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Funding joy for Highland dancers!


26 Aug 21
by Billie Jones

Dancers wait for their turn in front of the SOBHD judge at the Highland dancing competition in 2019

Trad Music Trust, in partnership with the Paula Herries School of Dance, have been awarded a National Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund to purchase staging for the Highland dancers and Highland dancing competition at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival!

The £9,299 award will support the purchase of the professional staging the organisation needs to further develop the Highland dancing competition which, in 2019, saw 47 young dancers competing at Minnigaff Playing Fields as part of the programme at the 6th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival.

Project Co-ordinator & Festival Director Nathon Jones said: "This is fantastic news for all the Highland dancers involved with Paula Herries's School of Dance and also those who compete at the annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, many of whom travel from all over the country, and abroad, to compete at this important cultural event."

"The staging will ensure that the highest standards of professionalism and safety are met, allowing those using the equipment to feel completely at ease and, as a result, giving them the freedom to concentrate all of their efforts into their performances."

"The equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee too, ensuring that the Highland dancing events we host will continue for many years to come as well as giving us the capacity to further expand our programme of Highland dancing competition, demonstration and tuition."

"The staging will also allow us to host additional outdoor events at The Vault Arts Centre, next year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival and two new major annual events the charity is currently developing for Spring & Autumn 2022."

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: "In these unprecedented times, it's heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.  I would like to congratulate Trad Music Trust on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference."

Highland Dancing Competition 2022

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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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