• 01671 404924
  • 07970 359557

We did it!


11 Nov 19
by Billie Jones

Nathon collecting his award from Cathy Agnew, Chairperson of DG Unlimited

We're thrilled to announce that Trad Music Trust's Project Co-ordinator and Festival Director for Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, Nathon Jones, won the Culture Champion of the Year award at the D&G Life Awards last Friday night.

It was a fantastic night at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, for the 10th anniversary of the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards and we're delighted for Nathon who has worked tirelessly, since 2014, to build what is now acknowledged as one of Scotland's most popular traditional music & dance festivals.  With the opening of the The Vault Arts Centre this year too, it has been a wonderful year for the organisation and, we're sure, the start of many things to come.

We'd particularly like to thank the Paula Herries School of Highland Dancing, the wonderful communities and businesses of Newton Stewart & Minnigaff who have been so supportive of the festival and the charity, the amazing audiences, musicians and artists who make the festival so enjoyable and without whom we wouldn't exist, Dumfries & Galloway Council, The Holywood Trust, Baillie Gifford, Belhaven Brewery, Creebridge House Hotel, Stables Guest House, Norman Furnishings and Montpelier Accountants, all of whom helped us acheive this award.

We'd also like to thank everyone at D&G Life Magazine for another fantastic awards night and for their very generous hospitality throughout the evening.

D&G Life

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

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!

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