47 young dancers competed in 2019 at one of the largest traditional Scottish dancing competitions in South West Scotland.
Dancers celebrate their acheivements at the Highland Dancing Competition in 2018
Southwest Scotland's biggest Highland dancing competition is held at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival.
Highland Dancing Competition
Concerts and picking sessions throughout the weekend at SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival.
A packed Festival Marquee enjoying the Sarah Markey Band at the 8th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival in July 2022.
Weekend Passes 2023
Celebrating Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2023, Gaelic vocalist Rachel Walker and singer/instrumentalist Aaron Jones celebrated amazing Scottish women with their powerful new album ‘Despite The Wind And Rain’.
Based in Glasgow, their compositions are inspired by landscape, people and by the ways in which music can evoke a sense of place and community.
20th October 2023
Join local and visiting musicians for a traditional Scottish and Irish tune/song session. Musician's very welcome and/or just come along and enjoy the music, atmosphere and the craic'.
22nd September 2023
Music
Long-time members of Scotland’s seminal Battlefield Band, Mike Katz, Alasdair White, and Sean O’Donnell have played together for nearly two decades. Don't miss this spectacular performance!
6th October 2023
An amazing weekend full of talented performers from all across the trad music scene! Gain access to all ticketed events with a weekend pass for only £20!
Weekend Passes
A melodious mix of Scots/Irish folk and country americana leavened with inventive harmonies. NashCroft will certainly get your toes-tapping!
8th July 2023
Bringing to the stage a strong voice full of expression and maturity, Ellie's songs are written with sociological, ecological, and personal themes in mind.
21st October 2023
Join local and visiting musicians for an amazing session of traditional Scottish/Irish folk tunes.
20th/21st October 2023
Lucie Hendry is a lever harpist from north-east Scotland, currently working between Denmark and the UK. Lucie fell in love with Scottish folk music at an early age, and this gave her work a strong foundation from which it continues to evolve.
27 Jun 23by Charlie McAdam
We are delighted to welcome the Ciarán Ryan Band to this years Tradfest! Already a veteran performer having toured the worlds stages for a decade Ciaran Ryan is quietly becoming recognised as one of the foremost tenor banjo players the UK has ever produced.
The live outfit “Ciaran Ryan Band” was formed in Edinburgh, Scotland following the release of his debut solo album "Banjaxed" in late 2019.The album was shortlisted for "Album of the Year" at the Scots Trad Music Awards. He now brings his prolific writing and stage experience firmly to the front with his own solo show of all-original music, loosely grown out of his traditional Irish music upbringing that nods towards the idioms of rock, EDM and post-punk music. The band had an explosive start with a headline show at Celtic Connections and other UK festivals. The live show is a high-octane spectacle of ferocious banjo led music and sheer instrumental brilliance! Ciaran Ryan is also a founding member of world-folk band Dallahan and is a highly sought after session musician.
SONGLINES “Ryan stands, deservedly, as first among equals”
THE LIVING TRADITION “Refreshingly innovative sound”
IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE “Sure to influence the future”
FOLKWORLD “Rare star quality”
BBC RADIO SCOTLAND “Utterly superb”
Ciarán Ryan's Website
The Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards 2023 are now open for entries.
28 Jul 23Nathon Jones
Our monthly folk night continues with players from all across Wigtownshire coming in for drink and a tune!
21 Jul 23Charlie McAdam
Fresh Ayr is Scotland's newest festival, taking place at Ayr's Rozelle Park between 11th-13th August 2023, with an amazing lineup of incredible live entertainment, family-friendly activities, fantastic food and drinks and top-of-the-range camping facilities.
21 Jul 23Nathon Jones
The 9th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival takes place over the 7th-9th July 2023 and, after an incredible year in 2022, will continue the festival's tradition of bringing the absolute best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music and dance to perform in Galloway. Stay tuned throughout the year for programme announcements, or grab an Early Bird Weekend Pass - on sale now - and secure your seats now for 2023!