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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


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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