Latest Festival News

All the latest festival news as well as news and updates from the traditional music scene in Dumfries & Galloway including concerts, workshops, artist updates, new music releases, music reviews and more. We'll also be featuring news and views from some of our favourite traditional music artists and traditional music news from around the world.

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Last chance for D&G Life nomination

Did you visit the festival this year? Maybe you've been involved in some of the projects Trad Music Trust are delivering in the region? If so, we'd really appreciate it if you could spare a couple of minutes to nominate us for a D&G Life Award, the deadline for which is this Sunday.

8 Aug 19
Nathon Jones

Unbelievable Festival Weekend

The dust has finally settled on what was, quite simply, the best weekend of live music & dance that we've ever experienced at the festival. From a packed opening night, the undeniable passion and emotion at the McMillan Hall and Dougie MacLean's wonderful finale, it was unforgettable!

26 Jul 19
Nathon Jones

One Day To Go!

Tomorrow sees us usher in the 6th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival and what a line-up we have in store for you. Steph Geremia, Duncan Chisholm, Kitty Macfarlane, Dougie MacLean, Rachel Hair, Benedict Morris, Rose Byers, Ron Jappy. Hup!

10 Jul 19
Nathon Jones

Where to camp next weekend?

If you're planning on camping in either a tent, caravan or campervan for next weekend's festival then you'll want to know where's best in town, how close you'll be to venues and amenities and how to book.

5 Jul 19
Nathon Jones

Grand Prize Draw Raffle

With huge thanks to Sands of Luce Holiday Park, Rebekah Loughran-Muir and the many kind people and businesses who have donated some fantastic prizes, we are delighted to announce the Grand Prize Draw Raffle which will be drawn at the Dougie MacLean concert at Newton Stewart Cinema on Sun 14th July.

3 Jul 19
Nathon Jones

A feast of workshops next weekend!

This year's festival has a bumper 8 workshops on the programme and the chance to learn from some of the best musicians in traditional music. Take your pick from Harp, Tin Whistle (Beginners & Intermediate), Guitar, Fiddle, Gaelic Song and Irish Flute and, if you're under 25, it's free to take part.

2 Jul 19
Nathon Jones

Benefits of Sponsorship

Harry Lochrie, proprietor at The Harbour Inn in Garlieston, receiving his framed print of the Overall Highland Winner in the 8 Years & over Beginners section at last year's Highland dancing competition, whose trophy was sponsored by The Harbour Inn. Could you support us this year?

26 Jun 19
Nathon Jones

Piping Competition Open for Entries

We have 4 categories this year - 12 & Under Chanter (2-parted March), 14 & Under Bagpipes (4-parted March), 18 & Under Bagpipes (March, Strathspey & Reel) and 18 & Under Bagpipes (Hornpipe & Jig). Entry is free and we have some great prizes available as well as the fantastic winners trophies.

22 Jun 19
Nathon Jones

Coming soon....

Delighted to announce that Trad Music Trust, with outstanding support from the solicitors and team at McCormick & Nicholson, have completed all required paperwork and taken possession of the keys for 40 Victoria Street to develop a new arts, culture and heritage centre in Newton Stewart.

18 Jun 19
Nathon Jones

National Best Festival Finalists!

We're off to Edinburgh tonight for the National E Awards Summer Party where the 2019 winners will be announced. The festival has been shortlisted as finalists in the Best Festival category alongside University of St Andrews, Renfrewshire Council, Party at the Palace and Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

13 Jun 19
Nathon Jones

80 tickets left for Dougie MacLean

There are just 80 tickets remaining for this year's closing concert at Newton Stewart Cinema - a unique and intimate opportunity to see Scottish legend Dougie MacLean. If you haven't got your tickets yet, please don't leave it too late as we are expecting a sell out show.

10 Jun 19
Nathon Jones

Well done dancers!

Huge congratulations to Emma, Kirsten, Hilary, Lesley & Joan who danced their way to 5km on behalf of Emma Louise Dance Club to raise funds for The Vault Arts Centre. The total currently stands at £428.30, which is a fantastic effort.

4 Jun 19
Nathon Jones

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Sponsorship support from:
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  • Five Kingdoms Brewery Logo
  • Merrick Real Estate
  • Creebridge House Hotel
  • Baillie Gifford Logo

6th annual music festival

The 6th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will take place over 12th-14th July 2019 and, after another outstanding programme of events in 2018 which saw us hosting Scottish Highland Dancing competitions and, as ever, some of the biggest names in traditional music, it looks set to be another packed programme and is really living up to it's reputation as one of the best rural arts festivals in Dumfries & Galloway.

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