• 01671 404924
  • 07970 359557

Online Registration Now Open

15 Apr 19
by Nathon Jones
Joint winner of the Paula Herries Trophy in 2018

South West Scotland's biggest Highland dancing competition is now open for registrations and we're expecting another fantastic event at Minnigaff Playing Fields on Saturday 13th July 2019; showcasing, celebrating and championing a wonderful Scottish tradition.

If you missed it last year, you're in for an absolute treat of Scottish Highland dancing as competitors from all over the UK & Ireland flock to Minnigaff Playing Fields to compete a total of 12 different dances over 5 sections - Primary, Novice, Beginners, Intermediate & Premier - accompanied by Scottish Piper, former member of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, Gregor Norris and overseen by judges from the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.

The competiton, featuring dancers aged 5-18+, starts at 10:30am in the dance marquee with the Primary, Novice and Beginners sections. There will be a pipe band performance by Rhins of Galloway Pipes & Drums over lunch from 12:30pm and then it's back to the competition with the Intermediate and Premier sections from 1:30pm.

Registration is available online, with secure payment facility, or you can download and print an application form which you can return, along with payment, to the address provided on the form.

Dance Competition Registration

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

More Trad News

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!

Subscribe to Newsletter

* indicates required
Commercial Sponsors:
  • Five Kingdoms Brewery Logo
  • Crafty Distillery Logo
  • WEST Brewery Logo
Funded by:
  • Dumfries & Galloway Council Logo
  • The Holywood Trust Logo