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MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards


11 Oct 18
by Nathon Jones

Scots Trad Music Awards 2018

Hands Up for Trad have opened nominations for this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and we need your support to help make it a truly unforgettable year for Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival. Closing date is Sunday 14th October!

The much-anticipated MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards celebrates excellence in traditional music. Honouring artists, instrumentalists, composers and singer-songwriters plus phenomenal performances from some of the biggest names in traditional music, the ceremony recognises outstanding musical talent from all over Scotland.

You have until Sunday 14th October to nominate in each of the eighteen categories with the prestigious prizes encompassing all aspects of traditional music.  We'd really appreciate a nomination for either Event of the Year or Community Project of the Year.

Organising body, Hands Up for Trad was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of Scottish Traditional Music through information, education and advocacy.

Hands Up for Trad’s Creative Director Simon Thoumire said: “It is very exciting to begin the 2018 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. It’s been another exciting year with lots of fabulous albums released and gigs played. Thanks again to all our sponsors and partners for making the Scots Trad Music Awards possible.”

Communications Manager for MG ALBA, Murdo MacSween, said: “The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are a stand-out event in the Scottish music calendar and we’re proud to work with Hands up for Trad to showcase world class talent and the height of creativity.”

Stuart Fleming, PRS for Music Senior Manager, Scotland & Northern Ireland, said:“I am delighted that PRS for Music is once again supporting the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, celebrating the fantastic traditional music of Scotland’s rich and exciting culture. These awards recognise talent from all over Scotland, and the traditional scene is only continuing to grow.”

Nominate TradFestival for a Scots Trad Music Award

In Other News


Vote for Summer Trad Festival and The Vault Arts Centre

If you've enjoyed any of the events, festivals and/or tuition at The Vault Arts Centre this year, please drop us a wee vote for this year's MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Event of the Year? Venue of the Year? Tutor of the Year? Please vote, and share, and let's grab an award for Galloway!  

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Full steam ahead for Autumn Trad Festival 2025

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14 Oct 25
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Autumn Trad Festival 2025 update

Despite best efforts to promote this year's Autumn Trad Festival - an event that champions young people in traditional music and which was due to celebrate its 5th annual event this year - a lack of funding and poor ticket sales may see the event cancelled.  

9 Oct 25
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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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