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Ciarán Ryan Band performing at this year's TradFestival!

27 Jun 23
by Charlie McAdam
The Ciaran Ryan Band

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

In Other News

MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024 - Vote Now!

This year, 10 years since the very first Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, we need your support more than ever. Despite continued funding cuts the event was still glorious, and the music absolutely mighty. Vote now to help save this vital traditional music festival!  

1 Oct 24
Nathon Jones

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

More Trad News

Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary over 11th-13th July 2025. 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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