The countdown is on for Orkney 2025, when the island group will welcome thousands of athletes, supporters and volunteers for one of the most unique sporting events in Europe. From Saturday 12 July to Friday 18 July, the Orkney Islands will host the NatWest International Island Games, a multi-sport festival bringing together teams from island communities around the world.

It’s the first time Orkney has hosted the Games, and organisers say the event will be a celebration of island identity as much as sporting excellence.

Athletes from around the globe heading North

More than 2,000 competitors are expected to arrive from over 20 islands including Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the Falkland Islands, and even as far afield as St Helena in the South Atlantic.

Events will be held across Orkney in venues from Kirkwall to Stromness, with locals already stepping forward in large numbers to volunteer and offer accommodation.

Sports on the schedule range from athletics and swimming to football, cycling, gymnastics and squash. Some events will be hosted in specially upgraded facilities such as the Pickaquoy Centre and newly resurfaced tracks and courts across the islands.

More Than a Sports Event

While medals will be won and records broken, organisers say the Orkney Games will also shine a light on local heritage and hospitality. A full cultural programme will run alongside the sporting fixtures, showcasing Orcadian music, dance, storytelling and food.

The opening and closing ceremonies promise to be standout moments, with community-led performances planned to welcome visiting teams in true island fashion.

Schools, businesses and community groups across the islands are already involved in preparations, with local produce and crafts set to feature prominently throughout the week.

A proud moment for Orkney

Pauline Wilson, Chair of the Orkney 2025 Organising Committee, said excitement is building across the islands. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Orkney. The Games are about more than sport – they’re about bringing people together, sharing stories, and showing what makes island life special.”

Orkney’s bid to host the Games was first confirmed in 2020, but planning stretches back even further. Investment in sports facilities, transport and accommodation has been key to ensuring the islands are ready for the influx of guests and global attention.

Orkney 2025 at a Glance
Dates: Saturday 12 July to Friday 18 July
Participants: Over 2,000 athletes from more than 20 island teams
Venues: Across Orkney including Kirkwall, Stromness and rural sites
Sports: 13 disciplines including athletics, football, cycling, swimming and more
Community events: Cultural showcases, music, storytelling and food

For updates on fixtures, volunteering, and how to get involved, visit the official Orkney 2025 website.