid, with joyful ways to join in, from a queer ceilidh to Kilted Yoga. For LGBTQ+ visitors and allies, it’s a welcoming winter date with plenty to explore.

Essential Takeaways

  • Four days in Pitlochry: Out in the Hills runs from 28 to 31 January 2027 at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
  • A varied line-up: Events range from performances and conversations to poetry, dance, workshops and film.
  • Big names on the bill: Guests include Armistead Maupin, Val McDermid, Rosie Jones, Stephen Libby and Yotam Ottolenghi.
  • A festival with room to join in: Expect a queer ceilidh, drag disco, Kilted Yoga and discussions about LGBTQ+ experiences outdoors.
  • Ticket dates are staggered: General sale begins on 19 November, after earlier access for festival supporters.

Pitlochry’s LGBTQ+ festival returns for four days

A winter festival in the Highlands can feel like a welcome splash of colour, and Out in the Hills is returning with a programme built around community, culture and celebration. Pitlochry Festival Theatre will host the event from 28 to 31 January 2027, following the success of its first edition. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The Scotsman)

The schedule brings together theatre, music, poetry, dance and workshops, with conversations led by well-known guests. The mix gives visitors more than a sequence of shows: it offers different ways to take part, whether you fancy a lively night out or a thoughtful discussion. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

From Armistead Maupin to Val McDermid

American author Armistead Maupin, celebrated for his Tales of the City novels, will talk with Scottish writer Zoe Strachan about his career. Crime writer Val McDermid will appear with Kezia Dugdale to mark four decades since McDermid’s debut novel, Report for Murder. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

There’s also a conversation between comedian and actor Rosie Jones and theatre-maker Robert Softley Gale about queerness, disability and their stage collaboration, (We indulge in) a bit of roll play. Meanwhile, Traitors co-winner Stephen Libby will speak with actor Greg McHugh about growing up on the Isle of Lewis. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

Expect ceilidh dancing, drag and Kilted Yoga

The festival’s appeal isn’t limited to headline conversations. A queer ceilidh and a disco with drag performances bring a social, celebratory edge, while poetry readings and discussions about LGBTQ+ people’s experiences outdoors offer a quieter change of pace. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

For something more unusual, Kilted Yoga with Finlay Wilson is on the programme. Visitors can also catch Scottish Ballet’s film These Violent Delights, a Romeo and Juliet retelling, and extracts from Birds of Paradise’s new play Life Worthy of Life. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

A lively programme with Scottish roots

The line-up stretches beyond performance. Designer Banjo Beale and his husband Ro will discuss their BBC Scotland series about transforming a derelict mansion on the Isle of Ulva, while chef Yotam Ottolenghi will talk about food and let audiences sample his cooking. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

That range feels central to the festival’s character: it connects LGBTQ+ stories with theatre, food, landscape and everyday life. The event also follows a first edition that drew attention for its energetic celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, suggesting Out in the Hills is becoming a regular fixture rather than a one-off. (Sources: The Scotsman, Age Scotland, Pitlochry Festival Theatre)

When do Out in the Hills 2027 tickets go on sale?

Ticket access opens in stages. Patrons and Festival Circle members can book from 5 November, Festival Friends from 12 November, and general sale starts on 19 November. Check the theatre’s website for programme details and booking updates before making travel plans. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

If you’re travelling to Pitlochry, it’s worth checking event times and accommodation early, especially if you want to make a weekend of it. With talks, shows and social events spread across four days, choosing a few highlights in advance can make the festival easier to enjoy at your own pace. (Sources: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The National)

Out in the Hills looks set to make midwinter in Pitlochry a little brighter, whether you come for the stories, the dancing or the company.

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