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Flook confirmed for @TradFestival 2023


30 Nov 22
by Nathon Jones

Flook (C) Naoki Fujioka

We are absolutely thrilled to confirm Flook for next year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival - 7th-9th July 2023. Brian Finnegan, Sarah Allen, Ed Boyd and John Joe Kelly will perform on the Saturday of the festival in the Festival Marquee. Weekend passes on sale now!

Flook have an enviable trademark sound, weaving and spinning traditionally rooted tunes over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. There is certainly no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins.

“Tour de force return after decade and a half – a luminous reunion ****” - The Irish Times

“Flook’s role and influence in the exploding excellence of instrumental folk music of various persuasions on these islands shouldn’t be underestimated… as vital as ever … Class is indeed permanent” - fRoots

“Virtuoso playing abounds … the most creative bodhran player on the planet … superb technique plus a genuine feel and some stonking tunes is a powerful recipe” - MOJO

“Flook are back with a bang, and better than ever – a very welcome return from one of folk’s finest bands” - Irish Music Magazine

“Nothing short of transcendent… No other band sound like Flook and the new material has pushed them to new, exhilarating heights.” - Songlines - Live review

“Iconic, ground-breaking, progressive and all-round brilliant” - Lynette Fay, BBC Radio Ulster

“Four brilliant musicians. Four times as much brilliant music” - Time Out

Official Flook Website

In Other News


Outstanding sponsorship support from Five Kingdoms Brewery

Serving local produce ensures that the project supports local businesses and the local community. A huge favourite are the beers from Five Kingdoms Brewery which are brewed in Isle of Whithorn. We are hugely grateful to Alastair and his team for their very generous support for this year's festival.  

12 Jul 24
Nathon Jones

Workshops at this year's festival

With so many outstanding musicians in Newton Stewart this weekend it would be foolish not to take full advantage, and we've done just that with a superb programme of traditional music workshops which are included as part of the Weekend Pass ticket, £10 per adult or £Free for under 25s.  

11 Jul 24
Nathon Jones

Highland dancing competition unable to go ahead this year

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the postponement of this year's Highland dancing competition at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival. Continued funding cuts have meant some very difficult decisions have had to be made, however we do hope to bring this back in 2025.  

26 Jun 24
Nathon Jones

Trad Music Trust

The 10th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival takes place over the 12th-14th July 2024. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!

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