Callum Beattie & Belladrum: A Full-Circle Headline Moment
When we announced Callum Beattie as our Belladrum 2026 Opening Night headliner back in November (or a couple of days earlier, if you happened to be at his sold-out Hydro show and caught Dave’s early reveal… 👀), the reaction said it all. Pride. Excitement. And a whole lot of this just feels right.
Because Callum’s Belladrum story didn’t start with a headline slot, and that’s exactly why this moment matters so much.
From Belladrum Favourite to Main Stage Headliner
Callum Beattie has been part of the Belladrum journey for years. Each appearance saw him return with bigger crowds, louder singalongs and a deeper connection with the audience.
Watching him grow across our stages has been a privilege. And now, in 2026, he returns to the Highlands to headline the Opening Night of Belladrum, marking his first-ever major Scottish festival headline performance.
A proper full-circle moment.
“I’ve played Belladrum a few times before, and it’s always been the most incredible experience to stand on that Highland stage and share my songs with such an amazing and interactive crowd... it’s an honour to have been offered the Headline slot for the opening night of Belladrum this year. My first major Scottish headline, at Scotland’s biggest family music festival – that’s a bucket list moment right there. ”
The Timing Couldn’t Be Better
Callum steps into this headline slot at a defining point in his career. Hot off the back of a sold out Glasgow Hydro show - January 2026 sees the release of his new album INDI, his most personal record to date, alongside a major UK tour this spring that has already underlined just how in-demand he is as a live performer.
Bringing all of that momentum back home, to the Highlands, to Belladrum… it just feels very special indeed.
Why This Matters to Belladrum
Supporting Scottish talent has always been at the heart of Belladrum. It’s not just about booking artists, it’s about nurturing them, celebrating their growth and welcoming them back as they reach new heights.
Did you know that Belladrum Festival also gave Twin Atlantic their first ever festival headline slot?
Festival Producer Dougie Brown puts it best:
“Watching Callum work his way across our stages and welcoming him back now as a main stage headliner is Scottish pride through and through.”
That pride is shared right across the Belladrum community, as seen by the reaction during our Wave 1 artist lineup announcement which featured Callum Beattie, Mika, The Human League, James, Razorlight, Scouting For Girls, Kula Shaker, Brooke Combe and many more.
Setting the Tone for Belladrum 2026
Opening Night sets the energy for the entire weekend and we can’t think of a better artist to do just that.
We can see it now - under the Highland sky, surrounded by a crowd that’s been part of his journey, Callum Beattie will kick off Belladrum 2026 in an epic, unforgettable way.
If you were there for his previous Belladrum sets, you’ll know. If you weren’t… this is the one not to miss.
Tickets are on sale now!