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Latest Festival News

All the latest festival news as well as news and updates from the traditional music scene in Dumfries & Galloway including concerts, workshops, artist updates, new music releases, music reviews and more. We'll also be featuring news and views from some of our favourite traditional music artists and traditional music news from around the world.

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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

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

Be inspired at SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival

On Saturday 18th May from 12noon, there are a feast of workshops to choose from! Acoustic Guitar with Timmy Allan and Scott McPherson, Mandolin with Willem McKee, Upright Bass with Christopher Quinn, Fiddle Workshop with Roo Geddes and Group Workshop with The Often Herd!  

16 May 24
Nathon Jones

Don't miss the 49th Girvan Traditional Folk Festival this weekend!

We've got lots going on at The Vault Arts Centre this weekend, but if you're of a folk music persuasion then make sure you get along to Girvan Traditional Folk Festival which runs from 3rd-5th May 2024 and features concerts, session trail, workshops, competitions, festival fair and family events.  

1 May 24
Nathon Jones

Singing Session with Jim Bainbridge this weekend!

Join Jim Bainbridge and his wife Francie on Sunday 7th April at 2pm for an afternoon of songs from all genres and a chance for singers, accompanied or not to add to the welcoming musical tradition of The Vault Arts Centre!  

3 Apr 24
Charlie McAdam

Line-up for this year's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival announced!

Over 17th-19th May 2024 we welcome the very best in UK & International bluegrass acts for the 3rd annual SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival at The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, and what a line-up it is this year featuring The Black Denims, Rain of Animals, Sarah-Jane Scouten and The Often Herd!  

22 Mar 24
Nathon Jones

Trust switching to Ticketsource

If you're booking tickets online you may have noticed that we're using a new system, Ticketsource, for some events as we seek to reduce costs and make the customer experience the best it can be, as well as giving us a bunch of new features and tools to help us deliver even better events.  

22 Mar 24
Nathon Jones

Bruce McKenzie opening for Ivan Drever in April!

We are delighted to announce that the incredible Kirkcudbright musician Bruce McKenzie will be opening for Ivan Drever on the 20th of April 2024 at 7pm! Don't miss a chance to see two incredible performers live at The Vault Arts Centre! Tickets available now!  

14 Mar 24
Charlie McAdam

Folk Club Soon!

Don't miss the incredible Folk Club on the 22nd of March 2024 at 7pm. Join local and visiting musicians at The Vault Arts Centre for a night filled with live music, fun and banter! This event has free entry so don't hesitate to come along for a tune!  

14 Mar 24
Charlie McAdam

St Patrick's Day Tune Session!

Join local and visiting musicians for an evening of live traditional Irish music on Sunday the 17th of March all in celebration of St Patrick's day!  

13 Mar 24
Charlie McAdam

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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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