Strathfest 26 was a great success with 140 entrants, 25% more than in 2025. Non-competitive classes helped make the festival truly inclusive, with opportunities for students at all levels from Badenoch, Strathspey, Moray and Inverness to play various instruments, sing or recite. The standard in every class was high; all the competitors enjoyed taking part. The Boat Hall Showcase Concert was an opportunity for trophy winners to perform for the public, who enjoyed listening to a range of pieces; and to celebrate the success of the overall Festival winners, Lucy Secker and Tom Roche-Nishimori, who were awarded the Grantown East Horn.